WestJet cancels 150 flights due to unexpected strike by mechanics

Thousands of Canadians’ long weekend travel plans are facing disruption, with WestJet expecting “significant disruption” after mechanics walked off the job Friday night despite the labour minister calling on both sides to go to arbitration earlier this week.

The Aircraft Mechanics Brotherhood announced on Friday In the evening, the mechanics would go on strike at 6:30 p.m. CDT.

Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan had ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board to bring the two sides together in binding arbitration on Thursday. However, the union later released a statement saying the board had concluded “that the minister’s referral does not result in the suspension of the right to strike or lockout.” The union says this was a key point in the arbitration panel’s decision and that its members have the right to strike.

WestJet says They are “outraged that AMFA is going on strike despite the minister’s order for mediation and the public promise to adhere to it.”

“The government has officially stepped in to offer binding arbitration and ensure we reach a resolution. The only reason this union is continuing its strike is to cause damage, disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the July long weekend and impose significant costs on our company,” said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and the group’s chief operating officer.

“Because arbitration has been ordered, a strike will have no bearing on the outcome of the arbitration, so this is purely retaliation for a disgruntled union,” Pen added. “We are extremely outraged by these actions and will hold AMFA 100 percent accountable for the unnecessary stress and costs this has caused.”

The airline expects that around 20,000 people will be affected by the first round of flight cancellations.

The union blames WestJet for the consequences and accuses the airline of withdrawing from collective bargaining after the Labor Minister ordered arbitration.

Starting Saturday, June 29, WestJet will begin grounding aircraft at stations across Canada with the intention of operating a significantly reduced flight schedule by the end of the day.

Travelers are encouraged check your flight status before you leave for the airport.