WestJet cancels 150 flights because mechanics go on strike

The unexpected strike by WestJet’s unionized mechanics left around 20,000 travelers in distress on Saturday as the airline was forced to cancel more than 150 flights. The strike, led by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), came as a shock to both passengers and airline management, especially on one of the busiest weekends of the year.

WestJet expressed outrage at the strike, calling it a deliberate attempt to cause disruption and damage. Company president Diederik Pen criticized the union’s decision, noting that since binding arbitration had been ordered, the strike served no purpose other than retaliation and disruption of the travel plans of thousands of Canadians.

The strike followed an order from Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, who referred the ongoing wage dispute between WestJet and AMFA to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) for binding arbitration. This step was intended to end negotiations that had been ongoing for two weeks.

AMFA legal counsel Sam Seham argued that the strike was within the scope of union rights as there was no explicit indication from the Minister that industrial action was illegal. This view was reinforced by the CIRB, which clarified that the referral to binding arbitration did not override the union’s right to strike or the company’s right to lockout.

Despite the order, AMFA announced on Friday that about 680 workers would go on strike, but assured that they would continue to negotiate with the CIRB to break the impasse. The union stressed that the strike was a last resort after WestJet refused to negotiate effectively.

Travelers already annoyed by previous disruptions faced further uncertainty. Andrew Wheatley of Edmonton, for example, raised concerns about his Sunday flight, stressing the impact of the strike on his work schedule. Sarah Lacombe, who was traveling to Puerto Vallarta for her honeymoon, also experienced delays due to the ongoing labor dispute. Lacombe, like many others, hoped for a quick resolution to avoid further disruptions.