WestJet cancels 235 flights as mechanics stage surprise strike on busy long weekend

A surprise strike by unionized WestJet aircraft mechanics has left thousands of passengers wondering whether they will reach their destinations on Saturday after the airline canceled 235 flights, affecting an estimated 33,000 passengers.

The airline said another 150 flights would be cancelled if no solution to the dispute was found by Saturday afternoon.

The decision to strike came a day after Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to initiate binding arbitration to resolve outstanding collective bargaining issues between the Calgary-based airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).

In a statement Thursday, AMFA said there was no modern precedent for the minister’s action, adding that the order followed two weeks of tumultuous discussions with the union over a new contract.

AMFA said on Friday that around 680 workers had gone on strike against the company, but the union was continuing to dialogue with the CIRB to resolve the impasse.

“The (aircraft maintenance technicians) had hoped that this action would be unnecessary, but the airline’s unwillingness to negotiate with the union led to the strike,” the statement said.

Union calls on members to avoid unlawful industrial action

The union said it would submit to mediation and urged its members to avoid unlawful industrial action.

The union’s legal adviser said the strike was within the scope of union rights despite the minister’s order. Sam Seham said there was no explicit mention that industrial action by AMFA would be against the law.

“What was not clear or omitted from the minister’s referral is any indication that AMFA’s right to strike has been curtailed or restricted. That is a constitutional right,” he said.

“In this silence, of course, the law applies and the minister has taken no steps to restrict this right. There may be confusion, but strike and arbitration are not mutually exclusive.”

The CIRB order, sent to CBC News, said the panel concluded that the minister’s referral did not constitute a suspension of the right to strike or lockout.

O’Regan issued a brief statement Saturday morning saying he was reviewing the board’s order and calling it “obviously inconsistent” with the instructions it had given.

“I will consider further steps to protect the interests of the employer, the union and all Canadians travelling this national holiday weekend.”

WestJet: Strike will “cause damage”

O’Regan had already referred WestJet and AMFA to the CIRB on June 18, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.

WestJet responded to the AMFA strike on Friday, saying it was “outraged” by the move.

“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,” company president Diederik Pen said in a statement.

“Since arbitration has been ordered, a strike has no impact on the outcome of the arbitration. It is therefore pure retaliation by a disappointed union.”

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called on Ottawa to expedite its review of the Labour Relations Board’s decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday morning.

“The travel plans of tens of thousands of Canadians for this long weekend and beyond are now in jeopardy,” the post said.

“WestJet customers expect an immediate resolution of this matter and the resumption of flight operations.”

Travelers are already frustrated by disruptions

The change in position on Friday seemed to shock both travelers and executives.

“Is my flight on Sunday in danger?” asked Andrew Wheatley of Edmonton in a post to X.

“I support the right of a union to strike, as long as it is legal. And hopefully they get a good result. But at the same time, I have to be at work on Monday morning.”

WestJet had already cancelled around 25 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday in anticipation of possible industrial action.

Sarah Lacombe, a WestJet customer, had booked a flight to Puerto Vallarta for her honeymoon, but the flight was delayed due to unscheduled maintenance.

Earlier this week, it had already found itself in the same situation after disruptions arose due to the back and forth between the airline and AMFA.

“We haven’t had a vacation like this in eight years,” said Lacombe. “I want everything to go back to plan and no one to have their flights canceled.”

Check your flight status before heading to the airport

WestJet says it plans to fly more than 250,000 passengers over the busy Canada Day long weekend. However, the airline will begin parking aircraft at stations across Canada “with the intention of operating a significantly reduced schedule.”

Those wishing to travel with WestJet are requested to check their flight status before departing for the airport.

“The scale of this intentional disruption is devastating and AMFA must be held accountable for its reckless actions,” Pen said in a statement.

Gabor Lukacs, chairman of the advocacy group Air Passenger Rights, said travellers need to know their rights.

He said WestJet is legally required to find alternative travel options for stranded passengers within 48 hours, either on another of the company’s flights or on a competitor’s.

You can also request a refund, but Lukacs says he advises against it.

“I would strongly advise passengers not to accept a refund unless they are absolutely certain they do not wish to travel,” he said. “If you accept a refund, WestJet will not be able to meet its obligations to you.”

The airline announced that it would hold AMFA liable for the costs incurred during the strike.

This is not the first time WestJet has been on the brink of a strike. Last year, the airline managed to avert a strike in the early hours of the May long weekend, but then cancelled over 230 flights and forced thousands of people to change their travel plans.

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