WestJet cancels hundreds of flights after aircraft mechanics strike

new York
CNN
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Collective bargaining between WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association remains stalled after the union called a surprise strike last week that resulted in more than 400 flight cancellations and delays over the weekend.

The union, which represents nearly 700 aircraft engineers and technicians, began a strike on Friday after negotiations on the group’s first collective agreement with the airline failed due to WestJet’s alleged “refusal to negotiate.”

The strike follows talks between the union and the airline dating back to September 2023, when representatives met for a first round of negotiations. At the meeting, union representatives raised concerns including “out-of-seniority leave, pay scale irregularities and work privileges that were eliminated without notice or explanation,” according to a memo from the association. In addition to pay increases, the union is demanding protection for certain positions and improved benefits such as health insurance.

On Sunday, the union told CNN that “economically, the parties have a difference of about 7%, or less than $8 million, in the first year.”

WestJet has repeatedly condemned the strike, which is taking place during a long holiday weekend in Canada. The company says the strike will affect the plans of about 250,000 travellers. WestJet said in a statement on Friday that it had called for “immediate intervention by the Minister of Labour and the Canada Industrial Relations Board.”

The airline said it had to cancel more than 410 flights between Thursday and Saturday. Data from flight tracker FlightAware shows that WestJet canceled at least 343 flights on Sunday, representing 77% of its fleet. The airline’s regional subsidiary, WestJet Encore, canceled at least 80 flights.

Airports across Canada are also facing significant disruptions to operations. At Calgary International Airport, 42% of outbound flights and 40% of inbound flights have been cancelled. Toronto Pearson, Vancouver and Edmonton international airports are also affected.

However, in an update to members provided to CNN on Sunday, the union said the Labor Relations Committee had declared the strike legal and was continuing to act as a mediator in negotiations.

“Although the compulsory conciliation process imposed by the Minister of Labour is to be carried out on an expedited basis, the CIRB has ruled that we have the right to continue our lawful strike until this process is completed,” the union said.

The Trade and Industry Council did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.

The union told CNN it made its final offer to the airline on Thursday and since then WestJet has not responded or given any indication of future negotiation dates.

The union also described a lengthy and fruitless mediation process over the weekend.

“On Saturday, June 29, at 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time, after hours of waiting in a virtual breakout room, the mediators returned and informed us that WestJet executives had decided to say ‘termination,'” the union said in its update.

Both parties and federal mediators are expected to continue talks until Sunday.