WestJet still feels the effects of the mechanics’ strike a week after it ended

WestJet is still feeling the effects of a mechanics strike, even a week after it ended.

The two-day work stoppage, which began on June 28, forced the airline to cancel more than 1,000 flights before the end of the long Canada Day weekend, one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The consequences continued well into last week, when WestJet canceled 100 flights on Friday and Saturday and at least 31 more today, according to tracking service FlightAware.

According to experts, it will take time to fully resume air traffic of a nearly grounded fleet of 180 aircraft to more than 175 destinations.

WestJet says the company is working to restructure operations and assist customers as quickly as possible.

But travelers expressed their frustration in a flood of messages and social media posts, saying the airline’s customer service was barely available for days and did not allow them to rebook if they declined a refund – an obligation they are required to do after 48 hours under the country’s Passenger Rights Charter.