WestJet cancels flights after mechanics union announces second strike – Winnipeg Free Press
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CALGARY – WestJet is canceling flights ahead of a possible strike by its mechanics union.
The Calgary-based airline said in a statement that it had received another strike notice from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.
WestJet said it had therefore cancelled 25 flights between Thursday and Friday as a precautionary measure, affecting around 3,300 customers.
Previously, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association had accused WestJet of suing them without notifying their negotiators, who are currently working with the airline to draft a new collective bargaining agreement.
The union describes WestJet’s statement that a strike would endanger the company and its passengers as “inflammatory” and urges WestJet to invest more time in negotiations with union representatives.
Union members overwhelmingly rejected a tentative deal earlier this month and opposed WestJet’s request for arbitration.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2024.