WestJet cancels over 400 flights amid mechanics strike – AeroTime
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Due to an ongoing labour dispute between WestJet Airlines, the country’s second-largest airline, and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the airline’s aircraft maintenance technicians’ union, over 400 flights have been cancelled in Canada, affecting over 49,000 passengers.
WestJet’s announcement that AMFA had withdrawn its strike notice last week and that both parties had “mutually agreed to return to the negotiating table to continue working toward a solution” was not enough to prevent further disruption to flight operations.
The AMFA strike, which began on June 28, caused massive flight cancellations over the Canada Day weekend. According to a statement from WestJet, the aircraft mechanics strike forced the airline to cancel hundreds of flights across its network.
“As a result of the union’s blatant efforts to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the July long weekend, WestJet has cancelled a total of 407 flights in order to maintain the stability of its remaining operations,” the airline wrote.
The airline warned its passengers that it had “safely reduced” its fleet to around 30 aircraft. The airline also stated that some disruptions will continue until July 2, 2024.
In order to minimize flight disruptions, WestJet Airlines asked the Minister of Labour and the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to take immediate action.
“Every flight cancellation we have to make represents hundreds of guests affected by the ongoing reckless actions of this union,” Diederik Pen, WestJet Airlines President and Group Chief Operating Officer, said in the statement.
“In the face of enormous adversity, our teams are working hard to ensure safe and controlled operations,” concluded Pen.
Approximately 670 WestJet aircraft mechanics had planned to strike on June 20 at 7:00 p.m. local time after informing the airline of their intentions earlier in the week. However, the strike was called off after the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) agreed to return to the bargaining table.
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