WestJet: Operations “stabilized” after mechanics strike

WestJet says its flight operations have “stabilized” following a mechanics strike last weekend that canceled hundreds of flights and affected thousands of customers.

The Calgary-based airline said in an update on Wednesday that it expects only “minimal” cancellations in connection with the industrial action in the future.

However, guests with imminent travel plans are advised to check the status of their flight before departing to the airport.

WestJet had to ground 72 percent of its fleet after mechanics unexpectedly announced a strike on Saturday. The strike ended on Sunday, but the Calgary-based airline warned on Monday that disruptions would continue for several more days.

The airline said it had canceled 1,171 flights across Canada as of Wednesday due to the strike, including 79 on Tuesday and 30 on Wednesday. Eight flights are expected to be canceled on Thursday.

“WestJet’s operations have stabilized. The airline expects minimal cancellations going forward related to the work events impacting the July long weekend,” the company said in a press release on Wednesday.

The strike ended late Sunday after an agreement was reached with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, but the airline warned that the impact would be felt for several days.

Band from Calgary stranded

After booking one of the many WestJet flights cancelled over the long weekend, members of the Calgary Stetson Show Band – including 82 children, 16 adults and a variety of instruments – had to rush to find another way home in time for a Wednesday night performance at McMahon Stadium.

“We knew the strike had started after we arrived in California. We were constantly watching the news and seeing what was going on,” Mike Jewitt, CEO of the Stetsons, told CBC radio host Judy Aldous.

“On June 30th at midnight we saw online that our flight had indeed been cancelled.”

Jewitt says that after an 11-hour hold, the airline told the group it would be days before everyone could fly home, causing the band to miss Wednesday night’s show and their appearance at the Calgary Stampede parade on Friday.

“At that point we just made the decision to get on a bus and go.”

The band left California early Monday morning and finally arrived home on Wednesday after numerous bus rides.

Jeff Waterbury, the band’s leader, said the group had prepared for just a three-hour flight home.

“The idea of ​​a two-day bus trip wasn’t particularly appealing because we’re not that well prepared for that,” Waterbury told CBC Radio. Calgary Eye Opener from the bus ride on Tuesday.

“But for the most part, they handled it very, very well.”