The WestJet symbol is displayed in the check-in area for domestic flights at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Friday, May 19, 2023.
WestJet is taking action to cancel 25 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday, impacting 300 travelers, amidst the looming threat of a strike by its mechanics.
Diederik Pen, the airline's president and COO, emphasized their ongoing commitment to negotiating a fair agreement while ensuring the safety of operations across their network.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) issued a strike notice, potentially halting work starting Friday at 5:30 p.m. MT. This notice follows a previous cancellation of strike plans by the union, which returned to negotiations afterward.
In response, WestJet also issued a lockout notice as a precaution against the impending strike.
CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech warned earlier in the week that flight cancellations could commence as early as Thursday without a last-minute breakthrough. He advised passengers to contact WestJet to verify their flight status.
Initially, a double-digit number of flights were expected to be canceled, with the possibility of more as the strike deadline approaches on Friday.
WestJet assured passengers that they are working diligently to accommodate those affected by the cancellations.
Von Hoensbroech indicated that the airline aims to maintain its international and continental routes in the event of a strike, although domestic and Caribbean flights are likely to be most affected.
Despite recent cancellations due to stalled contract talks, Von Hoensbroech praised WestJet's mechanics, noting they receive the highest salaries in the industry. The airline has proposed a significant 22% salary increase over four years, aiming to solidify their position as the top-paid mechanics in Canada.
However, the union representing the mechanics has rejected this offer, arguing that wages have not kept pace with inflation and seeking improvements in working conditions.
WestJet's CEO criticized the union's stance, describing it as unrealistic and potentially harmful to the travel plans of a quarter-million Canadians this weekend.
Union members have expressed concerns over the lack of night shift premiums and believe their demands for fair compensation reflect the responsibilities they bear throughout the year.
Flight cancellations ahead of the potential strike mean WestJet must compensate affected passengers, a requirement under passenger rights regulations.
However, compensation requirements differ if flights are canceled directly due to a strike rather than as a precautionary measure.
