Severe Disruption Expected As WestJet Mechanics Walk Off The Job – Canadian Travel News

Nearly 700 members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) representing WestJet mechanics walked off the job yesterday evening, throwing the Canada Day long weekend travel plans of tens of thousands of Canadians into jeopardy.

As an immediate result, WestJet cancelled 150 flights due to take off today (Saturday June 29), impacting approximately 20,000 travellers with limited re-accommodation options available. The airline says more cancellations will be announced later this morning if the strike is not called off or intervention does not happen immediately.

The shocking work stoppage by AMFA came hours after it appeared a strike had been averted, when the Minister of Labour directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to assist WestJet and the union in reaching a first collective agreement.

“With the government’s actions, the summer travel plans of Canadians have been protected and we have a path to resolution,” said WestJet Airlines president Diederik Pen. A few hours later, an “outraged” Pen took a very different tone.

“A strike serves no one, as this negotiation has already been referred to binding arbitration,” Pen said in a press release. “We know how painful this is for our guests and our people; however, we must start the immediate and safe parking or our aircraft.” 

He continued: “The scale of this deliberate disruption is devastating and AMFA must be held accountable for their reckless actions. Without immediate intervention, significant disruption will unnecessarily harm tens of thousands of Canadians along with the entire economic ecosystem that depends on our critical air service.”

Close to 10,000 WestJet passengers saw their flights cancelled during two weeks of fractious negotiations that saw AMFA issue a 72-hour strike notice on two occasions.

With more than 250,000 passengers scheduled to fly this weekend, WestJet is asking for immediate intervention by the Minister of Labour and the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).

For its part, AMFA says the binding arbitration order did not specifically forbid job action, although in a statement yesterday the union said it would “abide by the direction” provided by the Minister of Labour. Pen referred to the strike as “pure retaliation of a disappointed union.”

“The government has officially stepped in to provide binding arbitration and ensure we get to a resolution; the only reason for this union to continue with a strike action is to create damage, disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the July long weekend and to inflict significant costs on our business,” Pen said. 

Beginning today, WestJet says it will begin parking aircraft in stations across Canada with the intention of operating a significantly reduced schedule by end of day.

Total Cancellation Summary To Date

Thursday, June 27 – Friday, June 28, 2024

~25 cancellations

~3300 guests impacted

Saturday, June 28

~150 cancellations

~20,000 guests impacted

Guests travelling are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport. More information can be found on WestJet’s Guest Updates page.

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