Canada airline WestJet Cancels 400+ Flights Amid Mechanics Union Strike

Photo : AP

WestJet has extended the grounding of its aircraft through Sunday, coinciding with the long weekend leading up to Canada Day on Monday, following a strike by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). The airline, Canada's second-largest, has cancelled 407 flights affecting 49,000 passengers due to the strike, which commenced Friday evening amidst failed negotiations with the union.

The strike, affecting both international and domestic flights, came shortly after the Canadian government intervened with a ministerial order for binding arbitration on Thursday, amid strained talks over a new labor agreement. WestJet, which operates about 200 aircraft, plans to have only around 30 operational by Sunday evening.

CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech attributed the strike to what he described as a "rogue union from the U.S." attempting to influence Canadian operations. He emphasized that once the government mandated arbitration, further bargaining was rendered moot, making the strike impractical.

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The union, however, defended its actions as a necessary measure to push for fair negotiations, citing the rejection of a contract offer that would have allegedly made WestJet mechanics the highest-paid in the country. Sean McVeigh, a striking maintenance engineer, expressed regret for passenger disruptions but emphasized the union's stance on seeking respectful negotiations and fair compensation.

At Toronto Pearson International Airport, passengers like Samin Sahan and Samee Jan voiced frustration over disrupted travel plans, with flights rescheduled and uncertainties exacerbated by the strike. Sahan criticized WestJet's handling of the situation, noting the impact on both customers and the airline's reputation.

The ongoing labor dispute underscores broader tensions between WestJet and its workforce, highlighting challenges in reaching a consensus amidst regulatory intervention and operational disruptions during a peak travel period.

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