CALGARY- WestJet (WS) has begun cancelling flights as its Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME) and other Technical Operations employees plan to strike starting Friday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. MT.
This measure ensures the airline can safely park its aircraft, provide proactive communication, and prevent stranding passengers and crew.
WestJet Cancelling Flights
WestJet has offered the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) a Canadian industry-leading agreement, surpassing the previously rejected tentative agreement. However, just hours into a mutually agreed four-day bargaining period, the union issued a strike notice.
This timing threatens to disrupt travel plans for over 250,000 guests during the July long weekend, appearing to push for an unreasonable contract.
Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, stated
“As we quickly approach the July long weekend, it is especially devastating that the strike notice from AMFA forces us to begin cancelling flights and parking aircraft for the second time in just over a week. This painful decision weighs heavily on everyone at WestJet as we consider the significant impact on our guests and the communities we serve, who rely on us for their travel plans this weekend.”
In the next 48 hours, the WestJet Group will work to park aircraft in a measured, phased, and safe approach, leading to the following cancellations.
Total Cancellations:
- Thursday, June 27 – Friday, June 28, 2024:
- Approximately 25 cancellations
- Guest impact: ~3300 guests
- WestJet is making every effort to accommodate all impacted guests
“We remain at the bargaining table, committed to reaching an agreement; however, we must hold firm on a reasonable outcome that ensures our future and ability to provide Canadians with essential and affordable air travel. As we begin cancelling flights across our network, we will continue to manage our operations with the highest degree of safety,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer.
Guests are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
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