WestJet Cancels More Flights Over Mechanics’ Strike

Passengers make their way past WestJet airplane mechanics as they stand in a the picket line at Calgary International Airport on June 29, 2024. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled by WestJet after a surprise strike by mechanics, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

The airline began cancelling flights on June 26, saying it was a result of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association’s (AMFA) decision to strike.

WestJet announced that 235 flights were cancelled on June 29, saying more could follow.

“Until the union’s irrational strike action is rescinded, or immediate intervention is received, WestJet will be forced to continue issuing flight cancellations to maintain stability across its remaining operation,” the announcement said.

“We are extremely outraged at these actions and will hold AMFA 100 percent accountable for the unnecessary stress and costs incurred as a result,” WestJet Airlines President Diederik Pen said.

Since June 27, the airline says it has cancelled 410 flights, impacting 56,300 passengers.

WestJet says that more than 250,000 passengers were scheduled to fly over the Canada Day long weekend.

The union said about 680 WestJet workers walked off the job, citing the airline’s “unwillingness to negotiate with the union made the strike inevitable.”

AMFA’s decision to strike came after the federal government issued an order for binding arbitration between the two sides. The union says that an order by the Canada Industrial Relations Board does not bar any strikes or lockouts.

Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan said he respected the decision by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

“I have reviewed the decision of the Canada Industrial Relations Board in response to my direction that the dispute between WestJet and AMFA be referred to first contract arbitration,” he said in a June 29 post on X.

“The Board is independent of the government and I respect its authority. I will be meeting the parties later today to discuss this matter.”

Mr. Pen described the situation as “devastating,” saying that thousands of Canadians have been stranded.

“We are seeking every avenue for intervention and working around the clock to maintain a stable network, while we reduce our flying in a safe and controlled manner,” he said.

It’s not the first strike threat that WestJet has faced. In 2023, it narrowly averted a strike over the May long weekend. However, it had to cancel 230 flights, forcing passengers to change their travel plans.

The Canadian Press contributed to this article.