WestJet cancels multiple flights in anticipation of strike

WestJet is cancelling flights as a reaction to the plans of its Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and other Technical Operations employees, to go on strike starting Friday, June 28th at 5:30pm MT.

This action ensures the airline can safely park its aircraft in a controlled manner, while enabling proactive communication and preventing the stranding of WestJet’s guests and crew.

Strike notices are served

WestJet has presented a Canadian industry leading agreement to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association AMFA that is better suited for the AMFA than the tentative agreement previously rejected. The union issued a strike order just hours into the first day of a four-day period of bargaining that was mutually agreed.

This timing could disrupt travel plans for more than 250,000 guests who are scheduled to travel during the long weekend of July and appears to be a tactic to force an unreasonable agreement.

“As we quickly approach the July long weekend, it is especially devastating that the strike notice we have received from AMFA forces us to begin cancelling flights and parking aircraft, for the second time in just over a week. As we are forced to make this painful decision, every one of us at WestJet feels the immense weight of the impact this will have on each of our guests and the communities we serve, counting on us to fulfill their travel plans this weekend,”Diederik Pen is the president of WestJet Airlines, and chief operating officer for the group.

The next 48 Hours

WestJet Group is working to park aircraft in a safe, measured and phased manner over the next 48 hours. This will result in the following cancellations.

Total cancellation summary

Thursday, June 27 – Friday, June 28, 2024

Guest impact*

*WestJet is making every effort to reaccommodate all impacted guests

“We remain at the bargaining table, committed to reaching an agreement; however, we have no choice but to hold strong on a reasonable outcome that protects our future and ability to provide Canadians with critical and affordable air travel. As we initiate flight cancellations across our network, we will continue to manage our operations to the highest degree of safety,”Conclusion Pen

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