WestJet has started cancelling flights in preparation for a potential strike by its Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and other Technical Operations employees, set to begin Friday, June 28 at 5:30 PM (MT).
The airline says the move is necessary to safely park its aircraft and prevent stranding passengers and crew. The cancellations are expected to affect approximately 3,300 travelers on Thursday and Friday.
The potential strike comes after the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) rejected a tentative agreement and served a strike notice. WestJet claims it has presented AMFA with an “industry-leading agreement.”
Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, expressed concern about the timing of the strike notice.
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.
Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer
The airline warns that if the strike proceeds, it could disrupt travel plans for more than 250,000 passengers over the July long weekend.
WestJet states it remains at the bargaining table but is committed to reaching an agreement that “protects our future and ability to provide Canadians with critical and affordable air travel.”
Passengers with scheduled flights are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. More information can be found on WestJet’s Guest Updates page.
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