Flight cancellations grow as WestJet mechanics hit picket lines
Global News
WestJet has cancelled more than 200 flights after the union representing its plane mechanics announced Friday that members had hit the picket lines.
Calgary-based airline WestJet has cancelled more than 200 flights after the union representing its plane mechanics announced late Friday that members had hit the picket lines.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) announced its members started to strike around 5:30 p.m. MDT Friday because the airline’s “unwillingness to negotiate with the union made the strike inevitable.”
The move came after the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration Thursday, and two weeks of turbulent discussions with the union on a new deal.
Union officials are seeking a new collective agreement that includes higher wages and benefits.
Speaking to reporters in Calgary on Saturday, WestJet president Diederik Pen said the strike has led to the cancellation of 235 flights as of Saturday morning, impacting around 33,000 people.
If there is no solution Saturday, the airline will likely cancel another 150 flights.
The Canada Day long weekend typically sees around 70,000 guests fly on WestJet flights. That’s up from the 65,000 guests WestJet normally serves on weekends.
“The stress and the devastation this is causing is unnecessary and hurts all of us,” Pen said.
