How possible WestJet strikes will affect travellers at Toronto Pearson Airport

Pilots for Calgary-based airline WestJet have issued a 72-hour strike notice, meaning if no agreement is reached by Friday, dozens of flights may be grounded until further notice.

Pilots for Calgary-based airline WestJet have issued a 72-hour strike notice, meaning if no agreement is reached by Friday, dozens of flights may be grounded until further notice.

The WestJet pilots’ union, WestJet ALPA Pilots, issued a tweet on Monday evening warning of strike action, saying services may be withdrawn at 3:00 a.m. MT on May 19 if an agreement is not reached.

The airline has issued a lockout notice in response to possible strike action. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a statement that this action was “not one that was made lightly,” and that the airline is doing what they can to avoid service interruption.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety and complete control of our network at all times, to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, our crews and our aircraft,” continued the statement. “Our commitment and priority remains at the bargaining table, where we will continue to work around the clock to come to a reasonable agreement as soon as possible, in an effort to prevent labour action.”

A statement from Toronto Pearson/the Greater Toronto Airports Authority advised passengers to keep an eye on their flight’s status, adding that passengers should not come to the airport if their flight is cancelled.

Updates about scheduled WestJet flights will be provided by the airline directly at their company website.

If the strike proceeds and interrupts your travel plans, here’s how you can expect to be compensated, according to Gabor Lukacs, founder and coordinator of Air Passenger Rights.