Thursday, June 20, 2024 WestJet announced on Wednesday its decision to cancel and consolidate flights in anticipation of a strike by its aircraft maintenance engineers and technical operations staff. The airline stated that it has already started canceling 40 flights scheduled for June 18-19, affecting approximately 6,500 passengers. The strike, slated to commence at 9 p.
m. ET on Thursday, follows a 72-hour strike notice issued by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association union, representing around 681 skilled employees including aircraft maintenance engineers. As the labor dispute unfolds, the Canadian Industrial Review Board convened hearings on Wednesday to mediate between WestJet and the union.
The board has the authority to issue various directives, including the possibility of mandating arbitration to resolve the conflict. Canadian Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached, stating, “In the short term, there may be some flights disrupted, but I’m hoping that cooler heads will prevail.” WestJet, a major Canadian airline backed by Onex Corp, is engaged in negotiations amidst demands from its workforce for better working conditions and increased wages.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions in the aviation industry as companies navigate labor issues amid economic pressures and operational challenges..
