Calgary/CMEDIA: Just hours reportedly after Calgary-based WestJet’s mechanics said they would strike, the airline announced it will cancel 150 flights, possibly affecting 20,000 travellers with limited re-accommodation options available.
“Additional cancellations are anticipated by Saturday morning if the strike is not called off, or intervention does not happen immediately,” the company said in a release issued Saturday just after midnight in Calgary.
“WestJet is actively and aggressively pursuing every avenue to minimize disruption, including asking for immediate intervention by the minister of labour.”
Following two weeks of turbulent discussions with the union on a new deal, Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) was directed by Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan to impose binding arbitration to solve outstanding issues of the collective agreement between the airline and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA),
A day later WestJet mechanics decided to strike.
Roughly 680 workers went ahead with strike action against the company, AMFA said on Friday.
Meanwhile the union remains engaged in dialogue with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to resolve the impasse.
“The [aircraft maintenance engineers] were hopeful this action would be unnecessary but the airline’s unwillingness to negotiate with the union made the strike,” the statement reads.
The change in position on Friday seemed to shock both travellers and executives alike.
Ahead of potential job action, roughly 25 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday were already cancelled by WestJet
With over 250,000 passengers scheduled to fly over the busy Canada Day long weekend, WestJet says the airline parkin aircraft in stations across Canada with significantly reduced schedule of operation.
WestJet also said that it plans to hold AMFA responsible for costs incurred during the strike.
