WestJet Cancels 407 Flights as Mechanics Strike

The unexpected strike by WestJet’s unionized mechanics left around 49,000 travelers scrambling this weekend, as the airline was forced to cancel 407 flights. The strike action, led by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), came as a shock to both passengers and airline executives, particularly during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

WestJet expressed outrage at the strike, describing it as a deliberate attempt to cause disruption and damage. Company president Diederik Pen criticized the union’s decision, noting that since binding arbitration had been ordered, the strike served no purpose other than retaliation and disruption of travel plans for thousands of Canadians.

The strike followed a directive from Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, who had referred the ongoing collective bargaining dispute between WestJet and AMFA to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) for binding arbitration. This move was intended to resolve the protracted negotiations that had been ongoing for two weeks.

Legal counsel for AMFA, Sam Seham, asserted that the strike was within the union’s rights, as there was no explicit indication from the minister that job action would be illegal. This perspective was reinforced by the CIRB, which clarified that the referral to binding arbitration did not suspend the union’s right to strike or the company’s right to lock out.

Despite the directive, AMFA announced on Friday that approximately 680 workers would proceed with strike action, though they assured that they remain in discussions with the CIRB to resolve the deadlock. The union emphasized that the strike was a last resort after WestJet refused to negotiate effectively.

Travelers, already weary from previous disruptions, faced further uncertainty. Andrew Wheatley from Edmonton, for example, expressed concern about his Sunday flight, emphasizing the impact of the strike on his work schedule. Similarly, Sarah Lacombe, who was heading to Puerto Vallarta for her honeymoon, experienced delays due to the ongoing labor dispute. Lacombe, like many others, hoped for a swift resolution to avoid further interruptions.