WestJet Cancels Flights in Anticipation of Potential Work Stoppage on Friday

WestJet has cancelled 25 flights that were scheduled for Thursday and Friday as the airline anticipates potential work stoppage on Friday.

In a news release on Wednesday, the airline said the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), has initiated a work stoppage that could occur as early as Friday, June 28, at 5:30pm.

This is the second time in the past week that the airline has cancelled flights because of a strike threat by AMFA, but the union returned to the negotiating table. “This action ensures the airline can safely park its aircraft in a controlled manner, while enabling proactive communication and preventing the stranding of WestJet’s guests and crew”, said the statement.

The statement stated that WestJet presented a revised industry leading offer, “which would see WestJet AME’s receive a 22 per cent increase over five years, making them by far the best paid AMEs in Canada.” WestJet says what the Union is asking for exceeds this mark and “remains unreasonable.”

“We remain at the bargaining table, committed to reaching an agreement, however, we have no choice but to hold strong on a reasonable outcome that protects our future and ability to provide Canadians with critical and affordable air travel”, said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet and Group Chief Operating Officer.

Pen said “We sincerely regret the stress and uncertainty AMFA’s tactics are causing Canadians, deliberately targeting the busy July long-weekend; however, we must hold strong on a reasonable outcome that protects affordable air travel for Canadians for years to come.”

Pen said the airline offered the Union the leading offer in Canada. However, it was “swiftly dismissed”, and the airline had no choice but to follow a lockout notice to manage travel disruption to hundreds of thousands of guests.

“It is our obligation in the coming days to ensure the safe and orderly takedown of our network and to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, our crew and our aircraft”, said Pen.

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