WestJet flight cancellations begin ahead of possible mechanics strike

The WestJet group has canceled around 40 flights in anticipation of a possible strike by aircraft maintenance workers on Thursday.

The airline says around 6,500 travelers were affected by the decision regarding Tuesday and Wednesday’s flights. WestJet says it has begun canceling and consolidating its flights in order to park planes in a safe and organized manner.

Some 670 WestJet mechanics, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, are set to walk off their jobs as early as Thursday evening after serving strike notice to the airline earlier this week.

The flight cancellations come as WestJet awaits a response to its request for intervention from the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

If accepted, this decision would refer the dispute to arbitration and prevent both parties from taking industrial action, the company says.

The union, whose members voted overwhelmingly to reject a tentative agreement last week, opposes the move.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2024.