close
close

WestJet’s list of cancellations grows as airline warns more could be in store

Posted on by angelo
WestJet’s list of cancellations grows as airline warns more could be in store

(Updated: June 29, 2024 at noon): More WestJet flights could be canceled, the airline warned in an afternoon update after announcing 235 flights had already been canceled.

The airline added that 150 more flights could be cancelled on Saturday, affecting 33,000 travellers.

“This situation is devastating. The union’s irrational actions alone are causing irrevocable harm to our guests who are missing out on wedding celebrations, critical medical appointments, family reunions and long-awaited vacations, while stranding thousands of Canadians without support or a flight home,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Airlines president and group chief operating officer.

“We are pursuing all intervention possibilities and working around the clock to maintain a stable network, while reducing our thefts in a safe and controlled manner. »

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) also posted an update on its website earlier today stating: “WestJet has issued a lockout notice, which it has not rescinded. Similarly, we are exercising our constitutional right to suspend our work.

The union then added that it had “offered to meet at any time and any place to resume negotiations.” WestJet did not respond. It’s the truth. »

(Original story: June 29, 2024 at 8:20 a.m.)Thousands of people’s long weekend travel plans were disrupted after the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) decided to go on strike Friday evening, leading to the cancellation of 150 WestJet flights Saturday morning.

The cancelled flights are expected to affect around 20,000 travellers and, according to the airline, further cancellations are expected.

“A strike serves no one, as this negotiation has already been subject to binding arbitration. We know how painful this is for our guests and staff; however, we must begin the immediate and safe parking of our aircraft,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Airlines President and Group Chief Operating Officer.

“The scale of this deliberate disruption is devastating and AMFA must be held accountable for its irresponsible actions. Without immediate intervention, a significant disruption will needlessly harm tens of thousands of Canadians as well as the entire economic ecosystem that depends on our essential air service. »

The airline said it is seeking immediate action from the Minister of Labour and the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) as more than 250,000 WestJet passengers are scheduled to fly over the long weekend.

In a statement released by AMFA on Friday, the union said the two sides are separated by a difference of about 7 percent, or $8 million per year.

“WestJet provoked this collective action through a long history of bad faith bargaining, only part of which is reflected in AMFA’s charges pending before the CIRB,” reads a letter from the union to the airline.

“This failure to negotiate continues to this day with WestJet suddenly stopping negotiations in Toronto and canceling our scheduled meetings in Calgary. »

Travelers are advised to check the status of their flights online.