WestJet averts strike action, but flight cancellations remain in effect

A labour dispute at WestJet has caused significant disruption for travellers ahead of the Canada Day long weekend. In anticipation of a potential strike, the airline has cancelled 25 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday, impacting more than 3,300 passengers.

On Thursday afternoon, the federal government intervened, forcing WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) to return to the negotiating table and suspend strike action.

However, the timing of the intervention was too late for some travellers, including Shad Lehmann, who had to cut short his business trip to Minneapolis to return to Saskatoon.

“They had rescheduled me for a flight two days later to come home for some reason. And I was able to get a hold of them last night and they were able to reschedule me to come home a day early, which kind of changed my travel plans and my work plans, but it’s better to be home early,” Lehmann said.

Gordon Lei, who was taking one of the last flights to Vancouver before Friday’s cancellations, expressed relief.

“Obviously, if today’s flight was canceled, it would be devastating. I live in Vancouver, so not being able to come home for the long weekend would be devastating,” Lei said.

A similar situation had already occurred the previous week, when flights were canceled in anticipation of a strike which ultimately did not take place. Although the dispute is now subject to binding arbitration, travelers are still advised to check the status of their flights.

Justin Reves, spokesperson for Regina International Airport, advises travellers to stay informed.

“Try downloading the WestJet app, sign up for those email notifications, follow them on social media. Try to get your information through a digital source as things can be very busy rather than phoning in, and of course we’ll keep everyone informed here on our social media if we start to see any real cancellations or disruptions serious,” Reves said.

As the long weekend approaches, the union said it will comply with strike measures and ask its members to refrain from any illegal actions. WestJet confirmed no additional flights will be cancelled.