Over 100,000 Travelers Affected During Canada Day Weekend
A strike by WestJet mechanics has forced the airline to cancel over 800 flights during the Canada Day weekend, disrupting travel plans for approximately 110,000 passengers. The strike commenced Friday evening, despite a directive from the labour minister for binding arbitration.
WestJet President Diederik Pen called on the federal government for “urgent clarity” regarding the simultaneous occurrence of a strike and arbitration, emphasizing the need for immediate action to resolve the conflict.
Since Thursday, WestJet has cancelled 829 flights scheduled through Monday, significantly impacting what is typically the busiest travel weekend of the season. The airline has reduced its fleet to 32 active aircraft, leading to the highest number of cancellations among major airlines globally over the weekend.
Travelers like Lethbridge resident Trevor Temple-Murray have faced significant disruptions, with many trying to rebook flights amidst the uncertainty. Temple-Murray and his family were left waiting at Victoria airport after their flight to Calgary was cancelled, uncertain if their next scheduled flight would proceed.
The strike has resulted in tense negotiations between WestJet and the Airplane Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). Both sides accuse each other of negotiating in bad faith. The union claims WestJet has not responded to its latest counterproposal, while the airline criticizes the union’s actions as disruptive to Canadians’ travel plans.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan intervened last week, mandating binding arbitration to avoid a strike. However, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled that the ministerial referral does not suspend the right to strike or lockout, leading to the current impasse. O’Regan met with both parties, urging them to work together to resolve their differences.
Amid the strike, provincial leaders such as Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have called on the federal government to step in and end the work stoppage.
While negotiations continue, travelers like Sergio Arizmendi, an exchange student from Mexico, have had to find alternative travel arrangements, further highlighting the widespread impact of the strike.
Not all airlines are negatively affected. Flair Airlines reported a surge in bookings as passengers sought alternatives to salvage their holiday plans.