WestJet Group Implements Urgent Flight Cancellations Ahead Of Possible Maintenance Staff Strike

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

WestJet cancels and combines flights to prepare for a potential strike by Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Tech Ops staff, aiming to minimize passenger disruptions.

In anticipation of a potential strike by WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Tech Ops staff, WestJet Group has begun to cancel and combine flights. This measure is to facilitate the orderly parking of planes. By doing so, the airline aims to keep passengers and crew well-informed and reduce the risk of leaving them stranded, as well as prevent the aircraft from being left in distant areas.

WestJet Group’s move to cancel flights is pending an expected intervention by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) under the provisions of the Canada Labour Code. Should the CIRB decide to step in, it would send both WestJet and the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association (AMFA) to arbitration to negotiate their initial collective agreement, effectively blocking any strikes from either side.

“We are immensely disheartened that we are in a position where we must activate our contingency plan and begin parking aircraft, as a result of the strike notice served by AMFA. We deeply regret the disruption this will have on the travel plans of our guests, communities and businesses that rely on our critical air service,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. “Following the memberships’ nearly unanimous decision to reject a generous tentative agreement that would have made our Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest paid in the country, with a take-home pay increase of 30 to 40 per cent in the first year of the proposed agreement, it is clear that the bargaining process has broken down.”

Over the next two days, WestJet Group plans to strategically and securely park its aircraft, leading to a series of phased cancellations. Here is the impact of these cancellations:

Summary of cancellations:
Tuesday, June 18 – Wednesday, June 19:

• Approximately 40 flights canceled

Estimated impact on passengers:

• Around 6,500 travelers affected

WestJet is actively working to arrange alternative travel options for all passengers affected by the cancellations.

“We will continue to manage our operations to the highest degree of safety and will never compromise in this area,” concluded Pen.

Travelers are encouraged to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport. For the latest updates on flight status, travel modifications, and more, please consult the Guest Updates page on WestJet’s website.

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