WestJet begins flight cancellations in anticipation of maintenance strike
The low-cost airline says it's preparing for labour action by WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and other Tech Ops employees.
June 20, 2024 | By MRO Staff
Low-cost airline WestJet Group has started cancelling and consolidating flights, in order to park aircraft in a safe and organized manner, in preparation for labour action by WestJet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and other Tech Ops employees.
“This action enables proactive communication with guests and crew to minimize the potential for being stranded and ensures the airline can avoid abandoning aircraft in remote locations,” WestJet Group officials said in a June 19 press release.
The decision to cancel flights comes as the Calgary-based WestJet Group awaits a response on behalf of the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene under the Canada Labour Code. If accepted, the news release said, this action would refer both WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) to arbitration for a first collective agreement and prevent labour action by either party.
Between June 18 and June 19, the news release said, 40 WestJet flights were cancelled.
“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.
