TORONTO: WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, has announced the cancellation of 407 flights affecting approximately 49,000 passengers after its maintenance workers union initiated a strike. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) stated that its members commenced the strike on Friday evening due to what they described as the airline’s refusal to engage in negotiations, which they deemed unavoidable.
The unexpected strike has disrupted both international and domestic flights, following a ministerial order for binding arbitration issued by the federal government on Thursday. This decision came after two weeks of contentious discussions between the union and the airline regarding a new contract.
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WestJet has disclosed plans to keep a significant number of aircraft grounded through the long weekend leading up to Canada Day on Monday. With a fleet of approximately 200 aircraft, the airline expects to operate only about 30 flights by Sunday evening.
Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet, attributed the situation to what he characterized as a “rogue union from the U.S.” attempting to exert influence in Canada. Von Hoensbroech emphasized that negotiations ceased once the government intervened with binding arbitration, rendering the strike impractical.
“The strike becomes completely absurd because its purpose is to apply pressure at the bargaining table,” von Hoensbroech stated. “Without a bargaining table, a strike serves no purpose.”
He noted that the union had rejected a contract proposal that would have made WestJet’s mechanics the highest-paid in the country.
In response, the union’s negotiating committee referenced an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board, which does not explicitly prohibit strikes or lockouts during the arbitration process.
At Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 3, Sean McVeigh, a WestJet aircraft maintenance engineer participating in the picket line, expressed the union’s desire to compel the airline to return to respectful negotiations.
“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers,” McVeigh stated. “The reason for missed flights or cancellations is because WestJet is not engaging in meaningful negotiations.”
WestJet passengers affected by the strike, such as Samin Sahan and Samee Jan at Pearson Airport, expressed frustration over disrupted travel plans.
“This situation is causing harm to many people, including their own company and likely their customers who may no longer choose to fly with them,” Sahan remarked. Jan described the circumstances as “sad.”
