WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, has cancelled over 400 flights, affecting nearly 50,000 passengers due to a strike by its maintenance workers’ union. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association initiated the strike, citing WestJet’s refusal to negotiate, a move precipitated by the federal government’s order for binding arbitration after contentious talks over a new contract.
WestJet CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, attributed the strike to what he termed a “rogue union from the US,” accusing them of disrupting operations as bargaining had ceased following the arbitration directive. He highlighted that the union had rejected a lucrative contract offer, claiming it would have made WestJet’s mechanics the highest-paid in the country.
In response, the union’s negotiating committee referred to a Canada Industrial Relations Board order that did not explicitly prohibit strikes during arbitration, emphasizing their goal of prompting respectful negotiations from WestJet. Despite expressing regret over passenger inconvenience, union members like Sean McVeigh stressed the necessity of pressuring the airline to return to the bargaining table for fair treatment.
Amidst the disruption, passengers at Toronto Pearson International Airport voiced frustration over disrupted travel plans, with some flights rescheduled for Monday. The impact of the strike has drawn criticism from affected travelers, highlighting concerns over WestJet’s handling of the situation.
Regarding international impact, WestJet’s operations do not include flights to India, ensuring no direct repercussions for Indian travelers.
