In a move to prepare for a potential strike by its aircraft maintenance engineers and other technical operations employees, WestJet Airlines has begun canceling flights. The airline, which operates a network of regional flights under WestJet Encore, has announced that it will cancel approximately 40 flights over the next two days, impacting around 6,500 customers.
The strike, which is set to begin on Thursday evening, covers about 681 aircraft maintenance engineers and other skilled employees who are represented by the Aircraft Maintenance and Allied Workers' Association (AMFA). The union had given WestJet a 72-hour strike notice, prompting the airline to take proactive measures to minimize disruptions.
WestJet's President, Diederik Pen, expressed disappointment at the necessity of activating the contingency plan and parking aircraft due to the strike notice. He lamented the disruption this would cause for travelers, communities, and businesses that depend on WestJet's critical air service. Pen also noted that the membership's near-unanimous rejection of a generous tentative agreement, which would have made WestJet's Aircraft Maintenance Engineers the highest-paid in the country with a take-home pay increase of 30-40% in the first year, indicated a breakdown in the bargaining process.
The airline is currently waiting for a response from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) regarding intervention under the Canada Labour Code. If granted, this action would refer both WestJet and the Aircraft Maintenance and Allied Workers' Association (AMFA) to arbitration for their first collective agreement, thereby averting labor action by either party.
WestJet assures that it will continue to prioritize safety and make every effort to reaccommodate all impacted guests. Guests are advised to check the status of their flights before departing for the airport. For more information on flight status, travel changes, and updates, please visit WestJet's Guest Updates page.
This development marks a significant escalation in the labor dispute between WestJet and its maintenance engineers, who are seeking better pay and working conditions. The strike, if it goes ahead, could have significant implications for the airline's operations and the travel plans of thousands of passengers.
### Key Points:
- WestJet cancels 40 flights over the next two days, impacting around 6,500 customers.
- The strike is set to begin on Thursday evening and covers about 681 aircraft maintenance engineers and other skilled employees.
- WestJet is waiting for a response from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) regarding intervention under the Canada Labour Code.
- The airline's President, Diederik Pen, expressed disappointment at the necessity of activating the contingency plan and parking aircraft due to the strike notice.
- WestJet assures that it will continue to prioritize safety and make every effort to reaccommodate all impacted guests.
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