A potential work stoppage is on the horizon for 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline. This development has led to the cancellation of several flights as the airline prepares for a potential strike. The flight attendants’ union issued a 72-hour strike notice, prompting WestJet to respond with a 72-hour lockout notice.
While the strike and lockout have not commenced yet, negotiations are ongoing during the 72-hour notice period. If no agreement is reached by Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT, a strike could begin. Both WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have stated that they are actively engaged in negotiations to reach a resolution.
As of Saturday at 11 a.m. MT, WestJet had already cancelled 198 flights, with the possibility of more disruptions if an agreement is not reached. The airline aims to prevent passengers and crew from being stranded and advises travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
For passengers with upcoming flights, WestJet is offering the flexibility to make one-time changes or cancellations without fees for travel between July 30 and August 4. Refunds are available for certain booking types, such as PremiumFlex and BusinessFlex flights, if passengers choose to cancel. In case of delays or cancellations, affected passengers will be refunded or re-accommodated as necessary.
It is important for travelers to stay informed about any changes to their flights. WestJet will notify passengers directly for those who booked with the airline, while those who booked through third parties will need to make changes through their booking agents.
The ongoing dispute between WestJet and its flight attendants revolves around compensation for ground duties, a contentious issue that has also been a point of contention in previous airline labor disputes. WestJet uses a credit hour system to calculate pay rates, combining various tasks into a single rate of pay. The union argues that certain ground duties are unpaid, while the airline maintains its current system is fair.
The situation remains fluid as negotiations continue, and passengers are advised to monitor updates from WestJet regarding their travel plans.