WestJet is cancelling flights ahead of possible strike and here's what it means for travellers
Travellers flying with WestJet soon may experience some turbulence with their bookings ahead of a potential strike.
WestJet announced that it has started cancelling flights in anticipation of job action by its aircraft maintenance workers to minimize the risk of leaving passengers stranded and abandoning aircraft in remote locations.
If you've got an upcoming trip with the airline, here's what you need to know about the situation.
On Wednesday, June 19, WestJet said in a press release that it has started cancelling and consolidating flights, in order to "park aircraft in a safe and organized manner."
The decision comes ahead of a potential strike by some 670 WestJet mechanics represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, who are set to walk off the job as early as Thursday, June 20, after issuing a strike notice earlier this week.
Earlier this month, aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) rejected a tentative agreement reached with WestJet, citing "bad faith bargaining tactics," in the negotiation process.
According to the union, wages, outsourcing, and scheduling are some of the central issues in the bargaining process. Union members are asking for a compensation package similar to that of other North American airlines.
"WestJet has admitted that they cannot hire qualified engineers at the rates it is paying," said national president Bret Oestrich in a statement, adding that many positions are unfilled as AMEs are resigning with an increase in grounded planes.
"Still, WestJet’s final offer was more than 30 percent below the prevailing rate at North American carriers."
In a statement, WestJet said it made a formal request on Monday that the Canadian Industrial Relations Board and Minister of Labour intervene under the Canada Labour code.
"This process would refer both WestJet and AMFA to arbitration for a first collective agreement and would allow an unbiased third-party to issue a collective agreement that would be binding on both parties. It would also prevent any labour action by either party," the airline said.
In response, AMFA issued a 72-hour strike notification, indicating intent for a work stoppage as early as Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m. MT (9 p.m. ET).
As WestJet prepares for the potential strike by cancelling and consolidating flights, the airline says it is "making every effort to reaccommodate all impacted guests."
On Wednesday, some of the airline's planned flights at Toronto Pearson Airport and Vancouver International Airport were cancelled.
Between Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19, the airline said it made 40 cancellations, with 6,500 travellers impacted.
What if I'm flying with WestJet?
Travellers are advised to check the status of their WestJet flight prior to leaving for the airport.
For flight bookings from June 19-20, WestJet says a $0 one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations. If you change your destination or change to a different aircraft cabin, the difference in fare applies, and any residual funds will be refunded
Travel must be completed by July 24, 2024, to have the difference in fare waived. The difference in fare will apply to travel completed after July 25, 2024, it says.
If you cancel your booking, the funds will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked. Basic and UltraBasic fares will receive travel credit, says WestJet. Your change or cancellation must also be requested more than 2 hours before your original departure.
For those with WestJet vacations during this time period, the airline says that a $0 one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations.
If you change your booking, the difference in package price applies and is subject to availability, it says. If you cancel your booking, the funds will be returned as WestJet dollars with a one-year expiry date, less a $200 per person hotel penalty.
If you have a WestJet flight or vacation that you booked through a travel agent or online booking agency, WestJet says to contact them directly.
If your flight or vacation has been cancelled, WestJet says to check your inbox for an email from the airline with the subject line “Essential or Crucial details for your upcoming flight” for self-serve or live chat options.
More information can be found on the airline's Guest Updates page.
"We are immensely disheartened that we are in a position where we must activate our contingency plan and begin parking aircraft, as a result of the strike notice served by AMFA," said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and Group COO.
"We will continue to manage our operations to the highest degree of safety and will never compromise in this area."
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
