CALGARY,
AB, June 26, 2024 /CNW/ - WestJet has started
cancelling flights, as the airline reacts to its Aircraft
Maintenance Engineers and other Technical Operations employees plan
to go on strike as of Friday, June 28
at 5:30 p.m. MT. This action ensures
the airline can safely park its aircraft in a controlled manner,
while enabling proactive communication and preventing the stranding
of WestJet's guests and crew.
WestJet has presented the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal
Association (AMFA) with a Canadian industry-leading agreement that
is better suited than the previously rejected tentative agreement.
Just hours into day one of a mutually agreed to four-day bargaining
period, the union served a strike notice. This timing could disrupt
the travel plans of more than 250,000 guests scheduled to travel
over the July long weekend and appears to be an attempt to force an
unreasonable contract.
"As we quickly approach the July long weekend, it is especially
devastating that the strike notice we have received from AMFA
forces us to begin cancelling flights and parking aircraft, for the
second time in just over a week. As we are forced to make this
painful decision, every one of us at WestJet feels the immense
weight of the impact this will have on each of our guests and the
communities we serve, counting on us to fulfill their travel plans
this weekend," said Diederik Pen,
President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating
Officer.
In the coming 48-hours the WestJet Group will work to park
aircraft, in a measured, phased and safe approach, resulting in the
following cancellations.
Total cancellation summary
Thursday, June 27 – Friday, June 28, 2024
Guest impact*
*WestJet is making every effort to reaccommodate all impacted
guests
"We remain at the bargaining table, committed to reaching an
agreement; however, we have no choice but to hold strong on a
reasonable outcome that protects our future and ability to provide
Canadians with critical and affordable air travel. As we initiate
flight cancellations across our network, we will continue to manage
our operations to the highest degree of safety," concluded Pen.
Guests travelling are advised to check the status of their
flight prior to leaving for the airport. Please visit
WestJet's Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight
status, travel changes and more.
About WestJet
In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in
half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet
launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five
destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft,
14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26
countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit
westjet.com.
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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership