Things are not going well up north these days. Not only is the country being taken apart by the Deep State, WEF backed nuts in office, but major companies are now seeing labor issues. The airline industry is not immune.
WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, experienced significant disruptions on Saturday as it canceled at least 150 flights, impacting nearly 20,000 passengers. The cancellations were a result of a strike by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which includes the airline’s maintenance workers. The strike arose during the Canada Day long weekend, affecting both international and domestic flights and creating a major inconvenience for travelers.
Thanks @WestJet for cancelling our flight as we are dropping off our bags this morning!! You’ve ruined our family vacation! This 5 year old woke up at 4am excited and was looking forward to our Bahamas trip! You suck! pic.twitter.com/YjeEtnHUXS
— D. Rose (@RoseClass5_6) June 29, 2024
The strike was declared after ongoing negotiations between WestJet and the union broke down. The union has pointed to the airline’s reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations as the trigger for their action. Despite a federal government intervention earlier in the week, where a ministerial order for binding arbitration was issued, the situation escalated to a strike. This government directive came after two weeks of discussions failed to yield a new agreement.
Initially, WestJet had announced that in light of the ministerial order, a strike or lockout would be averted. The airline had stated on Thursday that they would not proceed with canceling flights as the union had agreed to abide by the arbitration direction. However, the strike proceeded unexpectedly, contradicting the airline’s prior announcements and catching many off guard during a busy travel period.
WestJet cancelled another 235 flights today. That’s 410 flights in the last 3 days, affecting 56,000-plus passengers. Folks are understandably furious about a strike that has caused travel chaos on Canada Day. https://t.co/bcfnZejRMM #WestJet #travel #CanadaDay
— Canada’s Travel Guy (@JimByersTravel) June 29, 2024
In response to the strike, WestJet expressed its intention to hold the union accountable for the “unnecessary stress and costs” caused by the action. On the other hand, the union’s negotiating committee issued an update to its members, citing a decision by the Canada Industrial Relations Board. According to the union, this decision did not explicitly prohibit strikes or lockouts while arbitration was underway, thereby providing them with a basis to proceed with their strike.
Canada minister to meet with WestJet Airlines, striking mechanics https://t.co/Eee0UCkr8Z pic.twitter.com/kaVGKhfVS3
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) June 29, 2024
As the arbitration process continues and the parties work through their disagreements, the impact of the strike is being felt by thousands of travelers, disrupting plans and causing widespread confusion during a major holiday weekend.
Key Points:
i. Flight Cancellations: WestJet canceled 150 flights, impacting nearly 20,000 passengers due to a strike by maintenance workers.
ii. Union Negotiations: The strike followed a breakdown in negotiations between WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, despite a federal order for binding arbitration.
iii. Government Intervention: A ministerial order issued by the federal government aimed to prevent the strike through arbitration but was unsuccessful.
iv. Strike Impact: The strike occurred during the Canada Day long weekend, affecting both international and domestic flights.
v. Union and Airline Stance: While WestJet vowed to hold the union accountable for costs and stress, the union maintained that the legal framework allowed them to strike during arbitration proceedings.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
