WestJet cancels flights ahead of possible mechanics’ strike

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WestJet Airlines is cancelling flights after the union representing 670 aircraft technicians said it could strike on Thursday night.

Calgary-based WestJet cut 53 flights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, potentially affecting at least 6,500 customers, as it parked planes and consolidated routes ahead of the 9 p.m. ET Thursday deadline announced by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.

WestJet said more cuts are possible, and it is taking the steps to reduce the chances customers, crew and aircraft are not stranded or abandoned at remote destinations.

“We are making every effort to re-accommodate disrupted guests,” WestJet said on Wednesday.

The disruptions come on the eve of the busy summer travel season, when airplanes are full and ticket prices high. The recent failure of Lynx Air also means travellers have fewer choices.

The WestJet workers, who include maintenance engineers and other skilled trades, last week rejected a tentative agreement on a first contract with the airline with 97 per cent voting against it. The company called the vote “deeply concerning,” and asked the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to step in and arbitrate between the two sides.

“It is clear that the bargaining process has broken down,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet’s operating chief. He said the rejected agreement included pay raises of 30 to 40 per cent in the first year.

Jean-Daniel Tardif, the CIRB’s senior director of dispute resolution services, said the tribunal was scheduled to meet with the two sides on Wednesday. “The board will then determine next steps, as appropriate,” Mr. Tardif said, adding it is too soon to provide details or a timeline.

The union, meanwhile, said WestJet is not bargaining in good faith, and is offering wages that are 30 per cent less than those of other North American airlines.

WestJet accounts for about one-third of the domestic market. It was scheduled to fly about 560 flights on Wednesday, according aviation data company Cirium.

Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan said in a post to X, formerly called Twitter, that he has referred the labour dispute to the CIRB.

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Federal regulations outline how passengers are to be treated when their travel plans are disrupted, depending on the cause and length of delay.

Passengers whose flights are cancelled or delayed by three hours are entitled to a rebooking on the next available flight or with another airline, according to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).

They are also owed compensation from the airline for their inconvenience, if the disruption was within the carrier’s control. This amount ranges between $400 and $1,000 each, depending on the length of the delay. Passengers are entitled to refunds if the alternatives do not work for them, and are owed $400 for their troubles.

WestJet did not immediately respond when asked if it is taking the position the flight cancellations are safety-related, which could relieve it of liability for compensating passengers.

Aggrieved customers can file a complaint with the CTA. The agency has a backlog of more than 72,800 air traveller complaints.