A prominent travel agents’ group says WestJet customers should be fully reimbursed for any losses they suffered as a result of the WestJet mechanics strike. It says travel advisors who had to work to rebook clients should be compensated.
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies today (July 2) issued a press release saying WestJet “should take full responsibility” for the strike.
“ACTA is deeply concerned about the impact of the recent WestJet disruptions on travellers, travel agencies, and travel advisors,” the group said. “While we’re relieved the strike has concluded, we recognize the significant challenges it has created.
“We’ve heard from many of our members about the extreme difficulties they’ve faced in rebooking clients and securing appropriate compensation. The situation has placed an undue burden on travel agencies and travel advisors, who have worked tirelessly to assist affected travellers.”
Some agents and customers say they were on hold for nine or even 10 hours on the Canada Day weekend as they tried to arrange flights.
pexels-energepic-com photo
WestJet cancelled more than 1,000 flights as a result of the mechanics strike, which began late Friday afternoon on June 28 and ended late Sunday night June 30 Calgary time. With planes and air crews scattered around the country, WestJet has had to cancel flights well into this week.
The company today (July 2) said it cancelled 295 flights on Canada Day, then 75 today. That’s up from the 27 cancelled flights it said it would cancel for today. The airline also said it has had to cancel eight flights on Wednesday, July 3.
“Although we appreciate the difficulty WestJet faced over the last few days, ACTA believes that when airlines face operational issues within their control resulting in cancellations, they should take full responsibility for all aspects of their customers’ bookings and make their customers whole for any losses incurred,” ACTA said. “We’re also advocating for fair compensation for travel advisors who have spent countless hours managing these disruptions on behalf of their clients. Their time and effort should be recognized and compensated appropriately.
“ACTA is committed to working with all parties involved to improve policies and procedures that protect travellers, travel agencies, and travel advisors during unforeseen disruptions,” officials said. “We will continue to push for solutions that ensure fair treatment for all parties involved in these challenging situations.”
It’s not clear what kind of compensation passengers on cancelled flights will receive. WestJet’s website says labour actions are not under its control.
“Under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), a labour disruption within the carrier or within an essential service provider is considered outside of air carrier control. As a result, any disruption in travel plans due to work stoppage or strike are not eligible for compensation under APPR,” the airline says on its site.
