WestJet has begun cancelling flights as a potential strike looms in less than 24 hours.
The airline today said it has been forced to cancel 81 Saturday flights due to the potential strike.
The Calgary International Airport departures page was showing 17 cancelled flights out of Calgary, including scheduled departures to Toronto, Chicago, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Montreal and Honolulu. The Vancouver International Airport departures page was showing cancelled WestJet flights to Toronto, Calgary, Atlanta, Maui and other airports.
WestJet said it had no choice but to cancel flights.
“This action is in response to the union’s notice to strike and the inability to reach an agreement. WestJet’s most recent proposal was designed to be a transformative, industry-leading agreement for WestJet’s Cabin Crew, and directly addressed the key issues the union identified as its priorities,” the airline said in a statement on its website.
“To ensure the integrity of WestJet’s network, and to minimize the risk of stranding guests and aircraft, the airline has started to issue cancellations and reduce flying. These actions ensure the airline has complete control of its operations and can communicate with guests and crew to minimize people being stranded.
“WestJet remains at the table and committed to achieving a negotiated tentative agreement that recognizes the important contributions and professionalism of WestJet’s Cabin Crew.”
WestJet on Friday (July 31) said it would have to start parking planes to help prevent travellers and planes from being stranded abroad.
WestJet flight attendants will be in a legal strike position as of 2:01 a.m. ET tomorrow morning (Aug. 2). The two sides are believed to be still bargaining, but no deal has been announced.
Attendants are seeking payment for unpaid work hours and other changes to their current contract.
WestJet flies some 560 routes per day.
