The labor union representing 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet has given a 72-hour strike notice, potentially leading to a strike during the busy summer travel season. The Canadian Union of Public Employees stated that significant differences remain between both parties.
Alia Hussain, the chair of the union’s WestJet branch, emphasized the need for fair changes and expressed the union’s commitment to negotiating for a resolution to avoid a strike. WestJet responded by issuing a 72-hour lockout notice following the union’s strike notice.
The airline, the second-largest in Canada, affirmed its ongoing efforts to negotiate a deal and expressed regret over the disruption and uncertainty caused to travelers. WestJet’s CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, highlighted the importance of maintaining operational integrity and minimizing disruptions for passengers, crew, and aircraft.
If an agreement is not reached, job action could commence as early as Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT. WestJet has allowed passengers with flights between July 30 and Aug. 4 to change or cancel their bookings without fees. Regional flights and code-share services are not expected to be affected by the strike.
In preparation for a potential work stoppage, an agreement has been reached between the two parties regarding grounding aircraft and ensuring the return of cabin crew. The main point of contention for the union revolves around unpaid ground duties, while WestJet maintains that all tasks are compensated under a credit hour system.
Aviation management expert John Gradek noted the significant financial impact a brief shutdown would have on WestJet during the peak summer travel period. The airline, handling over 600 daily flights and transporting tens of thousands of passengers, faces potential disruptions if a resolution is not reached soon.