WestJet, Canada's second largest airline, experienced unexpected disruptions over the Canada Day long weekend as mechanics went on strike despite impending binding arbitration. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) announced the surprise strike on Friday evening due to the airline's unwillingness to negotiate. As a result, WestJet canceled 407 flights affecting approximately 49,000 passengers.
The union stated that there is no modern precedent for the minister's action and roughly 680 workers went on strike. The federal government had issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration on Thursday following two weeks of turbulent negotiations with the union on a new deal.
WestJet will continue to park aircraft through Sunday, operating approximately 30 by Sunday evening. The airline's CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, put the blame for the situation squarely on what he called a 'rogue union from the U.S.' trying to make inroads in Canada.
The union negotiating committee referenced an order by the Canada Industrial Relations Board that does not explicitly bar any strikes or lockouts as the tribunal undertakes arbitration. Sean McVeigh, a WestJet aircraft maintenance engineer picketing at Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 3, said the strike is an attempt to force the airline to return to a 'respectful negotiation.'
Passengers have been left stranded and frustrated as their travel plans have been disrupted. Approximately 33,000 travellers have been affected by WestJet's cancelled flights. The Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) give air passengers using Canadian airlines certain rights in situations like this, including compensation for delayed or cancelled flights and communication from the airline regarding alternative travel arrangements.
