WestJet says it has begun an organized wind-down of its network and is cancelling flights for affected passengers as a labour dispute with its cabin crew union threatens to disrupt operations.
The airline said the move comes in response to the union’s notice to strike and the two sides’ inability to reach an agreement. WestJet said its most recent proposal was designed to be a transformative, industry-leading agreement for its cabin crew and directly addressed the key issues the union identified as its priorities.
To protect the integrity of its network and reduce the risk of stranding passengers and aircraft, the airline said it has started issuing cancellations and reducing flying. WestJet said the move is meant to ensure it retains full control of its operations and can communicate with passengers and crew to minimize the number of people left stranded.
The airline said it remains at the bargaining table and is committed to reaching a negotiated tentative agreement that recognizes the contributions and professionalism of its cabin crew.
As of 5 p.m. ET Saturday, WestJet had cancelled a total of 276 flights network-wide since Friday evening. The airline reported 78 cancellations as of 5 p.m. ET Saturday, up from 86 cancellations as of 1 p.m. ET Saturday, which followed 32 cancellations as of 11 a.m. ET Saturday. On Friday, WestJet had reported 80 cancellations as of 11 p.m. ET.
