The union representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants 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 the two parties on crucial matters.
Alia Hussain, chair of the union’s WestJet division, emphasized the need for fair changes and expressed determination in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. Despite the strike notice, there is still a window for negotiation to avert a strike, with ongoing bargaining efforts around the clock.
In response to the union’s strike notice, WestJet has issued a 72-hour lockout notice. The airline, Canada’s second-largest, is actively engaged in negotiations to secure a resolution. WestJet’s CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, acknowledged the disruption caused to guests and expressed regret over the situation.
If no agreement is reached, potential job action may commence at 12:01 a.m. MT on Sunday. WestJet has been accommodating passengers by allowing changes or cancellations for flights scheduled between July 30 and Aug. 4 without fees. Flights operated by WestJet Encore or partner airlines like Delta Air Lines are not expected to be impacted by the strike.
In the event of flight disruptions, affected guests will be refunded or rebooked as necessary. Both parties have also established protocols for grounding aircraft and ensuring cabin crew return home in case of a work stoppage.
A key issue for the union is the demand for compensation for ground duties, while WestJet argues that all duties are accounted for through a credit hour system rather than hourly wages. The potential financial impact of a strike during the peak summer travel season has been highlighted, with millions of dollars at stake for the airline.
WestJet operates a significant number of daily flights, serving a large volume of passengers, which could face disruptions if an agreement is not reached promptly.
