- WestJet flight attendants issued a 72-hour strike notice that ends on Sunday just after midnight in Calgary, creating uncertainty for travellers ahead of the long weekend.
- WestJet responded with a lockout notice on the same timeline as the strike notice, indicating a potential escalation in the labor dispute.
- WestJet has begun parking its 737 aircraft across its network as a precautionary measure ahead of a possible strike by flight attendants.
- Travellers are facing uncertainty as they prepare for the long weekend, with hundreds of flights potentially affected if a strike occurs.
- WestJet is continuing to bargain with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 4,400 flight attendants, in hopes of reaching an agreement on a new contract.
- Flight attendants have raised concerns about ground pay, stating that an average of 35 hours per month go unpaid under WestJet's current 'credit hour' system.
- WestJet's CEO acknowledged employee dissatisfaction with the current pay system and expressed willingness to make changes if financially feasible.
WestJet is parking its 737 aircraft as a precaution against a potential strike by flight attendants, who issued a 72-hour strike notice that could lead to job action starting Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT. This situation leaves many passengers uncertain about their travel plans over the busy August long weekend.2356
The airline stated, "This necessary step allows the airline to maintain operational control and protect the integrity of the broader network," as it continues negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 4,287 flight attendants. If an agreement is not reached, hundreds of flights could be cancelled, stranding travelers.
WestJet has offered what it believes is a competitive contract, including a 36% wage increase over four years and improved scheduling and compensation for flight attendants. However, a key sticking point remains ground pay, with attendants reporting that an average of 35 hours per month go unpaid under the current system. CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech acknowledged employee dissatisfaction but emphasized the need for financially feasible changes.
As the deadline approaches, passengers are urged to stay informed about their flight statuses, with WestJet Encore flights and codeshare operations remaining unaffected for now.
“Ground pay is a key sticking point: flight attendants say an average of 35 hours per month go unpaid under WestJet's 'credit hour' system, while CUPE bargains on behalf of 4,400 flight attendants. If no deal is reached by Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT, a work stoppage could cancel hundreds of flights.”
theglobeandmail.com
