The union representing 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet has given a 72-hour strike notice, potentially leading to strike action during the busy summer travel season. The Canadian Union of Public Employees stated that significant differences remain between the two sides on crucial matters.
Alia Hussain, who chairs the WestJet unit of the union, emphasized the need for fair changes and expressed a commitment to continue negotiations ceaselessly to avoid a strike.
Responding to the union’s strike notice, WestJet issued a 72-hour lockout notice, emphasizing ongoing efforts to reach a mutual agreement. WestJet’s CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, regretted the inconvenience caused to guests and emphasized the importance of maintaining operational integrity.
In the event of no resolution, potential job action could commence at 12:01 a.m. MT on Sunday. WestJet has been accommodating passengers by allowing changes or cancellations without fees for flights scheduled between July 30 and August 4. The airline assured that regional and code-share flights would remain unaffected.
An agreement has been reached this week to address operational logistics in case of a work stoppage, ensuring safe grounding of planes and crew repatriation. One of the key concerns for the union is the issue of unpaid ground duties, contrasting WestJet’s stance on compensation through a credit hour system.
With over 600 daily flights carrying thousands of passengers, a strike during the peak summer season could have significant financial implications for WestJet. Despite the challenges, negotiations are ongoing as both parties seek a resolution.