in over a week from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which represents some 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and other skilled-trade positions at the carrier.The preemptive flight cancellations will ensure that aircrafts can be safely parked in a controlled manner, and prevent the stranding of travellers and crew, WestJet said.
The timing of the potential job action could disrupt the travel plans of more than 250,000 customers who are scheduled to travel over the July long weekend, the airline said.“As we quickly approach the July long weekend, it is especially devastating that the strike notice we have received from AMFA forces us to begin cancelling flights and parking aircraft, for the second time in just over a week,” said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and group chief operating officer.
The AMFA is accusing WestJet of suing it without notifying its negotiators, who are working with the airline on a new collective bargaining deal. The union said WestJet’s statement about a strike putting it and travellers in peril is “inflammatory” and is urging WestJet to spend more negotiating with union representatives.Union members overwhelmingly voted to reject a tentative deal earlier this month and have opposed WestJet’s request for arbitration.Who’s happier, homeowners or renters? Data says it’s complicatedViewed