WestJet cancelled over 200 more flights on Saturday, June 29, following its mechanics union's surprise strike.
The airline has announced 235 flight cancellations for Saturday, impacting 33,000 travellers over the Canada Day long weekend; more cancellations are expected during the WestJet strike.
WestJet reported 25 flight cancellations impacting 3,300 guests from Thursday, June 27 through Friday, June 28 and an additional 150 cancellations impacting 20,000 passengers on Friday.
On Friday, June 28, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing the mechanics, instructed its members to cease work at 4:30 p.m.
Union members walked off the job at 5:30 p.m. Friday, saying WestJet's "unwillingness to negotiate with the union made the strike inevitable."
In an email to WestJet senior manager for labour relations Virgina Swindall published on AMFA's website, the union accused the employer of shutting down negotiations, listing conduct such as allegedly withholding a revised contract proposal and asking for certain members of the negotiating committee to be excluded.
The move came after the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration on Thursday, following two weeks of turbulent discussions with the union on a new deal.
Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, characterized the union's decision as "devastating," noting that many travellers will miss weddings, medical appointments, family reunions, and vacations.
WestJet had planned to fly over 250,000 guests over the long weekend, including many flights to and from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Guests should check their flight status online before leaving for the airport. They should also visit WestJet's Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status and travel changes.
What to do if your WestJet has not been cancelled
Customers with WestJet flights in all fare classes scheduled between June 29 and July 1 are entitled to a free one-time fee waiver for changes or cancellations.
Travellers should keep the following rules in mind when booking their new ticket:
- If you change your destination, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
- If you change to a different aircraft cabin, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
- Changes to WestJet Rewards companion voucher booking (including expired companion voucher bookings) are permitted.
- Travel must be completed by July 24 to have the difference in fare waived. The difference in fare will apply to travel completed after July 25, 2024.
- If you cancel your booking, the funds will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked; Basic and UltraBasic will receive travel credit.
- If you cancel your booking, any portion paid with WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit or a WestJet rewards companion voucher will be returned to your account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
- Changes or cancellations must be requested more than two hours before the original departure.
To change an existing booking, visit WestJet's Manage Flights portal online.
Travellers who booked WestJet Vacations packages may also enjoy flexible re-booking policies for travel commencing during the same time.
- A free one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations (hotel penalties apply).
- If you change your booking, the difference in package price applies and is subject to availability.
- If you cancel your booking, the value of the package will be returned as WestJet dollars with a one-year expiry date, less a $200 per person hotel penalty.
To cancel an existing WestJet Vacations booking, visit Manage Vacation Packages.
What to do if your WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations package has been cancelled
Emails about strike flight notifications will have the subject line “Essential or Crucial details for your upcoming flight” and will provide passengers with direct links to the airline’s self-serve or live chat options.
With files from the Canadian Press and the Richmond News.
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