The union representing 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet has given a 72-hour strike notice, potentially leading to a strike during the busy summer travel period. The Canadian Union of Public Employees indicates significant differences between the two parties on crucial matters.
Alia Hussain, the chair of the union’s WestJet division, emphasized the necessity for changes and expressed efforts to secure a fair agreement. Hussain mentioned that there is still room to prevent a strike and highlighted continuous negotiations to resolve the issues.
In response to the strike notice, WestJet has issued a corresponding 72-hour lockout notice. The airline, Canada’s second-largest, affirmed ongoing negotiations in pursuit of a resolution.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed regret over the disruption caused to guests and emphasized the importance of ensuring operational integrity and minimizing potential inconveniences.
While the union’s strike notice does not guarantee a strike, the possibility of job action starting on Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT looms if an agreement is not reached. Passengers potentially affected by the strike have been offered flexibility to adjust their travel plans without fees.
The airline and union have also finalized an agreement outlining procedures in case of a work stoppage, including grounding aircraft and facilitating the return of cabin crew to their home bases.
One key point of contention is the issue of unpaid ground duties, with the union arguing that certain tasks are not adequately compensated. WestJet maintains that all duties are remunerated through a credit hour system rather than hourly wages.
Industry experts warn that even a short-term shutdown could result in significant financial losses for the airline during a peak travel period. WestJet’s daily operations involve a substantial number of flights, serving tens of thousands of passengers daily.