Some WestJet flights could start to be grounded as early as Friday unless the airline and its flight attendants reach a new contract ahead of a possible strike this weekend.
WestJet and the union representing about 4,400 flight attendants have agreed to an operational wind-down plan should a strike or lockout begin as early as Sunday. The agreement outlines how aircrafts would be grounded and how cabin crew would be returned home in the event of a work stoppage.
“The goal is to try to get as many of our cabin crew members, but also as many of our guests back as possible, prior to a strike deadline in a safe and orderly fashion,” said Cameron Jones, the recording secretary for CUPE Local 8125.
The union said the agreement is intended to minimize disruption while negotiations continue.
Flight attendants voted 99 per cent in favour of a strike mandate earlier this month as contract negotiations continue.
“Unpaid work remain one of the largest issues,” said Jones.
“WestJet being the second largest carriers in Canada, our flight attendants are among some of the lowest paid in the industry.”
In a statement to CTV News, WestJet said it remains actively engaged in negotiations and is “fully prepared to make meaningful improvements that work for cabin crew members while balancing the future sustainability of WestJet.” It went on to say, “we are optimistic we can arrive at an agreement.”
If a strike goes ahead, about 75,000 passengers a day could be affected.
WestJet has also offered eligible WestJet Rewards members the option to cancel or reschedule bookings scheduled between July 30 and Aug. 4.
While the airline is offering some passengers additional flexibility, air passenger rights advocate Gabor Lukacs said travellers should avoid cancelling their flights prematurely if they can.
“Wait until WestJet cancels,” Lukacs said. “If they fail to provide alternate transportation, I would just buy myself a ticket on a different airline and make WestJet pay for it.”
For some travellers however, waiting is not an option.
Calgary resident Lily Ahonen said she cancelled her family’s WestJet flights after receiving the airline’s advisory, then booked replacement tickets with another carrier to ensure her daughter can attend a student visa appointment in Vancouver on Aug. 5.
“It’s been just uncertainty, a lot of stress,” Ahonen said.
She said WestJet offered travel credits rather than a cash refund and she ended up paying much more for replacement flights.
“I’ve paid double now — more than double — because the new flights were more expensive,” she said.
Despite the added expense, Ahonen said she supports the flight attendants’ efforts to secure a better contract.
“I 100 per cent believe they do deserve fair pay for their work,” she said. “I believe the airlines should do the right thing and just avoid this altogether.”
