Despite Ministers order for arbitration, the
union's continued irresponsible actions are impacting tens of
thousands of travellers
CALGARY,
AB, June 29, 2024 /CNW/ - Due to the Aircraft
Mechanics Fraternal Association's (AMFA) decision to strike despite
the Ministerial mandate for arbitration, WestJet has announced an
additional 235 flight cancellations. Until the union's irrational
strike action is rescinded, or immediate intervention is received,
WestJet will be forced to continue issuing flight cancellations to
maintain stability across its remaining operation.
"This situation is devastating. The union's irrational actions
are single-handedly causing irrevocable damage to our guests who
are missing wedding celebrations, critical medical appointments,
family reunions and long-awaited vacations, while stranding
thousands of Canadians who are left without support or a flight
home," says Diederik Pen,
President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating
Officer. "We are seeking every avenue for intervention and working
around the clock to maintain a stable network, while we reduce our
flying in a safe and controlled manner."
Through Saturday, June 29, WestJet
will continue parking aircraft in stations across Canada with significant disruptions expected
by end of day.
Total cancellation summary
Thursday, June 27 – Friday, June 28, 2024
- ~25 cancellations
- ~3300 guests impacted
Friday, June 28
- ~150 cancellations
- ~20,000 guests impacted
Saturday, June 29
- ~235 cancellations
- ~33,000 guests impacted
For further context on the evolving situation, please review our
Fact Page on westjet.com.
Guests travelling are advised to check the status of their
flight prior to leaving for the airport. Please visit WestJet's
Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status,
travel changes and more.
About WestJet
In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in
half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet
launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five
destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft,
14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26
countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit
westjet.com.
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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership