The labor union representing 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet has given a 72-hour strike notice, setting the stage for a potential strike during the busy summer travel season. The Canadian Union of Public Employees stated that significant differences still exist 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 achieve a fair agreement. Hussain conveyed in a press release on Thursday that there is a window to avert a strike, highlighting ongoing negotiations to resolve the issues.
In response to the union’s strike notice, WestJet has initiated a 72-hour lockout notice, as confirmed in their statement. The airline stressed its commitment to active discussions aimed at reaching a resolution.
WestJet’s CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, acknowledged the impact of the situation on passengers and expressed regret over the disruption caused. The company emphasized the importance of ensuring operational continuity and minimizing disruptions for guests, staff, and aircraft.
If an agreement is not reached, potential job action could commence at 12:01 a.m. MT on Sunday. The airline is allowing passengers with flights scheduled between July 30 and August 4 to make changes without fees. Regional flights and code-share services are expected to operate normally in case of a strike.
In addition, a contingency plan has been established between the two parties to address grounding aircraft and facilitating the return of cabin crew in the event of a work stoppage.
One of the union’s central concerns is the issue of unpaid ground duties, contrasting with WestJet’s stance that all duties are compensated through a credit hour system. Experts predict substantial financial losses for the carrier in the event of a strike during a peak travel period.
WestJet, known as Canada’s second-largest airline, operates a significant volume of daily flights, catering to a large number of passengers on a regular basis.