WestJet
WestJet strike looms: What travellers need to know before flying this weekend
Calgary: WestJet passengers travelling over the August long weekend are facing growing uncertainty as the airline has begun cancelling flights ahead of a potential strike by its flight attendants, despite negotiations continuing between the carrier and the union representing cabin crew, Reuters reported.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents about 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice earlier this week, allowing job action to begin as early as 12:01 a.m. local time on August 2 if no agreement is reached.
WestJet has also issued a lockout notice while bargaining continues with federal mediation, according to Reuters.
Flights already cancelled
WestJet said it had proactively cancelled 86 flights and started parking parts of its Boeing 737 fleet to avoid aircraft and crews becoming stranded if a strike proceeds, Reuters reported, citing the airline.
What is the dispute about?
The main sticking point is compensation for work performed on the ground.
The union argues flight attendants are paid only when an aircraft is in motion, leaving tasks such as boarding passengers, pre-flight safety checks and delays effectively unpaid.
It is seeking compensation from check-in to clock-out, along with broader improvements to pay and working conditions
WestJet, meanwhile, says its cabin crew are paid under a "credit hour" compensation system outlined in the existing collective agreement and maintains it is negotiating a fair and sustainable contract, the airline said in a statement.
If a strike occurs, mainline WestJet flights are expected to be most affected.
Reuters reported that WestJet Encore services and many flights operated by partner airlines are expected to continue, although travellers have been advised to confirm the status of their bookings before heading to the airport.
WestJet has introduced a flexible booking policy allowing eligible passengers travelling between July 30 and August 4 to make a one-time change or cancellation without additional fees, according to the airline's travel advisory.
Both WestJet and CUPE have said they remain committed to reaching a negotiated settlement before any strike begins.
The labour dispute comes during one of Canada's busiest travel periods, when the airline operates more than 600 flights a day and carries roughly 75,000 passengers daily, according to Reuters.
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