Canada: WestJet maintenance workers launch nationwide strike June 29 /update 2

WestJet (WS) maintenance engineers and technical workers represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) launched a nationwide strike starting June 29 to demand pay increases. The move comes despite the Ministry of Transportation ordering parties to commit to binding arbitration. The airline had already canceled more than 150 flights as of June 29.

The strike will likely prompt significant flight delays and cancellations across WestJet's network; flight disruptions are also probable with the carrier's subsidiary Sunwing (WG). WestJet could announce further preemptive flight cancellations and adjustments over the coming days. Flight disruptions will probably extend for several hours beyond the end of the strike as the company repositions aircraft and works through its passenger backlog.