Canada: WestJet technicians avert nationwide strike June 20 /update 1

WestJet (WS) maintenance engineers and technical workers represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) canceled a nationwide strike in Canada that was planned to start at 21:00 EDT on June 20. The announcement came after the union and the airline jointly agreed to resume negotiations. In anticipation of the strike, the airline had already canceled at least 30 flights. Travelers have been advised to reconfirm the status of their flights.

Residual flight disruptions across WestJet's network are possible on June 20 as the company repositions aircraft and works through its passenger backlog. Flights by the carrier's subsidiary, Sunwing (WG), are unlikely to be affected. As the airline and union have not yet reached a deal, further strikes could be announced in the coming weeks.