Canada: WestJet technicians to launch nationwide strike starting June 20

WestJet (WS) maintenance engineers and technical workers represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) plan to launch a nationwide strike in Canada starting from 21:00 EDT June 20 amid ongoing negotiations on pay increases. The airline has canceled at least 40 flights June 18-19. The intended duration of the AMFA's industrial action is unclear, but it will likely depend on the success of negotiations.

Unless averted, the strike will likely prompt significant flight delays and cancellations across WestJet's network; flights by the carrier's subsidiary Sunwing (WG) will probably also be affected. WestJet could announce further preemptive flight cancellations and delays over the coming days. Flight disruptions will probably extend for several hours beyond the end of any strike as the company repositions aircraft and works through its passenger backlog.