WestJet Mechanic Strike Ends After Hundreds of Cancellations

A strike that caused major disruptions to WestJet service over the weekend has now ended after the airline and the mechanics union reached a tentative labor agreement. 

WestJet confirmed late Sunday that the strike is over, and a deal was struck with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), whose members went on strike starting Friday night, impacting roughly 100,000 customers’ flights. 

“The damage to Canadians and our airline is massive, a swift resolution was necessary; we take no victory laps on this outcome but will sleep better tonight knowing further harm has been prevented,” said Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines and group chief operating officer.

“We will see no further labor action coming out of this dispute, as both parties agree to arbitrate the contract in the case of a failed ratification.”    

The airline grounded 130 planes across 13 airports in Canada this weekend, which led to 832 flights canceled, according to reports. Though the strike is over, the airline says to expect further disruptions throughout the week as the crew gets safely back to work.