WestJet Works to Restore Operations After Short but Painful Strike

WestJet is back up and running after a brief strike/lockout that saw its flight attendants walk off the job early Sunday morning. 

All flights came to a halt just after midnight on Sunday after the airline and CUPE failed to reach a tentative deal. However, redoubled negotiations resulted in the two sides reaching a tentative agreement yesterday, preventing more disruption for Canadian air travellers during peak summer.

The strike and pre-emptive cancellations made before the walkout to avoid planes, passengers and crew members being stranded resulted in about 600 flight cancellations, and there are likely more to come as the airline gets back on track.

WestJet celebrated the tentative agreement on its website, but warned that full restoration of service will take a while. 

“While this is an important step forward, the impact of recent labour disruptions on our scheduled flights means that a full return to normal operations will take time,” the airline stated. “As we resume flying and repositioning our aircraft and crews, some flights may continue to be disrupted. If you’re travelling in the coming days, only head to the airport if your flight is confirmed.

Specific details about the agreement will not be shared until it is ratified, which is mandated within the next 30 days.

Passengers booked to fly through Thursday, August 6 can cancel or make a one-time change to their booking at no cost.