With Potential Strike Sunday AM, WestJet Has Yet to Announce Flight Cancellations

Less than 48 hours before a strike or lockout by its flight attendants, WestJet has not announced any flight cancellations. This is unusual as it is standard practice for airlines to wind down flight schedules ahead of a strike deadline so that planes and crews are not left in far-off places with limited options to return.

Ahead of the potential strike, WestJet has been allowing passengers travelling between July 30 and August 4 to make a one-time change or cancellation with no fees. 

Ticket holders who are given notice of a cancellation due to the strike are eligible for refunds.

The latest communications on the Westjet website read as follows:

“We are actively working toward a resolution within 72 hours that prevents a work stoppage from occurring on August 2 at 02:01 ET (00:01 MT). Issuing a 72-hour notice does not mean a work stoppage will occur.”

However, WestJet says it will take “all necessary actions” to actively manage potential impacts to guests, including:

• Beginning preparations to operate a reduced schedule.
• Proactively managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.
• If you’re travelling during this period, review your travel plans and use the flexible self-serve change and cancellation options available in Manage Trips.

Julia Kent, Director Advocacy & Community Relations at CAA Atlantic, told Newfoundland broadcaster VOCM that the compensation issue for cancelled flights is not black and white, as it depends on the situation.

“Airlines are required to book you on another flight that they have a partnership with, if it’s cancelled, within a reasonable time frame,” says Kent. “If that’s not available, they have to book you on any airline within a reasonable time frame.”

She says that time frame is 48 hours. “Your rights don’t disappear in the event of a strike or the possibility of a strike,” Kent said.

Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), issued the following statement in response to the looming WestJet strike and lockout: 

“A work stoppage, especially during one of the busiest travel weekends of the summer, would have major consequences for Canada’s transportation network and for the hundreds of thousands of small businesses counting on the critical summer tourism season.

The CFIB says its research shows that one-third of all small businesses rely on summer tourism for their revenues. Even a short disruption could have a significant impact on business plans, the group says, while a prolonged one that eliminates travel for half the summer would be devastating.

“We are calling on WestJet and the union to reach an agreement and avoid any disruption to service. If they’re unable to do so, Ottawa must be ready to intervene and avoid the economic damage a work stoppage in the heart of tourism season would have on Canada’s economy.”