Canadian airline WestJet cancels flights in anticipation of mechanic strike
- WestJet has canceled 40 flights affecting 6,500 customers over June 18-19.
- The potential strike by aircraft maintenance technicians is expected to start Thursday.
- The airline is preparing for the strike by proactively canceling flights.
WestJet is canceling and consolidating flights in anticipation of a strike by its aircraft maintenance engineers and technical operations employees. The strike is set to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, with 40 flights canceled over June 18-19, affecting 6,500 customers. The mechanics union gave a 72-hour strike notice, covering about 681 employees. The Canadian Industrial Review Board is holding hearings on the dispute, with potential actions including arbitration. WestJet faces demands for improved working conditions and higher salaries. The airline aims to avoid passenger and plane disruptions during the strike. The union claims WestJet is trying to impose a rejected contract, leading to job vacancies due to low pay. Founded in the 1990s, WestJet is Canada's second-largest airline.