WestJet to start cancelling flights Thursday as mechanics' strike looms
CEO says union trying to create 'maximum damage' with timing ahead of July 1 weekend
WestJet Airlines Ltd., Canada’s second-largest carrier, will begin cancelling flights on Thursday — just ahead of a long holiday weekend — as it prepares for a strike.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
WestJet to start cancelling flights Thursday as mechanics' strike looms Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet’s chief executive, said on Wednesday that the union is trying to create “maximum damage” by choosing this timing for a work stoppage. The company, controlled by private equity firm Onex Corp., is expecting more than 250,000 passengers during the weekend that includes Canada Day — a national holiday on July 1.
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, Victoria Wells and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, Victoria Wells and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Sign In or Create an Account
If a deal isn’t reached, more than 680 workers in the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association can walk off the job as soon as Friday evening.
“We will keep a base network flying, but it will be substantially reduced compared to what we had originally planned,” von Hoensbroech said.
The union threatened strikes earlier this month and in May, but called them off after reaching tentative agreements with WestJet. However, union members rejected those deals. The union said Wednesday that the company has been refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations.
The airline’s CEO doesn’t expect another deal to be reached before the strike deadline.
“Right now I don’t see what a resolution could look like unless the union becomes reasonable,” von Hoensbroech said.
Bloomberg.com
