CHAT News File Photo

By Canadian Press

WestJet begins cancelling flights ahead of potential strike by pilots

May 18, 2023 | 1:28 PM

Talks between WestJet and the pilots’ union continue amid the countdown toward a Friday strike deadline, with the airline saying it has started to cancel flights ahead of the anticipated work stoppage.

Some 1,800 pilots at the carrier and its Swoop subsidiary are poised to walk off the job as of 3 a.m. mountain standard time after the Air Line Pilots Association issued a strike notice Monday.

The federal labour minister and the government’s head mediator as well as WestJet’s CEO and the pilots’ union leaders have all descended on a hotel near Toronto’s Pearson airport to work toward a deal.

WestJet issued a statement early Thursday saying it has begun cancelling flights in preparation for the job action.

The statement reads that the WestJet Group is parking the majority of its 737 and 787 fleet in a “measured, phased and safe approach,” given that a tentative agreement has not yet been reached. The airline says WestJet Encore, WestJet Link as well as limited 737 flights will continue to operate during this time.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

WestJet chief executive Alexis von Hoensbroech says the union’s demands are extreme, while the travel plans of thousands of Canadians hang in limbo ahead of the May long weekend.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 18, 2023.

The Canadian Press