WestJet pilots' strike notice threatens to ground hundreds of flights ahead of May long weekend
Travellers scheduled to fly with WestJet for the May long weekend may be out of luck.
The union representing the airline’s pilots has issued a 72-hour strike notice.
Now, Vancouver International Airport is trying to get ahead of any potential fallout.
“We will have extra staffing here because it is the May long weekend, so we're already expecting a very busy weekend. With this information from WestJet. It's best for passengers just to be as prepared as possible,” said Alyssa Smith, a spokesperson for the Vancouver Airport Authority.
WestJet says it’s preparing to operate on a reduced schedule, which may lead to flight changes and cancellations.
“I’ve been concerned about that this whole time I’ve been gone. I don't want that,” said Joanne, who was flying back home to Edmonton from YVR.
The Air Line Pilots Association says members plan to walk off the job early Friday, prompting the WestJet Group to respond with a lockout notice.
A strike would potentially ground hundreds of flights each day.
“Currently, we're showing four cancellations today, so flights are operating mostly as scheduled. We operate about 120 to 130 flights per day with WestJet,” said Smith.
The major sticking points in contract negotiations have been job protection, scheduling and pay.
“We need to narrow that gap. And really, that is what is driving our pilots away from WestJet to other airlines. Last year alone, we had 260 pilots leave the West, that group of companies, to other airlines—primarily both north and south of the border," said Capt. Bernard Lewall, chair of the WestJet ALPA master executive council.
WestJet declined an interview with CTV News Vancouver, issuing a statement instead.
“The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union today, was not one that was made lightly, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, chief executive officer of WestJet Group.
The airline says impacted customers will be refunded or reaccommodated.
“It is WestJet that has to accommodate your travel plans and buy you a ticket on another airline. They cannot force you to rebook to different date. A deal is a deal, you have a contract with them,” said Gabor Lukacs, an airline passenger rights advocate.
Lukacs is advising travellers to wait and see if the strike even happens, and then leave the responsibility of rebooking to the airline.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israeli airstrike kills at least 20 people including children at a school in central Gaza
An Israeli airstrike has killed at least 20 people including children at a school-turned-shelter in central Gaza, according to local hospitals.
Thousands of miles from home, Trudeau learns of dissension in his caucus
The free trade agreement with ASEAN is expected to be signed at the end of 2025. If Trudeau is pressured to step down, or if his government falls and loses the next election, Trudeau will not, as prime minister, be there to see the fruits of his labour.
Here's the dirt on the germiest items in your day-to-day life
Your home – considered to be one of the safest havens from all the external stresses – is filthy.
Trump suggests a protester may get 'the hell knocked out of her' by her parents
Former U.S. president Donald Trump called for a protester at one of his rallies to 'go back home to Mommy' to 'get the hell knocked out of her,' his latest instance of using violent language when confronted by demonstrators.
Court untangles 'bizarre mess' that allowed Vancouver duplex owner to pay off mortgage after foreclosure, sale
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled on a case she describes as a "bizarre mess" in a decision issued earlier this week.
Historic Jersey Shore amusement park closes after generations of family thrills
The historic Jersey Shore amusement park has closed amid financial woes made worse by COVID-19 and Superstorm Sandy.
Should men and women eat different breakfasts? Study suggests they should
The study, which uses a mathematical model, indicates that men and women may benefit from different breakfast choices to optimize metabolism and potentially aid weight management.
Liberals announce new campaign director amid new push to oust Trudeau
The Liberal Party has named Andrew Bevan as its new national campaign director for the next federal election. The announcement comes as party continues to face lagging polls and as party leader Justin Trudeau is facing new pressure to step aside.
Man with loaded gun arrested at checkpoint near Donald Trump's weekend rally in Southern California
A Nevada man with a shotgun, loaded handgun, ammunition and several fake passports in his vehicle was arrested at a security checkpoint outside Donald Trump's rally Saturday night in the Southern California desert, authorities said.