The WestJet mechanics strike continues to play havoc with Canadian travellers.
WestJet on 29JUN said the sudden mechanics strike that began on the eve of the Canada Day long weekend has forced it to cancel another 235 flights, affecting 33,000 passengers at one of the busiest times of the year.
The airline earlier in the day suggested it hoped to see action by the federal government on 29JUN. But federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan seemingly shot down those hopes by posting a note on social media to say it respects the independence of the Canada Industrial Labour Board (CIRB).
O’Regan on 27JUN directed the CIRB to impose final binding arbitration to resolve the outstanding issues between the airline and the mechanics union. The union said it would obey the order, and the travel industry in Canada breathed a huge sigh of relief.
But members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) walked off the job at 7:30 p.m. ET on 28JUN, the Friday night of the long weekend.
AMFA said CIRB made it clear to them that, although binding arbitration was ordered, the union could still legally strike. And that’s what they did.
A CIRB document given to CTV News confirmed the board "finds that the ministerial referral does not have the effect of suspending the right to strike or lockout."
Writing on his Twitter/X account on the morning of 29JUN, O’Regan said he was “reviewing the board’s decision, which is clearly inconsistent with my direction to the board. I will be looking at additional steps to protect the interests of the employer, the union, and all Canadians travelling over this national holiday weekend.”
That sound like he and the Trudeau government might be ready to order CIRB to end the strike.
But he seemed to throw cold water on that idea in another Twitter/X statement later in the day.
“I have reviewed the decision of the Canada Industrial Relations Board in response to my direction that the dispute between AMFA and WestJet be referred to first contract binding arbitration,” he wrote around 2:30 p.m. ET on 29JUN.
“The Board is independent of the government, and I respect its authority,” the minister said. “I will be meeting the parties later today to discuss this matter.”
O’Regan’s comments about CIRB being independent suggests he’s not going to force the board to make WS mechanics go back to work.
The two sides remain far apart, and the mudslinging has been epic, so it’s hard to see a quick settlement taking place. Which means more painful cancellations could be on the way.
After announcing the latest cancellations on 29JUN, WestJet officials let loose with a torrent of criticism of the mechanics’ union.
"This situation is devastating,” said Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer. ‘The union's irrational actions are single-handedly causing irrevocable damage to our guests who are missing wedding celebrations, critical medical appointments, family reunions and long-awaited vacations, while stranding thousands of Canadians who are left without support or a flight home.”
Pen said WS is “seeking every avenue for intervention and working around the clock to maintain a stable network, while we reduce our flying in a safe and controlled manner."
The 29JUN and 28JUN flight cancellations now total a whopping 385, with 53,000 pax affected. Toss in the cancelled flights from earlier in the week and you have 410 cancelled flights and some 56,300 bitterly disappointed and undoubtedly angry customers.
“Until the union's irrational strike action is rescinded, or immediate intervention is received, WestJet will be forced to continue issuing flight cancellations to maintain stability across its remaining operations,” company officials said on 29JUN.
The union posted a response on its website the same day.
“Read carefully WestJet’s publications relating to your collective action,” it said in a letter to its membership. “They resonate with cowardice and deception.
“WestJet’s press releases state that they 'consider' the current strike to be unlawful or that they have come to that 'conclusion.' By cleverly couching public statements as opinion, rather than statements of fact, WestJet tiptoes to the edge of defamation without crossing the line.
“The truth is that, in response to WestJet’s demand that our action be declared unlawful, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, on June 28, stated in stark terms:
[T]he Board heard arguments from the parties on the effect of the binding arbitration directed by the ministerial referral on the union’s right to strike …
[T]he Board finds that the ministerial referral does not have the effect of suspending the right to strike or lockout…
“WestJet has issued a lockout notice, which it has not rescinded. Similarly, we are exercising our constitutional right to withhold our labour.
“AMFA has offered to meet, at any time and any place, to resume negotiations. WestJet has not responded. That is the truth.”
Open Jaw contacted ACTA as to its position on the dire situation both advisors and consumers face as a result of the strike action. Wendy Paradis told Open Jaw ACTA is looking into advocacy approaches to the issue and will follow up with a potential social media campaign which can be undertaken.
