Canadians heading away for the August long weekend are being urged to prepare for possible travel disruptions as WestJet and its flight attendants' union remain in contract negotiations, with a strike or lockout possible this weekend.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, which represents approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on Thursday. WestJet responded with a lockout notice, although both sides have said negotiations are continuing and a work stoppage is not inevitable. If no agreement is reached, job action could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. MT on Aug. 2.
RELATED: WestJet Issues Lockout Notice Following Cabin Crew Strike Notice
Despite the ongoing talks, WestJet has warned that some flights could be affected before any formal strike deadline as the airline adjusts its schedule to reduce the risk of stranding passengers and aircraft.
Travellers urged to consider changing plans
Travel advisors are encouraging passengers with flexible travel plans to review their options now rather than waiting for potential cancellations.
According to VOCM, CAA Atlantic spokesperson Julia Kent said WestJet's current flexible change and cancellation policy gives travellers an opportunity to avoid being caught in widespread disruptions. She also said passengers continue to have rights under Canada's air passenger protection rules, even if a labour dispute occurs.
Kent noted that if WestJet cannot rebook a passenger on one of its own or a partner airline's flights within a reasonable timeframe, it must arrange transportation on another carrier. Under current regulations, that timeframe is generally 48 hours, she told VOCM.
WestJet and CUPE remain at the bargaining table (Photo Credit: CUPE Local 8152 Facebook)
WestJet is allowing eligible customers travelling between July 30 and Aug. 4 to change or cancel their bookings without standard penalties, provided changes are made more than two hours before departure and new travel takes place within 60 days of the original itinerary. Refund eligibility depends on the fare purchased.
What passengers should know
CTV News reports that travellers should closely monitor their email and flight status, particularly those who booked directly with WestJet. Customers who booked through a travel advisor or online travel agency should contact their booking provider for assistance if their itinerary changes.
The report also notes that while Canada's Airline Passenger Protection Regulations require airlines to rebook passengers following cancellations, compensation for delays caused by labour disruptions is more limited than for disruptions within an airline's control.
RELATED: TICO Outlines Consumer Rights as WestJet Labour Disruption Looms
Air Canada has indicated it will try to accommodate affected WestJet passengers where seats are available, but cautioned that capacity is extremely limited because the August long weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Business groups warn of broader impact
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is also calling for a negotiated settlement, warning that another airline labour disruption could have consequences beyond the travel sector.
In a statement, CFIB said many small businesses depend on reliable air service during the busy summer season and that cancellations could affect tourism operators, restaurants, hotels and other businesses across the country. The organization urged both parties to reach an agreement as quickly as possible to minimize economic disruption.
The labour dispute comes during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, with thousands of Canadians expected to fly for vacation and holiday travel. Both WestJet and CUPE have said they remain at the bargaining table in hopes of reaching an agreement before any work stoppage occurs.
Visit WestJet’s Travel Advisory page and westjet.com/cabincrew for the latest updates on bargaining.
Topics From This Article to Explore
