WestJet, AMFA strike continues as more flights are cancelled

As the strike by close to 700 aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) — represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) — continues, WestJet has been forced to cancel more flights across its network today (June 30).

In a statement, the airline said that it has now cancelled a total of 407 flights to maintain stability across its remaining operation, adding that it is continuing to “seek intervention, while exploring every possible avenue for resolution.”

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Canada’s Minister of Labour, Seamus O’Reagan said: “Met with WestJet and AMFA this evening [June 29]. I told them they needed to work together with the Canada Industrial Relations Board to resolve their differences and get their first agreement done. There’s a lot at stake here. Canadians need this resolved.”

Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, said: “Today has been incredibly challenging for all of us at WestJet. Every flight cancellation we are forced to issue represents hundreds of guests, who are being impacted by the continued reckless actions of this union.”

And Pen added: “In the face of immense adversity, our teams are working hard and delivering a safe and controlled operation.”

WestJet continues to park its aircraft as it moves to reduce its operating fleet to about 30 aircraft by this evening (Sun. June 30) and it also indicates that flight cancellations will continue through to Tuesday, July 2.

At that time, WestJet will have cancelled 407 flights from Thurs., June 27 to Tues., July 2.

Those flight cancellations have disrupted the travel plans of over 49,000 travellers over the Canada Day Long Weekend.

WestJet has also released a timeline of negotiations, which is available by CLICKING HERE.

For reaction from AMFA, CLICK HERE.