WestJet, one of Canada’s two national airlines, could be shut down by a pilots’ strike this week unless a deal is reached in protracted contract negotiations.
The pilots’ union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), has voted 91% in favour of a strike. They must provide 72 hours notice before taking job action, and while but the airline says it's currently business as usual the union could issue that strike notice this week. The main issues in the contract talks concern pay rates and job security for the pilots.
WestJet has been telling passengers they'll provide refunds for any flights cancelled by a potential strike. However, that assurance is providing little comfort to anxious passengers who fear they could be stranded if the pilots walk off the job.
“WestJet understands how disconcerting the news around a labour disruption can be, and unfortunately there are questions that we cannot yet answer. We continue to work diligently with ALPA on a settlement and we remain confident that we will come to an agreement,” the airline said in a written media statement.
Under Canadian law, air carriers are liable for damages caused by delays on international flights. For domestic flights, airlines are required to provide a financial reimbursement for the purchased ticket only.
