WestJet pilots have issued a 72-hour strike notice, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or uncertain about their travel plans. The move came after WestJet and its pilots' union failed to reach an agreement on several issues, including working conditions, salaries, and benefits. As the airline prepares for the strike, here is what you need to know if you have booked a flight with WestJet.
What caused the strike?
The WestJet Pilots Association (WPA) has been negotiating with WestJet for a new agreement since September 2022, but the talks have stalled. The main sticking points are salaries, working conditions, and benefits. WPA argues that WestJet's pilots are paid less than those at other airlines and are subjected to long hours of work and fatigue. The union is also demanding better job security, given that the airline has recently laid off several pilots due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are the impacts of the strike?
The strike will affect WestJet's domestic and international flights, as well as those operated by its subsidiary, WestJet Encore. According to the airline, it has already canceled about 100 flights scheduled for May 18-20, affecting about 14,000 passengers. WestJet has also issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
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What are passengers' options?
If you have a flight booked with WestJet between May 18-20, you may be eligible for a refund or a rebooking. The airline is offering full refunds or a rebooking without additional fees for affected passengers. Passengers are also advised to check with their travel agents or credit card companies if they have purchased travel insurance.
If your flight is not affected by the strike, you are advised to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to avoid delays and long lines. WestJet has warned that its staff will be under increased pressure during the strike, and the airline may have to rely on contract workers to maintain operations.
What are the contingency plans?
Other airlines, such as Air Canada and Flair Airlines, have announced that they are preparing contingency plans in case the WestJet strike disrupts their operations. Air Canada said it would offer discounted fares to affected WestJet passengers, subject to availability. Flair Airlines, which operates mainly in Western Canada, said it would increase its capacity on certain routes to accommodate stranded passengers.
What is the latest update?
The strike is scheduled to begin on May 18 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, and the two sides have yet to resume negotiations. The Canadian government has not indicated if it would intervene to prevent the strike, as it did in 2018 when WestJet's flight attendants threatened to strike.
So, the WestJet pilots' strike is set to cause major disruptions to air travel in Canada, with thousands of passengers affected. If you have a flight booked with WestJet between May 18-20, you should check with the airline for updates on your flight status. Passengers are advised to consider alternative travel options or postpone their travel plans if possible. We hope this article has provided you with useful information on the WestJet strike.
Keywords: WestJet pilots, strike notice, flights, passengers, impacts, contingency plans.
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