p.e.i. travellers face uncertainty with possible westjet strike
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p.e.i. travellers flying westjet this weekend are being asked to be on lookout after the airline and the union representing its flight attendants each issued 72-hour notices that could lead to a work stoppage.
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p.e.i. travellers planning to fly with westjet this weekend are being asked to be on the lookout for any development after the airline and the union representing its flight attendants each issued 72-hour notices that could lead to a work stoppage.
the canadian union of public employees (cupe) local 8125, which represents westjet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on wednesday. westjet later responded by issuing a 72-hour lockout notice.
the notices do not mean a strike or lockout will automatically happen. both sides say they remain at the bargaining table and are continuing negotiations in hopes of reaching an agreement before the deadline.
if no agreement is reached, a work stoppage could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. mountain time on aug. 2.
doug newson, chief executive officer of the charlottetown airport authority, did not make himself available for an interview but in an email to the guardian, he said the airport is closely monitoring the situation.
“at this time, we encourage passengers booked with westjet to visit westjet’s website for the latest information and to contact the airline directly with any questions regarding their travel plans.”
westjet said in its news release that it issued the lockout notice in response to the union’s strike notice and to help protect its operations if negotiations fail.
“we sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests,” westjet chief executive officer alexis von hoensbroech said.
the airline said it will continue negotiating with the union while preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage.
schedule changes, cancellations
westjet said it will manage schedule changes and cancellations, if necessary, to give passengers as much notice as possible. the airline is also continuing to offer flexible change and cancellation options for eligible bookings between july 30 and aug. 4 for customers who choose to make alternate travel arrangements.
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passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled because of a work stoppage will be refunded or rebooked, where applicable, the airline said. customers who booked directly through westjet will receive updates by email, while those who booked through a travel agency or third-party booking site are asked to contact those companies directly.
the union said issuing a strike notice does not mean flight attendants want to go on strike.
“we have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal,” said alia hussain, president of cupe local 8125.
hussain said the union’s goal has been to reach a negotiated agreement without disrupting passengers or the travelling public.
“there’s still time to avoid a strike,” she said. “we will continue to bargain around the clock until this is resolved. we want a fair contract for our members that recognizes the value of flight attendants’ work and recognizes our position as employees of the second-largest carrier in canada.”
the union also called on the federal government to allow the collective bargaining process to continue without government intervention.
vivian ulinwa is a reporter for the guardian in prince edward island. she can be reached at vulinwa@postmedia.com and followed on x @vivian_ulinwa.
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