The approximately two-day strike by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), a labor union representing WestJet mechanics, ended on June 30. However, WestJet canceled 1,171 flights, and the impact continues even after the strike ends.
The company announced on July 1 that “operations are stable and we expect future strike-related cancellations over the July long weekend to be minimal,” but flight cancellations continued through July 4. The strike, which took place during the three-day Canada Day holiday, the busiest holiday of the year, has caused confusion among passengers.
According to reports, it has been difficult to get through on the phone to change reservations due to the cancellations. The strike is said to have affected about 100,000 passengers, and it is taking time to make changes or cancellations.
Additionally, flights to and from Cancun and Jamaica were canceled on July 3rd and 4th due to Hurricane Beryl, which was passing through the Caribbean. WestJet is urging passengers to continue checking their flight status.