It is a rocky start for thousands of people’s Canada Day long weekend.
WestJet and its mechanic’s union have been flirting with a strike throughout the week as negotiations broke down and strike notice was issued multiple times.
To avoid a strike during the busy holiday season, Canada’s Labour Minister stepped in and directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to assist WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association in reaching a first collective agreement yesterday (Friday).
The Mechanics union decided to strike anyway – saying the Labour Minister’s actions had no precedent.
In a statement, WestJet’s President said “Given arbitration has been ordered, a strike has no leverage on the arbitration’s outcome, so it is pure retaliation of a disappointed union.”
WestJet has canceled as many as 150 flights nationwide, the impact of which has been felt in Prince George.
Two departing flights, one to Calgary and one to Vancouver, have been taken off YXS’ flight list today – one flight arriving from Vancouver has also been canceled.
You can find more information on Prince George’s flight delays and cancelations here.
– With files from the Vista National News wire
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