WestJet Begins Parking Planes Amid Potential Flight Attendant Strike

WestJet has started grounding its 737 aircraft as a potential strike by its flight attendants draws nearer. The airline indicated this action is a preventative measure to avoid stranding passengers and planes internationally. WestJet stated that maintaining operational control and safeguarding the broader network are key reasons for this decision. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status before heading to the airport. Despite these preparations, WestJet confirmed it is still engaged in negotiations with the flight attendants' union, aiming for a negotiated settlement. The flight attendants served a 72-hour strike notice on Thursday, which was met with a 72-hour lockout notice from the airline. This could lead to approximately 4,287 flight attendants being unable to work starting Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT, a critical time for travel during the August long weekend. While the strike notice does not guarantee job action, it has caused uncertainty for travellers. WestJet Encore flights and flights operated by partner airlines are not expected to be affected. The airline has presented an offer that includes a substantial wage increase over four years, improvements to scheduling, and enhanced provisions for travel and accommodation. A central point of contention in the negotiations is the current system for compensating flight attendants for ground duties, which they claim results in an average of 35 unpaid hours per month. WestJet maintains that its 'credit hour' system is standard within the industry and that flight attendant pay rates are adjusted to account for these additional duties.