WestJet begins parking 737 aircraft ahead of possible strike

WestJet has begun the “difficult” process of parking 737 aircraft ahead of a possible flight attendant strike, the airline wrote in a press release on Friday afternoon (July 31).

“At this time, negotiations have not resulted in an agreement and as a labour disruption approaches,” the Calgary-based carrier said. “This necessary step allows the airline to maintain operational control and protect the integrity of the broader network. Most importantly, this proactive measure minimizes the risk of stranding guests and aircraft.”

The company said it remains active at the bargaining table “to achieve a mutually agreeable deal at the earliest possible time.”

WestJet Encore flights operated on a Q400, as well as codeshare flights operated by airline partners, remain unaffected, the airline noted. 

READ MORE: “Uncertainty & frustration”: WestJet strike countdown puts advisors on edge, execs sound off

Guests travelling are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport. 

The travel industry is bracing for a possible disruption as the dispute between WestJet and its flight attendants entered a critical phase on Thursday (July 30) after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) issued a 72-hour strike notice.

WestJet responded with a 72-hour lockout notice, raising the prospect of a work stoppage involving approximately 4,400 cabin crew members.

The notices triggered a 72-hour countdown while negotiations continue.

Unless the two sides reach a tentative agreement, the earliest a strike or lockout could begin is Sunday (Aug. 2) at 12:01 a.m. MT (2:01 a.m. ET).

Even if a strike is avoided, WestJet was expected to begin cancelling flights during the 72-hour notice period to prevent aircraft from being stranded away from their home bases.

That’s according to air industry analyst John Gradek, who recently shared his take with the Toronto Star.

“Rather than have them stranded overseas, they’d rather not have a flight go in the first place,” Gradek, head of the aviation management program at McGill University, told the outlet. 

He added that any pre-emptive cancellations should not be interpreted as a sign that a strike has become more likely.

PAX has reached out to WestJet to determine which routes, and how many, have been affected so far.

Travellers can check WestJet’s Travel Advisory page for all guest and travel-related questions and here for the latest updates on bargaining. 

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