WestJet strike update: 86 flights cancelled ahead of job action deadline

WestJet has cancelled 86 flights ahead of a possible flight attendant strike, as the airline prepares for potential job action over the busy summer travel weekend.

In a statement on Friday, WestJet said it had begun an "organized take-down" of its network to reduce disruption if a strike or lockout starts on Sunday.

"To ensure the integrity of WestJet’s network, and to minimize the risk of stranding guests and aircraft, the airline has started to issue cancellations and reduce flying," the airline said.

According to the airline, 86 flights scheduled for Saturday had been cancelled as of 11:00 AM MT.

The move follows a 72-hour strike notice issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents about 4,400 WestJet flight attendants.

WestJet has also issued a 72-hour lockout notice. The notice period expires at 12:01 AM MT on Sunday.

According to CBC News, the dispute centres on pay for work completed on the ground, including boarding passengers, carrying out safety checks and managing delays.

Labour expert Barry Eidlin told CBC News: "They’ve come to a point now where the flight attendants are basically saying, ‘Enough’s enough, we need to be paid for the hours that we’ve been working.'"

Despite the cancellations, both WestJet and CUPE say negotiations are continuing and remain focused on reaching an agreement before any work stoppage begins.