WestJet cancels 25 flights after mechanics union issues 2nd strike notice

WestJet has cancelled 25 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday ahead of a possible strike by its mechanics’ union.

The Calgary-based airline says in a statement the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has given them another strike notice.

This prompted the WestJet cancellations that affected about 3,300 customers.

“As we quickly approach the July long weekend, it is especially devastating that the strike notice we have received from AMFA forces us to begin cancelling flights and parking aircraft, for the second time in just over a week,” WestJet president Diederik Pen said in a statement.

The AMFA is accusing WestJet of suing it without notifying its negotiators, who are working with the airline on working out a new collective bargaining deal.

The union says WestJet’s statement about a strike putting it and travellers in jeopardy is “inflammatory.” It is urging WestJet to spend more negotiating with union representatives.

Union members overwhelmingly voted to reject a tentative deal earlier this month and have opposed WestJet’s request for arbitration.

READ MORE: WestJet cancels nearly 40 flights in anticipation of mechanics strike