Strike could ground WestJet flights before long weekend

WestJet says an airplane mechanics strike over the Canada Day long weekend would disrupt travel plans for a quarter of a million customers.

The carrier has already started cancelling flights ahead of possible job action by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.

They could walk off the job as early as 4:30 p.m. Pacific time on Friday.

WestJet has already called off about 25 trips for Wednesday and Thursday, affecting about 3,300 customers.

Sam Samaddar, Chief Executive Officer of Kelowna International Airport, told Vernon Matters back on June 19, the strike would have a significant impact on the airport.

“From what we’re hearing from WestJet is the operations here would essentially be shut down if it goes into a full blown job action,” Samaddar said, noting WestJet makes up a large portion of the airport’s daily flights.

“When you look at the overall market, WestJet flies about 60 per cent of our market share out of Kelowna, in terms of total traffic volume. So they are our principle carrier, there’s no doubt about that, out of the Kelowna market.”

(With files from The Canadian Press)