WestJet aircraft mechanics have walked off the job just one day after their contract dispute was sent to binding arbitration.
The airline said the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association began strike action as of 7:30 p.m. ET Friday.
“The government has officially stepped in to provide binding arbitration and ensure we get to a resolution,” Diederik Pen, president of WestJet Airlines, said in a statement.
“The only reason for this union to continue with a strike action is to create damage, disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Canadians over the July long weekend and to inflict significant costs on our business.
“Given arbitration has been ordered, a strike has no leverage on the arbitration’s outcome, so it is pure retaliation of a disappointed union.”
WestJet warned that severe travel disruption is expected if the strike is not called off immediately. It has already cancelled around 150 flights for Saturday, impacting around 20,000 guests.
The airline added it is “actively and aggressively pursuing every avenue to minimize disruption,” including asking the federal labour minister and the Canada Industrial Relations Board to step in.
On Thursday, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to assist the airline and the union with efforts to reach a first contract.
WestJet assured customers that the move meant any strike or lockout would not occur.
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