Strike highlights flaws in airline industry

Work stoppage caused over 1,000 flight cancellations

- VICTORIA GIBSON

More than 1,000 WestJet flights have been cancelled due to an aircraft mechanics strike. The airline’s president has warned that the disruption will continue in the week ahead despite reaching a tentative agreement.

It’s not quite clear skies ahead for WestJet.

The aircraft mechanics strike is over — with the airline and union reaching a deal just after midnight on Monday, putting a stop to the disruption that has led to more than 1,000 cancelled flights countrywide.

But the fallout may just be taking off, as experts say the upending of tens of thousands of travellers’ plans raised new questions about the vulnerability of an industry dominated by two major airlines, with some experts asking whether air travel should rise to the bar of an essential service. Meanwhile, the federal government has hinted at unspecified further “action” in response to the weekend turmoil.

On Monday, both sides expressed dismay over the flight cancellations, with WestJet president Diederik Pen saying there were “no victory laps on this outcome,” and that despite the tentative agreement their operations would still face disruptions throughout the upcoming week.

“Given the significant impact to WestJet’s network over the past few days, returning to business-as-usual flying will take time and further disruptions over the coming week are to be anticipated,” the company warned, later specifying that 130 of WestJet’s 180 airplanes had been parked and would now require maintenance and safety checks before taking off again.

The Airplane Mechanics Fraternal Association took a similarly apologetic tone, expressing regret for the “disruption and inconvenience” caused to travellers, while celebrating the gains made for workers’ salaries and benefits.