WestJet Parks Boeing Jets Amid Labor Strike Threat
Canada's WestJet has started parking its Boeing 737 jets in anticipation of a potential labor strike by flight attendants. The move comes as negotiations between the airline and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have stalled over unpaid work hours.
The CUPE, which represents WestJet's cabin crew, had set an August 2 deadline for a deal to be reached, after which they could go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time (0601 GMT). The union is seeking payment for their time from when they check in until they clock out, rather than just during flying hours.
WestJet has stated that it remains committed to finding a mutually agreeable solution and has parked the aircraft to maintain operational control. However, flights operated by its subsidiary WestJet Encore on Bombardier's Q400 planes and codeshare flights with partners are not affected.