Catherwood LibraryILR School

WestJet, Canada's second largest airline, has cancelled 407 flights impacting 49,000 passengers due to an unexpected strike by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. The strike began after failed negotiations and a government directive for binding arbitration, which the union has disregarded. The union argues for better pay and respectful negotiations, while WestJet's CEO criticizes the strike as irrational given the arbitration mandate. The disruption coincides with the Canada Day long weekend, severely affecting travelers’ plans and potentially the airline's customer relations.