Upfront of the lengthy weekend, WestJet Group has began to proactively cancel flights in anticipation of a doable strike. This comes after WestJet pilots issued a 72-hour strike discover on Monday, Could 14, which was promptly adopted by WestJet Group issuing a lockout discover.

Whereas the union that represents WestJet pilots remains to be in negotiations with WestJet Group, additional disruptions might happen as early as Friday, Could 19 if a deal isn’t reached by then.

WestJet Group Begins to Cancel Flights

Within the early hours of Thursday, Could 18, WestJet Group posted a discover to its web site stating that it has begun cancelling flights in anticipation of a WestJet and Swoop pilot strike. The discover states that the intention behind these cancellations is to not have plane stranded away from bases and to reduce the potential for passengers to be left stranded.

The discover additionally states that the 2 events stay far aside in negotiations, which might point out that there are extra disruptions to return. With out an settlement, WestJet and Swoop pilots might start job motion within the early hours of Friday, Could 19, which might have the impact of grounding WestJet and Swoop’s operations.

It’s value noting that WestJet Encore, WestJet Hyperlink, and Sunwing flights aren’t affected by the scenario. Passengers with upcoming journey on WestJet or Swoop flights ought to monitor their bookings intently, and be ready for disruptions within the close to future.

For the previous 9 months, the ALPA, the union that represents WestJet pilots, has been in negotiations with WestJet Group over a brand new contract. Thus far, the 2 sides have been unable to succeed in an settlement, which has result in the opportunity of upcoming main disruptions to WestJet and Swoop’s flight operations.

In April, pilots voted in favour of a strike mandate, and on Monday, Could 15, issued a 72-hour strike discover to the airline. WestJet Group’s response was to problem a lockout discover, and preparations have begun within the occasion of a significant disruption whereas ongoing negotiations happen. 

Ought to the 2 sides stay divided and unable to succeed in an settlement, WestJet and Swoop’s operations shall be considerably affected, and there shall be a widespread disruption to the airways’ present networks.

WestJet and Swoop pilots assert that they’re advocating for higher job safety, scheduling changes, higher wages, and improved working circumstances, amongst different points. 

WestJet Group has acknowledged that it has supplied a good and aggressive contract that appropriately addresses the pilots’ issues.

The 2 events have but to safe an settlement, and negotiations are ongoing.

What To Do If Your Reserving Is Affected

For anybody with an upcoming reserving with WestJet or Swoop, be ready for doable main disruptions to your journey plans if a strike takes place. Anticipate name centres to be slammed as many different passengers try and have their bookings amended.

Each airways are giving passengers choices to voluntarily change their upcoming flight plans, though it’s vital to notice that WestJet and Swoop have obligations underneath different passenger rights schemes, as we’ll talk about additional under.

For passengers with a WestJet flight-only reserving from Could 15–21, 2023, the airline is providing a one-time $0 change or cancellation payment, which is legitimate for all fare sorts (together with Fundamental).

This implies you could choose to vary your flight to a distinct date or vacation spot (a fare distinction could apply), or you’ll be able to cancel your reserving for a full refund to the unique type of cost. 

If the reserving was made by a journey agent or on-line journey company, passengers must contact them immediately for any amendments.

For passengers with a WestJet Holidays reserving for journey between Could 15–21, 2023, a one-time $0 payment waiver is being supplied for modifications or cancellations. If you happen to determine to cancel your reserving, the funds shall be returned to your authentic type of cost; nonetheless, if you happen to change your reserving, any distinction in package deal value is relevant.

For passengers with a Swoop reserving with departure dates between Could 19–21, 2023, a one-time change could also be made for a $0 change payment and no distinction in fare value. The brand new flight might be chosen between Could 19 and June 20, 2023, and modifications might be made on-line if the reserving was made with Swoop immediately.

Canada’s Air Passenger Safety Laws (APPR) take into account strikes to be conditions outdoors of the provider’s management, and passengers aren’t due financial compensation for delays or cancellations.

In case your WestJet flight is disrupted as a result of a doable strike, WestJet’s obligations depend upon the size of the delay and the itinerary.

As per the APPR, WestJet should rebook you on its next-available flight or on an airline with which it has a industrial settlement inside 48 hours of the unique departure time.  

If unable to rebook you on a WestJet flight or a flight on an airline with which it has a industrial settlement inside 48 hours, WestJet should e-book you on a flight operated by any airline. After 48 hours have handed, you could even be given the choice for a full refund of all unused flight segments to the unique type of cost inside 30 days.

In case your Swoop flight is disrupted as a result of a doable strike, Swoop’s obligations are totally different, since it’s thought of to be a small provider.

As per the APPR, Swoop should rebook you on its next-available flight or on an airline with which it has a industrial settlement, inside 48 hours of the unique departure time. 

After 48 hours have handed, you have to be supplied the selection of a full refund or wait to be rebooked. Notably, Swoop isn’t obligated to rebook you on an airline with which it doesn’t have a industrial settlement. 

It’s value noting that different airways could have restricted capability to accommodate passengers, as a result of excessive volumes over the lengthy weekend and passengers who’ve voluntarily chosen to rebook to keep away from WestJet and Swoop.

For flights which have a world part, you could be coated by different passenger rights schemes, comparable to EC261 (generally known as EU261) and the Montreal Conference.

Air Passenger Rights has printed detailed details about passenger rights within the occasion of a strike, and is a superb useful resource.

Conclusion

In anticipation of a WestJet and Swoop pilot strike, WestJet has begun to proactively cancel flights. When you’ve got journey with WestJet or Swoop within the close to future, preserve an in depth eye in your reserving and be ready for disruptions to your journey plans.

Ought to the events not attain an settlement, count on there to be widespread flight disruptions as early as Friday, Could 19 at 3am EDT. Negotiations between the events are ongoing.

Each airways have supplied short-term amendments to their change and cancellation insurance policies, though passengers are nonetheless protected in some type by the Air Passenger Safety Laws and different schemes ought to there be a strike.