WestJet cancels 81 flights ahead of possible flight attendant strike

WestJet has begun cancelling flights ahead of a possible strike or lockout affecting flight attendants, saying it is reducing its schedule to avoid widespread disruptions if a work stoppage begins this weekend.

The airline has started an “organized take-down” of its network and would begin issuing flight cancellations to customers, WestJet announced in a news release Friday evening.

“To ensure the integrity of WestJet’s network, and to minimize the risk of stranding guests and aircraft, the airline has started to issue cancellations and reduce flying,” the airline said.

As of 12:30 a.m. ET, WestJet said it had cancelled 81 flights scheduled for Saturday.

Any customers who are scheduled to fly, can go to WestJet’s website to see flight schedules and changes.

The move comes after the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents about 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice. WestJet responded with a 72-hour lockout notice.

The notice period expires Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT, the earliest a strike or lockout could begin if the two sides fail to reach an agreement.

WestJet said its latest offer was designed to be an “industry-leading” agreement that addressed the union’s key priorities, but negotiations have yet to produce a deal.

Despite the cancellations, both WestJet and CUPE have said they remain at the bargaining table and are committed to reaching a negotiated agreement before a work stoppage begins.

– With files from The Canadian Press