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Federal bumbling to blame for WestJet mechanics strike mess
Responsibility for this disaster lies squarely at Ottawa’s feet
Thousands of Canadian travellers face a spectacular mess created by the dysfunction, ineptitude and plain stupidity of a Liberal minister and agency.
WestJet had cancelled 410 flights by Saturday evening. On Sunday the total climbed to 832, ensuring traveller misery over the Canada Day long weekend after mechanics suddenly went on strike Friday night.
Many will blame the workers and their Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). They shouldn’t. Responsibility for this disaster lies squarely at Ottawa’s feet.
Nobody was expecting the walkout — including WestJet — after federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan ordered binding arbitration on Thursday.
WestJet breathed a deep sigh of relief.
The airline said the mechanics “confirmed they will abide by the direction. Given this, a strike or lockout will not occur, and the airline will no longer proceed in cancelling flights.”
Happy travellers started packing their bags for weekend flights. WestJet began to stand down from strike preparation.
Then the Canada Industrial Relations Board stepped in, and virtually invited the mechanics to go on strike.
