WestJet work stoppage looms: Impact on Lethbridge unknown

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on May 18, 2023.

Herald file photo Just how the Lethbridge Airport may be impacted remains unclear as a WestJet work stoppage could occur as early as Friday morning.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

A work stoppage could occur as early as Friday morning following the WestJet Group’s previous notice of a lockout, but that doesn’t mean it will, the company’s website states. And just how the Lethbridge Airport may be impacted still remains unclear.

On Monday the WestJet Group issued a lockout notice in response to a strike notification from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union that represents WestJet and Swoop pilots.

On its website, WestJet Group states that issuing the notice does not mean a work stoppage will occur. However, in the coming days the WestJet Group will “take all necessary actions to manage the impacts as much as possible.”

CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech states on the website that the lockout notice was not made lightly, and the Group regrets the inconvenience and uncertainty the matter continues to cause for its guests.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety and complete control of our network at all times, to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, our crews and our aircraft,” von Hoensbroech states. “Our commitment and priority remains at the bargaining table, where we will continue to work around the clock to come to a reasonable agreement as soon as possible, in an effort to prevent labour action.”

The city of Lethbridge also issued a statement regarding the WestJet lockout notice.

“We encourage any WestJet passengers who are scheduled to fly in or out of the Lethbridge Airport over the next week, to contact WestJet directly to confirm their flight details. Lethbridge Airport staff are unable to assist in rebooking passengers on these flights but continue to be available to assist arriving and departing passengers on all other continuing flights.”

WestJet states should flight delays or cancellations occur, impacted guests will be refunded or re-accommodated, as applicable. For those who booked directly with WestJet or Swoop, changes to existing travel will be directly communicated via the email available on file, and those who booked through a travel agent or online booking agency, should contact them directly.

The city said it will provide updates as they are relevant to the Lethbridge Airport and how the dispute could affect passengers in Lethbridge.

While reports indicate WestJet has begun to cancel a number flights ahead of the looming strike action, Thursday flights arriving and departing from Lethbridge were still listed as “on time” in the flight information section at http://www.lethbridgeairport.ca.

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