WestJet Mechanics Go on Strike in Shock Move, Upending Travel Ahead of Long Weekend

WestJet airplane mechanics hit the picket lines on June 28 evening in a surprise move that threatens to disrupt flights for thousands of travellers at the outset of the Canada Day long weekend. Canadians can expect “severe travel disruption” if the abrupt strike by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is not called off, WestJet said. The unexpected job action comes one day after the airline expressed relief they had averted a work stoppage thanks to a ministerial order for binding arbitration on June 27. The country’s second-largest airline has again asked for immediate intervention by the federal labour minister and the Canada Industrial Relations Board....