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Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is preparing for potential travel impacts due to a possible strike by WestJet flight attendants.
The union for about 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet, CUPE 8125, said it issued a 72-hour strike notice on Thursday. WestJet responded with a 72-hour lockout notice.
WestJet service could be disrupted as of 11:01 p.m. PT on Saturday, but both parties say they are working to resolve the matter.
YVR said in a news release it is preparing for possible disruptions while negotiations are underway.
“This includes increasing terminal staffing to best support affected passengers,” said the release.
Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, said there is still time to avoid a strike.
“We will continue to bargain around the clock until this is resolved,” Hussain said in a statement.
“We want a fair contract for our members that recognizes the value of flight attendants’ work and recognizes our position as employees of the second-largest carrier in Canada.”
YVR recommends WestJet passengers check the status of their flight before arriving at the airport.
WestJet said Thursday that it did not issue its lockout notice lightly.
“We greatly value the work and contributions of our cabin crew, and it is our responsibility to ensure the integrity of our network and to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, crew and aircraft,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group CEO, in a news release.
“Our commitment remains at the bargaining table, where we will continue to work around the clock to come to an agreement that provides value and meaningful improvements for our cabin crew and is sustainable for our company.”
The union has said the dispute centres around the compensation system for flight attendants, which it said usually doesn’t cover time spent on delays or assisting passengers on or off flights. The union said flight attendants can work up to 35 unpaid hours every month.
WestJet has said it follows a standard pay model used for cabin crew across North America and added that the pay rate is higher than a standard hourly wage, to make up for unpaid time.