Travellers in limbo as WestJet flight attendants go on strike
WestJet flight attendants have gone on strike, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and stranded passengers. Both the airline and the union are currently engaged in contract negotiations.
Why it matters
Labor disputes in the aviation sector have significant economic impacts on travel, tourism, and supply chain logistics.
Some travellers are stranded abroad, while others have had to cancel vacations or family visits — and some tell CBC News they are out thousands of dollars.
WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have not said much as they've continued contract talks in Calgary on Sunday, during a long weekend that marks one of the year's busiest travel times.
Adding to the chaos, some travellers say they are getting mixed messages from WestJet, if they're able to contact the airline at all. But amid the frustration, there appears to be a strong undercurrent of support for the 4,287 flight attendants who walked off the job.
"I completely think that everything [the flight attendants] are asking for is reasonable," said Yellowknife resident Robyn Scott, who is worried her 15-year-old could end up stranded after a family visit in Winnipeg because of flight cancellations.
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