Second-biggest airline of Canada's mechanic union on strike; more than 400 flights canceled, 49 thousand passengers troubled

Canada's second-biggest airline, WestJet, has canceled 407 flights. Due to this, around 49,000 passengers have been affected. The decision to cancel the flights was taken after the maintenance workers union announced that they were going on strike.

According to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, its members walked off their jobs Friday evening after the airline refused to negotiate with the union.

The surprise strike action hit both international and domestic fights. This development occurred after the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration yesterday. This happened after two weeks of turbulent discussion with the union over a new deal.

It said it operates a fleet of around 200 aircraft but would operate only about 30 by Sunday evening.

The CEO of WestJet, Alexis von Hoensbroch, explicitly referred to "a rogue union from America" ​​trying to get a foothold in Canada.

As far as the airline is concerned, bargaining with the union ended yesterday when the government ordered the dispute to binding arbitration, said Von Hoensbroch.

The sudden strike by employees of WestJet, the country's second-biggest airline, has spoiled the weekend of people in Canada. International and domestic flights are more crowded on weekends. On the other hand, WestJet has clarified that it will the full responsibility for this strike on the union as it has caused unnecessary stress and loss. The airline has been through much pain due to the sudden strike by the employees; it is also going to have its most significant impact on the company's revenues.