WestJet strike talks remain at a “critical impasse”, airline to start parking planes

CALGARY — With less than 24 hours to go before a strike deadline, WestJet’s CEO, the leaders of its pilots’ union, the federal labour minister and a federal mediator are still talking at a Toronto-area hotel.

Howeever, WestJet says it has started flight cancellations and parking aircraft in anticipation of a strike.

Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, the WestJet Group, says that they “remain at a critical impasse with the union and have been left with no choice but to begin taking the painful steps of preparing for the reality of a work stoppage.”

The airline says that they will be parking the majority of its Boeing 737 and 787 fleet in a “measured, phased and safe approach.” WestJet Encore, WestJet Link as well as limited 737 flights will continue to operate during this time.