A surprise strike by unionized airline mechanics at WestJet has caused chaos for thousands of passengers as the airline cancelled 235 flights, impacting an estimated 33,000 travelers over the busy long weekend. The sudden move by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has left many individuals uncertain about their travel plans.

WestJet has warned that an additional 150 flights may be axed if a resolution is not reached promptly. This development comes on the heels of Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan’s directive to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to enforce binding arbitration to address lingering collective agreement issues between the carrier and AMFA.

The union, in a statement, expressed discontent with the minister’s intervention, stating that such action lacks modern precedent. Despite ongoing discussions between the union and WestJet, the strike proceeded with around 680 workers participating, with the hope of resolving the deadlock through dialogue with the CIRB.

AMFA emphasized its commitment to the arbitration process and instructed its members to refrain from any unlawful activities. The union’s legal counsel defended the strike, asserting that the right to strike remains intact, as the ministerial referral did not explicitly prohibit such action.

According to the CIRB order obtained by CBC News, the board clarified that the minister’s directive does not suspend the right to strike or lock out. This revelation has brought a sense of clarity amidst the ongoing labor dispute between WestJet and its mechanics.