WestJet Airlines Ltd., Canada’s second-largest carrier, is facing potential flight cancellations as it braces for a strike by its maintenance engineers. The Calgary-based airline, owned by private equity firm Onex Corp, has already preemptively canceled approximately 50 flights in Canada and the US in anticipation of the strike, affecting around 6,500 travelers.

The cancellations are aimed at strategically relocating aircraft to minimize passenger inconvenience. Diederik Pen, WestJet’s president, expressed disappointment at the necessity of activating the contingency plan due to the strike notice.

In the event of a strike, WestJet may attempt to bring in replacement workers to maintain technical operations. However, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, representing over 680 potential strikers, doubts the airline’s ability to find sufficient qualified maintenance engineers.

While WestJet is currently left with no choice but to cancel flights, the company is actively working to assist passengers and consolidate flights to mitigate disruptions. Despite a tentative agreement reached with the union in May being rejected by over 97% of union members, there is still a possibility to avert a labor action.

WestJet has sought intervention from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to enforce binding arbitration, a move that could prevent the strike. However, the union prefers to continue negotiations rather than involve the board. The union’s national president, Bret Oestreich, emphasized the importance of reaching a resolution without external intervention.

The maintenance workers are advocating for higher pay as a key part of the ongoing negotiations. WestJet indicated that the proposed agreement would have boosted take-home pay by 30% to 40% in the first year, with half of the increase directed towards members’ retirement funds.