Another day, another strike deadline – this time by screening officers at Toronto Pearson airport, who have set Saturday at midnight for labour action, according to a report in the Toronto Star. Until then, the private company that employs the workers, Garda World, says that negotiations will continue with the union representing 2,800 workers.

The Canadian Airport Workers Union says its members are seeking higher wages, better working conditions and to “reach a fair and equitable collective agreement,” according to documents obtained by the newspaper.

The two sides have been bargaining since May 31 but have failed to reach an agreement and 99% of those who cast ballots voted to set the June 22 strike deadline.

The Star quoted the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) as stating, “While screening officers voted in favour of a strike, a vote is only one early step in the bargaining process.”

How travellers will be affected is not yet known if the screeners strike.

WestJet

Meanwhile, thousands of WestJet customers were scrambling after the airline cancelled about 40 flights ahead of a possible strike by its plane mechanics this evening (Thursday).

Some 6,500 travellers were booked on the cancelled trips, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. WestJet said the move reduces the potential for stranded passengers and ensures the carrier can avoid abandoning aircraft in far-flung locations.

Some 670 WestJet mechanics, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, are poised to walk off the job after serving the airline with a strike notice earlier this week following months of negotiations.

The Calgary-based company has requested that the Canada Industrial Relations Board intervene with binding arbitration, which would see the labour tribunal hammer out a contract between the two sides – their first collective agreement. In the meantime, the board could bar a work stoppage.

On top of the 40-odd flights cancelled by the airline Tuesday and Wednesday, at least 13 more have been called off so far for Thursday, according to tracking service FlightAware.

WestJet president Diederik Pen said Tuesday night that the airline was “immensely disheartened” to trigger the contingency plan and start parking planes after receiving the 72-hour strike notice.

“We deeply regret the disruption this will have on the travel plans of our guests, communities and businesses that rely on our critical air service,” he said in a statement.

Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan said federal mediators continue to work with both parties this week.

“Mediators are at it. So, things are proceeding and we’re supporting them at the table where the best deals are made,” he said.