An airline labor strike that disrupted flights between Arizona and Canada is ending, but not without a few more cancellations.
On Monday, Aug. 3, Canadian carrier WestJet had the highest number of flight cancellations at airports around the world amid a flight attendant strike that began a day earlier.
A total of 302 WestJet flights worldwide were canceled Aug. 3, including three in Phoenix, according to flight tracking website FlightAware
.WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents the airline's flight attendants, reached a tentative deal on the morning of Aug. 3. A statement on the airline's website reads that it's working on restoring its flight schedule.
How many flights were canceled at Phoenix Sky Harbor?
As of 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, six flights at Sky Harbor were canceled,
including three with WestJet, according to FlightAware. A fourth WestJet flight was delayed.
The three canceled WestJet flights represented 75% of the airline's operations to and from Sky Harbor on Aug. 3, according to FlightAware.
All of WestJet's 496 scheduled worldwide flights were canceled on Sunday, Aug. 2, the day the strike began. That included six flights to and from Sky Harbor.
Is WestJet on strike?
WestJet's flight attendants went on strike on Aug. 2 following stalled negotiations between WestJet and the flight attendant union. When the union gave its 72-hour notice of the strike, a statement read that "the parties are still too far apart on some key issues."
WestJet and the union reached a tentative agreement on Aug. 3, ending the work stoppage and allowing flights to resume. Next, the agreement must be ratified by the union.
"This tentative agreement represents meaningful progress," union president Alia Hussain said in a statement. "It evolves the flight credit system by recognizing more of the work cabin crew are required to perform and with general increases to compensation for that work. Most importantly, this agreement was achieved through collective bargaining at the negotiating table."
What happens if my flight is canceled?
WestJet stated in a travel advisory that passengers affected by the strike would be rebooked at no extra cost on the next available flight, including with other airlines. They can also request a refund if they no longer wish to travel.
Passengers who booked directly with WestJet can review options regarding changes to their itineraries or refund requests via the "Manage Trips" section of the airline's website.
If the flight was booked through a travel agency or third party, passengers must contact them directly for assistance.
"We know this disruption has been frustrating for our guests and WestJetters and we're sorry for that," WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a statement. "Our teams are working hard to restore service and get our guests on their way to their destinations as quickly as possible and we appreciate everyone's patience as we get back to normal."
Looking for the best things to do in Arizona? Sign up for our newsletter.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Is my flight canceled? Labor dispute affects Phoenix airport flights
