WestJet cancels 49 Vancouver flights despite tentative cabin-crew deal

WestJet cancelled 49 scheduled flights at Vancouver International Airport on B.C. Day, despite reaching a tentative agreement with the union representing its flight attendants.

The airline said another 21 flights were expected to depart as scheduled, but warned that cancellations and other disruptions could continue while operations recover. WestJet Encore flights on Q400 aircraft and codeshare flights operated by partner airlines were unaffected.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents about 4,400 WestJet flight attendants. Its strike began Friday and was followed by an employer lockout, disrupting travel during the B.C. Day long weekend.

The tentative deal includes a wage increase, higher meal allowances and a duty-hours top-up for cabin crew, according to the report. It remains subject to ratification by the workers.