The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) cited the airline's "unwillingness to negotiate" as the reason for the strike, which began Friday evening. The move came as a surprise despite recent government intervention and turbulent contract discussions.

WestJet claims they offered a lucrative contract, making their mechanics the "best-paid in the country," but the union insists the offer wasn't enough and seeks "respectful negotiation."

WestJet CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, blames the AMFA, a "rogue union from the U.S.," for the disruption. He argues that with binding arbitration in place, a strike is pointless.

The AMFA, however, points out a loophole in the government order allowing for a strike while arbitration proceeds. They aim to pressure the airline back to the negotiation table.

Thousands of passengers faced cancelled flights and disrupted travel plans, including Samin Sahan and Samee Jan, whose long-planned family trip to Calgary was thrown into uncertainty.

The airline plans to significantly reduce its operations by Sunday, parking most of its fleet and operating only a skeleton schedule for the long weekend.

Both sides expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, but the finger-pointing continues. Passengers are left scrambling to rebook flights or adjust travel plans, while the future of negotiations remains unclear. (ILKHA)