Federal government weighs options in WestJet strike

The federal government is facing another major airline labour dispute as WestJet flight attendants strike during a busy summer travel weekend, leading to widespread cancellations and disruptions for passengers across Canada. The main federal tool available is Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, which allows the labour minister to order an end to a work stoppage in the interest of industrial peace. Ottawa has used that power repeatedly since 2023, but unions have criticized it as too aggressive and harmful to collective bargaining. Other options include introducing backtowork legislation or relying on federal mediators, who were already appointed earlier this month. For now, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has said the government believes the best deals are reached at the bargaining table, and there is no sign Ottawa is preparing an immediate intervention.