WestJet starts parking planes ahead of possible strike

WestJet is beginning to ground some of its 737 aircraft as it prepares for a possible strike by flight attendants. The airline says the move is meant to protect passengers and avoid leaving aircraft and travellers stranded if operations are disrupted. The company said it is still bargaining with CUPE Local 8125, which represents WestJet flight attendants, in hopes of reaching a deal. WestJet said it has offered wage increases, changes to scheduling and compensation for work before and after flights, while the union said important issues remain unresolved. The dispute comes after flight attendants issued a 72hour strike notice and WestJet responded with its own lockout notice. If no agreement is reached, thousands of flight attendants could be off the job as soon as Sunday, raising concerns for travel over the August long weekend. WestJet says Encore and partneroperated codeshare flights are not affected.