TORONTO — ACTA is calling for fair compensation for travel advisors who spent many, many hours over the long weekend working to help clients through WestJet’s operational disruption as a result of the AMFA strike.

In a statement issued this morning, ACTA noted it is “deeply concerned” about ramifications from the AMFA strike and the ensuing chaos as it impacted not just travel agents and travel agencies, but also travellers as well.

“While we’re relieved the strike has concluded, we recognize the significant challenges it has created,” said ACTA.

“FURTHER DISRUPTIONS OVER THE COMING WEEK”

In the late evening hours on June 30 WestJet announced that the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) had withdrawn its strike action. WestJet was forced to park 130 aircraft at 13 airports across Canada, in response to the strike. At last count the number of flight cancellations reached 832.

WestJet is now restoring operations in a safe and timely manner, however the airline said that “given the significant impact to WestJet’s network over the past few days, returning to business-as-usual flying will take time and further disruptions over the coming week are to be anticipated” as the airline gets aircraft and crew back into position.

“EXTREME DIFFICULTIES REBOOKING CLIENTS”

Says ACTA: “We’ve heard from many of our members about the extreme difficulties they’ve faced in rebooking clients and securing appropriate compensation. The situation has placed an undue burden on travel agencies and travel advisors, who have worked tirelessly to assist affected travellers.

“Although we appreciate the difficulty WestJet faced over the last few days, ACTA believes that when airlines face operational issues within their control resulting in cancellations, they should take full responsibility for all aspects of their customers’ bookings and make their customers whole for any losses incurred.”

That includes compensation for travel advisors, says ACTA, “who have spent countless hours managing these disruptions on behalf of their clients. Their time and effort should be recognized and compensated appropriately.”

“WE TAKE NO VICTORY LAPS ON THIS OUTCOME”

Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, said on June 30: “The damage to Canadians and our airline is massive, a swift resolution was necessary; we take no victory laps on this outcome but will sleep better tonight knowing further harm has been prevented.”

WestJet’s June 30 statement also noted that “lack of clarity from the government and the decisions taken by the CIRB allowed for a strike to occur amidst binding arbitration.”

“FAIR TREATMENT FOR ALL PARTIES INVOLVED”

 ACTA says it is committed to working with all parties involved to improve policies and procedures that protect travellers, travel agencies, and travel advisors during unforeseen disruptions.

“We will continue to push for solutions that ensure fair treatment for all parties involved in these challenging situations,” says ACTA.