Canada's WestJet cancels most flights as strike bites

Canadian airline WestJet canceled more than three quarters of its flights on Sunday, according to data from tracking website FlightAware, as a surprise strike by mechanics continues into a busy holiday weekend.

Some 700 flights at the country's second largest carrier have been canceled since the company began anticipating a strike Thursday, affecting tens of thousands of domestic and international passengers ahead of Canada Day on Monday.

Around 680 mechanics, including those in charge of inspections and repairs essential for daily operations, called a strike late Friday, after failing to reach a deal on salaries and working conditions with the Calgary-based airline.

"Every flight cancellation we are forced to issue represents hundreds of guests, who are being impacted by the continued reckless actions of this union," WestJet President Diederik Pen said in a statement Saturday.

The company estimated that by Sunday evening it would have to reduce its fleet to 30 operational aircraft, compared to its normal level of 200.

The threat of a walk-off appeared to have been averted Thursday when the Canadian government ordered binding arbitration to settle a contractual dispute over wages and working conditions.

But arguing the decision did not prohibit a strike, the mechanics' union decided to go ahead on Friday evening, insisting "the airline's unwillingness to negotiate with the union made the strike inevitable."

Negotiations continued late into Saturday night, without success. Both sides were set to meet again Sunday.