Mechanics end strike at Canadian airline WestJet

The Canadian airline WestJet said it reached an agreement in principle with striking mechanics to end a stoppage that disrupted travel for tens of thousands of people on a busy holiday weekend.

Further disruptions are expected this week as Canada's second largest carrier gets planes and crew back into operation after the strike that started Friday.

The tracking website Flightaware said 223 WestJet flights scheduled for Monday -- about half the total for the day -- have been cancelled.

"The damage to Canadians and our airline is massive, a swift resolution was necessary," WestJet CEO Diederik Pen said in announcing the deal to end the strike Sunday night.

The agreement calls for pay hikes and improved benefits for workers.

The mechanics union called on members to go back to work right away ahead of a vote on the agreement.

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.

More than 830 flights were canceled since the company began anticipating a strike Thursday, affecting nearly 100,000 domestic and international passengers over a long and busy holiday weekend leading up to Canada Day on Monday.

Of the carrier's nearly 200 aircraft WestJet was forced to park 130 of them at 13 airports across Canada.