Watching for WestJet cancellations amid strike threat, agents get news about commission protection for packages

The useful part

TORONTO — As negotiations between WestJet and CUPE come down to the wire, all the travel industry can do is watch and wait – and hope. Travel advisors are keeping an eye out for cancellations, expected to start today if the two sides can't make headway. MT on Sunday, August 1, when 4,400 cabin crew will be in a legal strike position.

How it works

• We will have to monitor that file over the long weekend to see what happens, and how to advise them." The potential strike is hitting close to home for Keyter.
• Air Canada says it is working with WestJet to rebook passengers on Air Canada flights wherever possible.
• Two weeks ago, when the 99% strike vote mandate made headlines, Lesley Keyter with Calgary's South Travel Inc.
• A lot has changed in two weeks, and she knew more queries would be coming in.
• "Luckily they have travel insurance but naturally they are a bit on edge with that.

What to take from it

Keyter says she purchased a refundable Air Canada ticket to London, just in case.

Details worth keeping

"We have clients in destination who are supposed to come home on Aug. 4, so we have been in touch with them," says Keyter now. Her own daughter is booked to go to Wales mid-August.