WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, canceled 407 flights affecting 49,000 passengers due to a strike by its maintenance workers union, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. The strike, triggered by unsuccessful negotiations and government intervention for arbitration, surprised travelers ahead of the Canada Day weekend. WestJet, operating a reduced fleet, blamed the union’s rejection of a lucrative contract offer and accused it of disrupting operations unnecessarily. Union members, picketing for fair negotiations, expressed regret over passenger inconvenience.