Canada's WestJet air crew strikes after failed negotiations

Flight attendants of WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline, have gone

on strike after failed labour negotiations. The strike that began Sunday

is expected to affect more than 250,000 passengers.

Outside Toronto's Pearson International Airport terminal, WestJet

flight attendants were seen picketing.

This came after 10 months of negotiations in which the two sides failed

to reach an agreement on ground duty hours. Management proposed a

13% pay increase this year, followed by annual increases of 2.5% over

the next three years.

The union rejected the offer, however, citing insufficient commitment

from management. Both parties have indicated they are willing to

resume talks.

WestJet has cancelled 615 flights. The strike coincides with a long

weekend in Canada, disrupting travel plans for many passengers,

some of whom are standed at the airport. The Canadian government

has expressed disappointment over the strike.