The union representing WestJet flight attendants is expecting layoffs of more than 50 per cent of its staff as the number of flight cancellations and restrictions continues to mount amid the COVID-19 outbreak and other airlines mull their options. An internal memo sent to union officials and obtained by The Canadian Press says that travellers are rebooking en masse and "our airline's well-being has become grave overnight." Other airlinesFlight attendants at Canada's largest airline, Air Canada, said no word had come down about job reductions. Air Canada has seen its stock price plunge by more than half over the past two months. Recent booking fee waivers by Air Canada and WestJet have failed to stem the tide of cancellations or encourage new bookings as countries impose border controls and domestic quarantines.

Source: CBC News March 13, 2020 17:37 UTC