Canadian airline WestJet is taking preemptive measures by canceling flights ahead of a potential strike by aircraft maintenance technicians this week. The airline aims to prevent passengers and planes from being stranded during a walkout, with approximately 40 flights expected to be canceled affecting 6,500 passengers. WestJet is working to make alternate arrangements for affected customers. Negotiations between the airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, covering about 680 mechanics, have reached an impasse. While WestJet has offered a significant pay raise to its maintenance engineers, the union contends that the proposed contract was overwhelmingly rejected by its members. The airline's request for binding arbitration was met with the union's threat of a strike as early as Thursday. The situation highlights the challenges faced by WestJet in maintaining its operations amidst labor disputes.