WestJet cancelled 76 flights on July 30, 2026, amid a strike notice issued by CUPE Local 8125, the union representing approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants. The airline also declared a lockout on the same day. The earliest potential start date for a work stoppage is midnight Mountain Time on Sunday, August 2, 2026, ahead of the Civic Holiday long weekend beginning August 3.
The union has centred negotiations on the issue of unpaid ground work, claiming WestJet flight attendants work an average of 35 unpaid hours monthly, including duties performed while aircraft are on the ground. WestJet pays its cabin
crew using a credit hour system, a standard model across North America. A strike authorization vote showed 99.4% of CUPE 8125 members approved strike action.
WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed regret over the disruption caused by the lockout notice, stating, “The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union, was not one that was made lightly. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests.” The CEO also emphasized the company’s commitment to continued negotiations. CUPE 8125 said its priority is to reach a fair agreement
without disrupting passengers or the travelling public.
WestJet is offering flexible change and cancellation options for travelers with bookings between July 30 and August 4, 2026, to accommodate potential disruptions. Passengers booked on WestJet flights across Canada should verify flight status before traveling to the airport during this period.
The credit hour pay system used by WestJet aligns with the compensation model widely adopted by North American cabin crews, underscoring that the dispute revolves around efforts to address unpaid ground time beyond this system.
