The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 8125, representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, 2026. WestJet responded by issuing a simultaneous 72-hour lockout notice effective August 2, 2026, at 2 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
WestJet Cancels 76 Flights Ahead of Possible Strike
On July 30, WestJet pre-emptively cancelled 76 flights to prevent aircraft and crew from being stranded amid the looming work stoppage. The strike authorization vote reached 99.4% approval among CUPE Local 8125 members earlier in July. The potential strike start coincides with the August Civic Holiday weekend, increasing disruption risks for travelers.
Dispute Centers on Unpaid Ground Work Hours
The core issue in labour talks is
flight attendants’ unpaid ground work hours. WestJet uses a credit hour pay system that combines flight time, ground duties, and delays into a single rate, which the airline asserts reflects North American industry standards. Flight attendants contend they work up to 35 unpaid hours monthly, a gap the union wants resolved in their contract negotiations.
Travel Disruptions and Flexible Policies
Passengers face uncertainty over travel plans as cancellations increase before the possible strike. WestJet offers Flexible Change/Cancel policies for bookings made between July 30 and August 4, 2026, to accommodate affected travelers. Guests traveling from Dublin to Vancouver for a wedding, among others, have reported
that early rebooking options are not feasible, causing significant concern for their schedules.
Statements from WestJet, Union, and Government
WestJet CEO Alexis Von Hoensbroech expressed regret over the lockout notice and inconvenience to guests, stating the decision was not taken lightly. CUPE Local 8125 President Alia Hussain emphasized that the strike notice does not imply a desire to strike but reflects ongoing efforts to reach a fair contract acknowledging flight attendants’ contributions. A spokesperson for Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged both parties to negotiate a deal to prevent travel disruptions.
Negotiations in Context of Canadian Aviation Labour
WestJet is Canada’s second-largest carrier, with flight attendants seeking improvements aligned with gains Air Canada
flight attendants secured in a four-year contract last summer. Air Canada’s deal included 2% annual wage increases and phased ground pay adjustments. The federal government has shown increasing interest in intervening in aviation labour disputes, adding pressure for a negotiated settlement.
