WestJet has cancelled 76 flights as it prepares for a possible strike by flight attendants represented by CUPE Local 8125, who issued a 72-hour strike notice with a potential work stoppage starting at midnight Mountain Time on August 2, 2026. The union represents about 4,400 WestJet cabin crew members, with 99.4% of them authorizing strike action following a vote earlier in July.
Flight Cancellations and Negotiation Deadlock
WestJet’s move to cancel 76 flights comes as negotiations with CUPE Local 8125 have stalled over compensation related to unpaid ground work performed by flight attendants, such as time spent on aircraft while on the ground before flights.
WestJet responded to the union’s strike notice with a lockout notice, which the airline’s Group CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, said was a difficult decision intended to minimize disruptions across its network in Canada. The airline confirmed that cabin crew are paid under a credit hour system, which it stated is standard across North America, but acknowledges the dispute centers on additional unpaid hours worked on the ground.
Travel Adjustments and Passenger Advisories
Passengers booked on WestJet flights scheduled between July 30 and August 4, 2026, are eligible to make changes or cancellations under the airline’s Flexible Change/Cancel policies. The potential strike timing, which coincides with
the Civic Holiday long weekend beginning August 3, raises the risk of further disruptions. Travelers with bookings during this period are advised to verify the status of their flights before heading to airports.
Official Statements from WestJet and CUPE
Alexis von Hoensbroech stated, “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.” He emphasized WestJet’s commitment to ongoing negotiations aiming for a sustainable agreement that respects cabin crew contributions. Meanwhile, CUPE Local 8125 reiterated that its goal throughout
negotiations has been to avoid disrupting passengers or the traveling public.
Industry Context on Flight Attendant Compensation
The dispute at WestJet reflects broader industry dynamics, where flight attendant pay models commonly include credit hour systems across North America. Flight attendants at other major Canadian carriers, such as Air Canada, have also negotiated for compensation related to unpaid pre-flight work. The 35 average unpaid hours per month claimed by WestJet flight attendants indicate ongoing challenges in aligning compensation structures with actual work performed during ground operations.
