WestJet has cancelled 76 flights as of July 31, 2026, following a strike notice by CUPE Local 8125, which represents approximately 4,400 WestJet cabin crew members. The airline declared a lockout in response to the union’s strike notice, with a potential work stoppage to begin at midnight Mountain Time on August 2, 2026.
These cancellations come amid escalating labour tensions ahead of the August Civic Holiday long weekend in Canada, which falls on August 3. The timing raises concerns about further travel disruptions across the WestJet network during a peak travel period.
Dispute Rooted in Unpaid Ground Work
The negotiations between WestJet and CUPE Local 8125
reached an impasse over compensation for approximately 35 unpaid ground work hours that flight attendants perform monthly, including pre-flight duties when aircraft are on the ground. WestJet cabin crew are compensated using a credit hour pay system, standard for North American airline flight attendants.
Travel Impact and Flexible Policies
Passengers booked on WestJet flights are advised to verify flight status prior to travelling to airports starting August 2, 2026. The airline has implemented a Flexible Change/Cancel policy for travel bookings made between July 30 and August 4, 2026, allowing customers to make alternate arrangements amid potential disruptions.
Official Statements on Negotiations
WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the
lockout notice decision was not made lightly and expressed regret for the uncertainty caused to guests. He emphasized the company’s commitment to negotiation efforts that balance fair cabin crew improvements with operational sustainability.
CUPE Local 8125 stated that its objective throughout the bargaining process has been to achieve a fair agreement without impacting passengers or the traveling public.
Industry-Wide Compensation Context
The credit hour pay system used by WestJet aligns with the standard model for cabin crew in North America. Flight attendants at major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, are currently negotiating terms to receive compensation for unpaid pre-flight work, a
key issue in recent labour disputes.
