WestJet cabin crew’s union, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, 2026, signaling a possible work stoppage beginning at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time on Sunday, August 2. The union represents approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants across Canada, including at the airline’s Calgary headquarters.
In response to the strike notice, WestJet issued a 72-hour lockout notice and cancelled 76 flights across its network to reduce disruption risks. The airline operates over 600 daily flights, transporting upwards of 70,000 passengers on some days, with many originating or connecting through Calgary International Airport, Alberta.
Dispute Centers on Unpaid Ground Work and Credit Hour Pay System
CUPE Local 8125 has spotlighted unpaid work performed by flight attendants, estimating they average 35 unpaid hours monthly for ground duties such as preparing aircraft before and after flights. The union demands compensation for these tasks outside the current pay system. WestJet uses a “credit hour” method for cabin crew compensation, a North American industry standard, which management states fairly pays for all duties.
Lockout Notice and Official Statements
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed regret over the impact on passengers, stating the lockout decision was not made lightly. He emphasized the company’s efforts to maintain network integrity and minimize the risk of stranding guests
and crew. CUPE Local 8125 Chair Alia Hussain reiterated the union’s commitment to bargaining around the clock and the hope to avoid a strike, saying, “We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal.”
Passenger Impact and Rebooking Policies
Passengers with WestJet bookings scheduled between July 30 and August 4 can change or cancel flights without penalty. The 76 cancelled flights represent WestJet’s proactive strike-preparation measures. Regional WestJet Encore flights and code-share services operated by Delta Air Lines remain unaffected by the strike action. The airline has pledged to refund or re-accommodate passengers impacted by
delays or cancellations as needed.
At Calgary International Airport, travelers voiced mixed reactions. Some expressed concern about their travel plans, including a Medicine Hat family departing for Copenhagen worried about potential disruptions, and passengers traveling to Whitehorse uncertain about their return flights. WestJet has communicated support options to passengers to help manage bookings amid the dispute.
Agreed Protocols and Government Comments
WestJet and CUPE Local 8125 signed an agreement detailing procedures for grounding planes and arranging crew accommodations including hotel stays of up to one week and alternative flights if the strike begins. Cabin crew still operating flights when job action commences will complete their
trips before returning to their home base.
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said talks remained ongoing with hope for a settlement. The office of Minister Patty Hajdu called on both parties to work together amid public uncertainty affecting travelers during peak summer travel season.
The union secured a 99.4% strike authorization vote in July, demonstrating broad member support while continuing negotiations remain stalled. WestJet is the second-largest airline in Canada, based in Calgary, Alberta.
