WestJet cancelled 76 flights as a precaution ahead of a potential strike by its cabin crew set to begin August 2 at midnight Mountain Time. The cancellations impact flights at Canadian airports including Toronto as labor negotiations remain at an impasse.
Union Representation and Strike Authorization
The cabin crew union, CUPE Local 8125, which represents approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, 2026. The union reported that 99.4% of its members authorized strike action due to stalled negotiations over unpaid ground work.
Pay Dispute and Industry Context
The strike threat centers on flight attendants’ claims they work about 35 unpaid hours per month, primarily
for ground-related duties. WestJet uses a credit hour pay system standard across North America for cabin personnel, but the union contends that these unpaid hours require compensation. Flight attendants at other Canadian airlines, such as Air Canada, have also negotiated for pay covering pre-flight work.
Implications for Travelers and Airline Response
Passengers with travel bookings between July 30 and August 4 can use WestJet’s Flexible Change and Cancel policies to modify their plans. Travelers are advised to verify flight status prior to arriving at the airport due to the cancellations.
WestJet responded to the union’s strike notice by issuing a lockout notice. WestJet Group Chief Executive
Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech said the lockout decision was not taken lightly and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to guests. Von Hoensbroech emphasized the airline’s commitment to resolving the dispute at the bargaining table while safeguarding network operations. CUPE Local 8125 stated its objective to reach a fair agreement without disrupting passengers or the traveling public.
