The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, 2026. The strike can commence as of 2 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
In response, WestJet Airlines issued a simultaneous 72-hour lockout notice and began grounding its Boeing 737 fleet on August 1, 2026. WestJet Encore flights operated with Q400 aircraft remain unaffected. Codeshare flights with partners are also operating normally.
Passenger Advisories and Flight Changes
WestJet operates over 600 daily flights, carrying upwards of 70,000 passengers on some days, particularly through major hubs such as Calgary International Airport
and Toronto Pearson International Airport. With disruptions beginning August 1, passengers traveling between July 30 and August 4, 2026, are permitted a one-time change or cancellation without fees.
Passengers are advised to check flight status before traveling to airports due to cancellations starting as of August 1 and the looming risk of further disruptions. Refunds will be provided for flights cancelled due to the strike or lockout.
Union and Airline Statements on Negotiations
Alia Hussain, president of CUPE Local 8125, said the union continues to bargain extensively to avoid the strike. “We want a fair contract for our members that recognizes the value of flight attendants’
work and recognizes our position as employees of the second-largest carrier in Canada,” Hussain stated. She added the strike notice does not signal a desire to strike but highlights the need for change.
WestJet CEO Alexis Von Hoensbroech acknowledged the issuance of the lockout notice and flight groundings were difficult decisions. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests,” he said, while emphasizing WestJet’s commitment to reaching an agreement at the bargaining table.
Cause of Dispute and Industry Context
The labour dispute centers on contract disagreements over fair compensation, particularly payment for ground time spent by flight attendants. CUPE Local
8125 seeks contract improvements similar to those secured by Air Canada flight attendants last year, including partial pay for time spent waiting on the ground.
Air Canada’s flight attendants settled last summer to receive wage increases of 2% annually and ground pay starting at 50% of their hourly wage in the first year, increasing over four years. WestJet disputes the extent of unpaid ground time, maintaining that its credit hour system covers various duty components in a single higher hourly rate.
The dispute follows a recent Air Canada flight attendant strike over similar issues, which eventually involved government intervention and
binding arbitration. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu’s office has called on both WestJet and CUPE to work together toward resolution at the bargaining table.
Passenger Impact During August Long Weekend
The strike notice and corresponding grounding of Boeing 737 aircraft threaten to disrupt hundreds of flights during the peak August long weekend travel period. Major airports including Calgary International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport are key hubs for affected WestJet flights to destinations such as Vancouver, Dublin, Mexico, and Amsterdam.
Some travelers, including passengers with tight schedules such as wedding guests arriving from diverse international destinations, have reported difficulties adjusting travel plans despite the airline’s
fee waiver on rebookings. Passengers face uncertainty as cancellations continue and negotiations remain unresolved.
The grounding initiative aims to prevent aircraft from being stranded overseas should a strike commence, signaling WestJet’s cautious approach to minimize passenger disruption.
