WestJet began canceling flights at 10:30 p.m. MT on July 31, 2026, ahead of a possible strike by its flight attendants scheduled to start on August 2. The airline announced that 81 flights booked for August 1 have been canceled.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30. WestJet responded with a lockout notice on a matching timeline. If negotiations fail by early August 2, either the union or WestJet could proceed with a work stoppage, risking hundreds of cancellations during the busy August long weekend.
WestJet officials
said that WestJet Encore flights operated with Q400 aircraft and codeshare operations run by partner airlines will not be affected by the strike or lockout. The airline operates more than 600 flights daily and carries over 70,000 passengers on some days. It has permitted passengers traveling from July 30 through August 4 to make one-time changes or cancellations without fees. Refunds are available for passengers with flights canceled due to the potential strike.
Statements From Union and Airline
Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125, said, “We have made some progress, and the issues remaining need to be resolved at the table. We are hopeful that
we can still avoid a strike and remain committed to resolving this there.” WestJet stated in a press release that due to stalled negotiations, it “must begin the difficult process of parking 737 aircraft” as the labour disruption nears. The airline added that it “remains active at the bargaining table to achieve a mutually agreeable deal at the earliest possible time.”
Passenger Experience and Airport Response
Travellers at Toronto Pearson International Airport faced uncertainty as the strike looms. Passenger Gord Garwood, scheduled to fly to Vancouver, expressed concern about possible cancelations and said, “Maybe it’ll get cancelled, maybe not. Fingers crossed.” Another passenger, Callie Adams,
heading to Mexico, commented on potential disruptions, “If we don’t make it, then my work will be hearing from me on Monday morning.” Pearson Airport officials acknowledged awareness of both the 72-hour strike and lockout notices and urged passengers to verify their flight status.
Cause and Industry Context
The dispute centers on compensation for work performed on the ground, a key unresolved issue in negotiations. Similar compensation disagreements caused a flight attendant strike at Air Canada less than a year ago. Industry experts warn that a prolonged WestJet strike during the summer travel peak could cost the airline millions of dollars. WestJet continues negotiations
with CUPE to prevent a strike and its associated operational losses.
