WestJet grounded 81 flights across Canada on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as a precaution ahead of a flight attendant strike deadline. By late Saturday evening, the airline had already canceled 276 flights. These cancellations are linked to a planned strike by WestJet flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125.
Flight Attendant Strike Notice and Union Details
CUPE 8125, representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice effective as early as 2 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Sunday. In response, WestJet gave employees a 72-hour lockout warning starting the same time. The union’s strike notice followed a dispute over compensation
related to unpaid ground work duties performed by flight attendants.
Cause of Dispute and Mediation Efforts
The strike threat centers on disagreements over pay for ground duties that CUPE 8125 says are currently unpaid. Federal mediators have been involved in negotiations between WestJet and the union since May. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu, who was in Calgary supporting mediations, stated, “With federal mediators supporting negotiations since May, the parties can and should reach a deal. Canadians are counting on it.”
Operational Measures and Passenger Options
To mitigate potential disruption, WestJet has parked its 737 aircraft to reduce the risk of stranding passengers and equipment if the strike proceeds. The airline has
also advised passengers to monitor flight status regularly due to cancellations that have already occurred. WestJet is allowing free, one-time itinerary changes or cancellations for itineraries with travel dates from July 30 to August 4, 2026. Passengers on regional WestJet Encore flights and code-share services operated by Delta Air Lines remain unaffected by the strike.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to ongoing negotiations, saying the airline will “continue to work around the clock to come to an agreement.” CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain expressed hope of avoiding the strike, stating, “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 flight attendants are seeking improvements similar to a four-year contract deal recently secured by Air Canada’s flight attendants in 2025.
