WestJet flight attendants initiated a strike on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 02:01 EST, resulting in the cancellation of more than 600 flights and impacting approximately 250,000 passengers across Canada. The action has caused major disruptions at Canadian airports including Regina and Saskatoon.
Strike Driven by Ground Pay Dispute
The strike centers on pay disputes related to compensation for duties flight attendants perform before the plane departs. Union members claim they work up to 35 hours monthly on ground duties such as boarding, safety sweeps, and assisting passengers without pay. WestJet pays flight attendants based on block hours starting at gate departure and ending upon arrival
at the next gate, a practice consistent with North American airline standards.
Proposed Wage Increases and Negotiation Status
WestJet offered a wage increase package including a 13% raise in 2026 and annual 2.5% increases through 2029 along with added pay for all hours worked. Despite these proposals, flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 8125), which includes 4,400 employees, have been without a valid collective agreement for 213 days. Union members voted 99% in favor of the strike mandate last month.
Airport Disruptions and Ongoing Picketing
Flight cancellations linked to the strike have heavily affected operations at Regina and Saskatoon airports, where picketing is ongoing. WestJet Encore
flights booked on Q400 aircraft and WestJet codeshare operations remain unaffected by the strike. The strike actions coincided with one of Canada’s busiest summer holiday weekends, intensifying its impact.
Passenger Impact and Refund Policies
WestJet has offered refunds or rebooking options to affected passengers. Customers have reported difficulties reaching customer service and confusion over next steps. The airline advised travelers to verify flight status before traveling to the airport. Canadian passenger rights require airlines to rebook affected travelers on the next available flight with themselves or partner airlines or provide refunds if flights are canceled.
Official Statements on the Strike
A WestJet representative said the airline “remains at the table
and committed to achieving a negotiated tentative agreement that recognises the important contributions and professionalism of WestJet’s Cabin Crew.” CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain stated, “We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal.” Canada’s jobs minister Patti Hajdu described the strike as “a disappointing development” and called for continued negotiations but did not indicate government intervention.
Industry Context and Market Share
WestJet, majority owned by Onex Corp, is Canada’s second-largest airline holding a 30% share of the domestic market. The strike follows contract negotiations that began in September 2025 and reflects broader compensation challenges
faced by airline cabin crews in North America. The Canadian government previously intervened to halt an Air Canada strike but currently has no plans to do so regarding the WestJet dispute.
