WestJet flight attendants began a strike early on Sunday, August 2, 2026, leading to the cancellation of over 300 flights across Canada and disrupting travel for roughly 250,000 passengers.
The strike involves about 4,400 flight attendants represented by CUPE Local 8125. The walkout follows more than 200 days without a collective agreement between the union and WestJet, with contract negotiations stalled primarily over pay and unpaid work time on the ground before flights depart.
Widespread Cancellations and Picketing at Saskatchewan Airports
Significant flight cancellations were reported at Regina International Airport and Saskatoon International Airport, with picket lines established at both locations. CUPE Saskatchewan President Kent Peterson was
present on the line at Saskatoon International Airport.
Regina experienced cancellations of flights to major destinations including Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax. WestJet accounts for about 60 percent of the seat capacity at Regina, where approximately 600 to 700 seats were removed from the market on Sunday due to the strike. CUPE Local 8125 President Alia Hussain confirmed the strike reflects the union’s pursuit of fairer pay and better working conditions.
WestJet Encore flights continued to operate normally and were not affected by the action.
Contract Dispute Centers on Pay and Unpaid Ground Work
The strike marks the failure to reach an agreement after more than 200 days of negotiations.
The main issue is compensation for unpaid labor performed while on the ground, including boarding, safety checks, and assisting passengers prior to takeoff.
WestJet proposed a contract including a 13 percent wage increase starting in October 2026, retroactive pay to January 1, 2026, a 12 percent duty pay premium, increased per diem allowances, and enhanced maternity leave benefits. The union rejected the offer as insufficient, maintaining that the airline’s block hour compensation model leaves flight attendants unpaid for numerous hours each month.
Both sides issued 72-hour strike and lockout notices on August 1, 2026, ahead of the strike.
Passenger Impact and Ongoing Negotiations
Passengers faced
long delays, cancellations, and were forced to seek refunds or rebooking options. Some travellers, such as Jarod Eagles at Regina International Airport, struggled to secure onward connections after cancellations disrupted flights to Calgary and beyond. Eagles described the difficulty in rearranging travel plans, noting the financial burden of last-minute alternative flights.
Similarly, passengers at Toronto Pearson faced overnight delays due to cancellations, with reports of extended waits for customer service assistance reaching up to seven hours online. WestJet advised affected customers they would be refunded or reaccommodated as appropriate.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed disappointment about the strike but
affirmed commitment to continued negotiations. Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu called the strike a disappointing development and encouraged ongoing talks without confirming any government intervention at this time.
Negotiations continued in Calgary with near-round-the-clock sessions ongoing amid the strike actions. The union hopes government intervention, as seen during the Air Canada flight attendant strike in 2025, will be avoided.
