WestJet flight attendants initiated a strike on Sunday morning, August 2, 2026, involving about 4,400 union members. The strike has grounded approximately 600 WestJet mainline flights nationwide, severely disrupting service across Canada. At Vancouver International Airport alone, 88 WestJet flight cancellations represent about 10% of the airport’s daily scheduled operations. Bookings for WestJet mainline flights remain suspended through August 5, with extensions possible if negotiations fail.
Approximately 250,000 passengers are affected by cancellations during the August long weekend. Many have reported extreme difficulties rebooking flights due to customer service wait times exceeding seven hours, with some stranded passengers experiencing phone
delays up to 19 hours. Around airports nationwide, travelers face cancellations and delays with limited immediate options, while WestJet Encore flights using Q400 turboprop aircraft continue operating unaffected by the strike.
WestJet offered a comprehensive contract proposal that included a 13% base wage increase effective October 1, 2026, followed by annual 2.5% raises through 2029, and retroactive pay starting January 1, 2026. The offer also provided premium pay covering all hours before and after flights, a $300 annual healthcare spending account, a fifth week of vacation after 25 years’ service, and a 17-week maternity leave top-up. The union rejected this
offer, maintaining demands for improved wages and working conditions.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed disappointment with the strike, stating, “We’re disappointed to be here; this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve.” CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain said, “We are on strike because we believe we deserve better,” and opposed government intervention. Federal Jobs Minister Patti Hajdu called the strike a “disappointing development” and urged both parties to continue negotiations.
Under Canadian federal Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), the strike is classified as outside carrier control, meaning affected
passengers are not eligible for cash compensation for inconvenience. However, travelers have the right to free rebooking on WestJet or competitor flights within 48 hours or a full refund. Customers who booked through third-party platforms must contact their providers directly. Passengers are advised not to cancel bookings before official flight cancellations to preserve their rights to compensation and rebooking.
Passenger reports highlight the strike’s impact. David Miller of Calgary, stranded in Cancun with his family, stated he spent more than nine hours in the online support queue awaiting assistance. Another traveler, Ashton Phenix, spent 19 hours on WestJet’s customer service
phone line after flight cancellations, describing it as “very frustrating to be on the phone…but it’s your only lifeline.” Such extended wait times further complicate passenger efforts to secure rebookings.
Negotiations remain ongoing with no resolution timeline announced. WestJet emphasized its commitment to reaching an agreement balancing cabin crew needs with operational sustainability. The airline last experienced a major labor dispute in summer 2024 involving mechanics. This strike represents one of the most significant labor challenges in WestJet’s history, coinciding with a peak travel period over the August long weekend.
