WestJet cancelled over 300 flights across Canada on Monday, August 3, 2026, after roughly 4,400 unionized flight attendants initiated a strike early Sunday morning, August 2. The cancellations represented approximately 62 percent of the day’s scheduled flights, disrupting both domestic and international routes including operations at Vancouver International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
WestJet’s Tentative Agreement and Ongoing Flight Disruptions
A tentative deal between WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 was reached early Monday morning, August 3. The agreement includes pay increases, though further specifics have not been disclosed. Despite the deal, as of 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 4,
16 WestJet flights scheduled for that day remained cancelled while the airline began resuming normal operations.
WestJet has stated it is in a recovery phase, repositioning aircraft and crews to restore service. Ashley Tymko, a WestJet spokesperson, said, “WestJet is resuming operations and entering the recovery phase following a labour disruption. Flights have begun to operate; however, the impacts of the disruption continue as the airline works to restore its network. Guests are encouraged to continue checking the status of their flights before heading to the airport.”
Passenger Policies on Changes and Refunds
Passengers booked to travel between July 30 and August 6, 2026, can make
a one-time itinerary change or cancel their flights without incurring fees under WestJet’s extended policy. The airline will provide refunds or re-accommodation where applicable due to cancellations or delays.
According to Ian Jack, spokesperson for the Canadian Automobile Association, airline obligations under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations require carriers to arrange alternate transportation on another carrier within 48 hours or offer a refund. He explained, “Failing that, they have to offer you a refund. But crucially, they don’t need to make you take a refund if you don’t want to.” Jack also noted that seat availability limits on alternative carriers
can complicate re-accommodation during strikes.
Official Statements on Labour Dispute and Agreement
The strike began after WestJet and CUPE Local 8125 failed to reach a new contract before the strike deadline. Negotiations in Calgary have been ongoing since January 2026, primarily concerning wage increases and compensation for flight attendants’ unpaid ground work. CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain announced the tentative agreement in Calgary on Monday, stating that flight attendants have 30 days from August 3 to ratify the deal.
Previous Labour Disruptions and Industry Context
WestJet last experienced a major labour dispute in summer 2024 when its unionized mechanics struck over the Canada Day long weekend. Labour disruptions at Canadian airlines are
deemed situations outside carrier control under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, exempting airlines from owing passengers compensation for inconvenience.
In a similar 2025 strike involving Air Canada flight attendants, the airline provided reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses resulting from cancellations. WestJet has not announced comparable compensation policies during the current strike. The Canadian Automobile Association emphasized that passenger protection rules ensure alternate transport or refunds, but do not guarantee additional compensation for delays or cancellations.
