WestJet flight attendants initiated a strike on August 2, 2026, resulting in the cancellation of more than 270 flights nationwide. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, representing approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, took the action after contract negotiations ended without an agreement.
WestJet started canceling flights in advance of the strike deadline to prevent stranding passengers and crew. These cancellations affected major airports including Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Cancun. At Toronto Pearson Airport alone, 35 WestJet-operated flights were canceled on the strike day. As of 5 p.m. on August 2, a total of 196 flights
were canceled, with 81 cancellations reported on August 1. The airline operates over 600 flights daily, often transporting upwards of 70,000 passengers.
Negotiations centered on wages, compensation for work performed on the ground, unpaid work allegations, and scheduling conditions. Talks had been ongoing in Calgary for nearly 11 months. CUPE Local 8125 President Alia Hussain cited the airline’s failure to address unpaid work as a key reason for the strike. WestJet’s pay structure includes credit hour rates ranging from $28.88 to $53.61, covering both flight and ground duties. The union contrasts this with industry reforms by other airlines that pay
specifically for ground work.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed regret about the disruption, stating the airline had proposed a contract that included a double-digit wage increase and hourly rates covering all time before and after flights. He said, “We’re disappointed to be here; this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve.” The union president responded, “We are on strike because we believe we deserve better,” while also signaling willingness to resume talks. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu expressed disappointment that no deal was reached and emphasized that the strongest contracts
are negotiated at the bargaining table but did not announce any government intervention.
WestJet’s latest offer included a 13% wage increase starting October 2026, retroactive to January 1, a 12% duty pay premium, a 13% immediate hike in per diem, $300 annual healthcare spending accounts, expanded vacation benefits, and a 17-week postpartum maternity leave top-up. The proposal also contained scheduling improvements such as reduced maximum duty days, additional rest periods, and extra pay for reassignments or hotel delays.
To mitigate disruption, WestJet allowed passengers traveling between July 30 and August 4, 2026, to make one-time flight changes or cancellations without
fees. The airline also began grounding Boeing 737 aircraft ahead of the strike, parking planes to minimize operational risks during the work stoppage.
The current dispute follows a similar strike less than a year earlier by Air Canada flight attendants, who also protested unpaid ground work. The federal government initiated an investigation into unpaid work allegations within the airline sector in August 2025. Early findings indicated limited widespread unpaid work but highlighted concerns about part-time and entry-level flight attendants. The ongoing disagreements reflect deeper challenges in Canadian aviation labor relations.
WestJet’s cancellation numbers increased from 81 on August 1 to
276 network-wide on August 2 during the strike’s initial phase. The airline stated, “To ensure the integrity of WestJet’s network, and to minimize the risk of stranding guests and aircraft, the airline has started to issue cancellations and reduce flying.” Prior to the strike, CUPE launched a public relations campaign including rallies and media ads across Canada to support their bargaining position.
These actions have significantly disrupted WestJet’s operations across Canada during the busy summer travel period and a long weekend, forcing thousands of travelers to alter their plans.
