WestJet cancelled 76 flights in anticipation of a potential strike by its flight attendants starting as early as August 2 at midnight Mountain Time, coinciding with Canada’s Civic Holiday weekend. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, 2026, to which WestJet responded with a lockout declaration.
Strike Authorization and Dispute over Unpaid Ground Work
CUPE Local 8125, which represents approximately 4,400 WestJet cabin crew members, secured a 99.4% strike authorization vote from its members. The strike notice was issued following an impasse in negotiations concerning compensation for unpaid ground work performed by flight attendants. The union claims flight
attendants work an average of 35 unpaid hours monthly, including pre-flight duties, while WestJet maintains its pay is based on a credit hour system prevalent in North America.
Operational Adjustments and Passenger Options
In response to the looming strike action, WestJet cancelled 76 flights affecting travel between July 30 and August 4, 2026. Passengers with bookings during this period are eligible for flexible change or cancellation options under WestJet’s policies. Travellers are encouraged to verify flight statuses before departing for airports due to possible further disruptions.
Official Statements on Negotiations and Passenger Impact
WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed regret for the disruption, stating, “The decision to issue a lockout notice,
in response to the actions taken by the union, was not one that was made lightly. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests.” He added the company remains committed to negotiating a fair agreement that values cabin crew while protecting network integrity.
CUPE Local 8125 emphasized its intent to secure a fair settlement without public disruption, saying, “CUPE 8125 has been clear throughout negotiations that its goal is to reach a fair agreement without disrupting passengers or the travelling public.”
Cabin Crew Pay System and Industry Context
WestJet’s credit hour pay system for cabin crew aligns with the standard model
used across North America. Similar disputes over compensation for unpaid pre-flight ground work are ongoing among flight attendants at other Canadian airlines, including Air Canada. The current impasse at WestJet centers on properly remunerating time spent on ground duties outside of flight hours.
