WestJet has cancelled 76 flights as of July 30, 2026, due to a potential flight attendant strike set to begin as early as midnight Mountain Time on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The cancellations affect operations across Canadian airports and raise concerns ahead of the August 3 Civic Holiday weekend.
Strike and Lockout Notices Issued
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, representing WestJet flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice, while WestJet has responded with a 72-hour lockout notice. The earliest possible work stoppage could begin August 2, 2026, at midnight MT.
Union Representation and Contract Status
CUPE Local 8125 represents approximately 4,400 WestJet cabin personnel. Earlier in
July 2026, the union’s members voted 99.4% in favor of strike authorization. Their collective agreement with WestJet expired on December 31, 2025.
Dispute Over Unpaid Ground Work and Pay System
The core dispute centers on unpaid ground work, defined as time spent assisting customers before takeoff and after landing, which flight attendants say averages 35 unpaid hours per month. WestJet uses a credit hour pay system for cabin crew, which the airline describes as the standard pay model across North America. Negotiations have stalled over this issue.
Passenger Impact and Flexible Policies
Passengers with WestJet bookings between July 30 and August 4, 2026, can change or cancel flights without fees under the airline’s
Flexible Change/Cancel policies. With up to 600 daily flights typically serving 70,000 passengers during this peak period, the potential strike and ongoing cancellations risk further disruptions. Travelers are advised to verify flight status before traveling to airports.
Official Statements from WestJet and CUPE
WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said, “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 affirmed WestJet’s commitment to ongoing negotiations aimed at minimizing disruption.
CUPE Local 8125 stated their goal remains to
reach a fair agreement without disrupting passengers or the traveling public. Alia Hussain, chair of CUPE Local 8125’s WestJet contingent, said, “Our message to WestJet is plain and simple. Pay us fairly. Pay us for all our time. We will continue to bargain around the clock until this is resolved.”
Comparison to 2025 Air Canada Strike
This dispute echoes a similar issue that led to a nearly four-day strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August 2025 over ground work compensation. That strike affected hundreds of thousands of travelers and caused estimated losses of $375 million.
Strike Contingency Plans
WestJet and CUPE have agreed on contingency terms detailing how
aircraft will be grounded and how crew will be accommodated during any strike. Cabin crew working when the job action begins are to complete their current trips, and those unable to immediately return home will receive hotel accommodations for up to one week or transportation to another Canadian city.
