WestJet’s 4,400 flight attendants commenced a strike early on August 2, 2026, resulting in the cancellation of more than 300 mainline flights nationwide. The move disrupted travel on a busy Canadian summer long weekend, affecting approximately 250,000 passengers across the country.
The strike followed the expiration of the previous collective agreement on December 31, 2025, after which contract negotiations between WestJet and CUPE Local 8125 stalled. The union’s key issue is compensation for unpaid ground duties performed by flight attendants under the existing block hour pay model.
Flight Cancellations and Airport Impact
Flights using WestJet’s larger Boeing 737 aircraft were suspended at key airports including
Regina International Airport, where routes to Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver, and Calgary were canceled. Regina’s airport president, James Bogusz, said the strike removed about 600 to 700 seats from the market on August 2, accounting for roughly 60% of the airport’s seat capacity.
Picketing took place at Saskatoon International Airport, with CUPE Local 8125 members joined by CUPE Saskatchewan President Kent Peterson. Peterson stated, “Their bargaining team has been fighting hard for a long time, but WestJet doesn’t seem to get it. Every worker should be paid for every second they are at work, and unfortunately that is just not the
case for WestJet’s cabin crew.”
WestJet Encore flights operated normally during the strike, as did some connecting services by partner airlines, though passengers on code-share flights faced uncertainty if subsequent WestJet mainline segments were canceled.
Passenger Disruption and Rebooking Challenges
Thousands of travelers experienced cancellations and long waits for customer service. At Regina International Airport, passenger Jarod Eagles faced cancellations on his Calgary-to-Phoenix connection after flying WestJet Encore from Regina to Calgary. Eagles expressed frustration: “What’s the point of getting to Calgary if I have no other option? Do I just live in an airport for two, three days?” He noted that last-minute bookings on
other airlines could cost thousands of dollars.
Other passengers stranded included Carissa Fontaine and Karissa Sehn, who spent a night sleeping on the floor at Toronto Pearson International Airport trying to return to Saskatoon, and Lindsay Williams from the UK, who had to rebook his trip to Cancun after cancellations disrupted his vacation plans.
WestJet deployed additional airport staff at affected locations to assist travelers and offered refunds or re-accommodation. The airline urged passengers to verify flight status before arriving at airports.
Contract Negotiations and Strike Background
Negotiations had continued in Calgary since September 2025 without settlement. Key points included wage increases and payment for
ground work performed before gate departure and after gate arrival, with flight attendants claiming they work up to 35 unpaid hours monthly on ground duties. WestJet disputes this, maintaining pay is calculated by the standard block hour method starting when the plane leaves the gate.
On July 30, 2026, both sides issued simultaneous strike and lockout notices with a 72-hour window, leading to the strike’s activation early on August 2. The union voted 99% in favor of the strike mandate last month.
WestJet’s CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed regret over the strike’s impact, stating the company’s proposal included a 13%
wage increase effective October 2026 retroactive to January 1, a 12% duty pay premium, per diem hikes, healthcare spending accounts, expanded vacation benefits, and scheduling improvements. The union rejected the offer.
CUPE Local 8125 President Alia Hussain said the strike resulted from “WestJet not taking flight attendants’ unpaid ground work and pay concerns seriously after almost 11 months of bargaining.” She affirmed the union’s readiness to resume negotiations and hoped the government would not interfere.
Government and Industry Responses
Canada’s Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu called the strike “disappointing” and urged the parties to continue talks but did not commit to intervening. She referenced the
previous Air Canada flight attendant strike where government action mandated a return to work before a deal was negotiated.
James Bogusz of Regina International Airport remarked that restoring WestJet’s mainline operations after a contract resolution will take time, noting, “It’s not like the planes start flying that next minute. It does take some time for them to wind back up.”
WestJet emphasized that WestJet Encore and codeshare flights were not affected by the strike and confirmed all impacted passengers will receive refunds or rebooking options where applicable.
