On August 3, 2026, flight attendants at Calgary-based WestJet initiated a strike that led to the cancellation of approximately 600 flights by early Sunday morning, disrupting service for an estimated 250,000 passengers nationwide during a key Canadian summer holiday weekend.
Flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees local 8125 (CUPE 8125) have been negotiating contracts with WestJet since September 2025 with no agreement reached. The central issue in the dispute is pay for pre-takeoff duties, often referred to as “ground pay,” with union members claiming they work up to 35 unpaid hours monthly performing tasks such as
boarding, safety sweeps, assisting passengers, and managing ground delays.
Affected Flights and Geographic Scope
WestJet operates flights to over 130 domestic and international destinations. This strike affects mainline WestJet passenger flights but does not impact WestJet Encore and codeshare flights operated on Q400 aircraft. Reports indicate cancellations are significant in cities including Regina and Saskatoon, where picketing is ongoing. The strike began following the expiration of a 72-hour strike notice that ended at 02:01 EST on August 3, 2026.
Passenger Rights and Airline Obligations
Under Canadian air passenger laws, WestJet is required to rebook affected passengers on the next available flight at no additional cost, either on its own fleet
or partnering carriers. If suitable flights are unavailable, passengers may obtain full refunds and are entitled to return flights to their point of origin free of charge. The Canadian non-profit Air Passenger Rights organization notes that compensation may be payable for delays within the airline’s control but does not cover safety-related delays.
Official Statements on the Strike
WestJet stated it remains engaged in negotiations and “committed to achieving a negotiated tentative agreement that recognizes the important contributions and professionalism of WestJet’s Cabin Crew.” The airline confirmed that 600 flights had been canceled by early Sunday morning and that passengers affected will be refunded or reaccommodated
accordingly.
Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125, said, “We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal.” Canada’s Jobs Minister Patti Hajdu described the strike as a “disappointing development” and encouraged the parties to continue bargaining, adding that a strike or lockout does not preclude reaching an agreement at the negotiating table.
Dispute on Pay and Work Hours
The union contends that flight attendants perform up to 35 hours per month of unpaid work before takeoff. A statement on the CUPE 8125 website reads, “Boarding, safety sweeps, assisting passengers, and ground delays are entirely on our
dime.” WestJet maintains its pay system compensates cabin crew based on block hours starting when the plane leaves the gate and ending when it arrives at the destination gate, covering pre-takeoff and landing duties. According to the airline, this pay model is standard across North America, with flight attendants earning between C$28 and C$58 per hour.
