WestJet flight attendants began a strike at 02:01 EST on August 2, 2026, leading to the cancellation of approximately 600 flights across Canada by Sunday morning. The strike has affected a significant portion of WestJet’s operations during one of Canada’s busiest summer travel weekends.
Strike Causes Grounded Flights
The strike stems from a pay dispute focused on compensation for unpaid ground duties performed before takeoff. Flight attendants claim they work up to 35 unpaid hours monthly covering tasks such as boarding, safety sweeps, passenger assistance, and managing ground delays. WestJet flight attendants have been without a valid collective agreement for 213 days as of
the strike’s start. The union representing them, CUPE 8125, obtained a 99% strike mandate from members last month.
Passenger Impact and Refund Policies
Approximately 600 flights were cancelled nationwide, involving WestJet’s mainline services but excluding WestJet Encore Q400 and codeshare flights. Passengers affected by cancellations will receive refunds or be rebooked at no additional cost according to Canadian airline passenger regulations. These laws require carriers to provide rebooking on their own or partner airlines, or with competitors if necessary, and offer full refunds or free return flights to the origin point. Stranded passengers may also be entitled to compensation for delays within the airline’s control
unrelated to safety.
Official Statements and Union Positions
WestJet stated it “remains at the table and committed to achieving a negotiated tentative agreement that recognises the important contributions and professionalism of WestJet’s Cabin Crew.” The airline noted that flight attendants are paid by block hours—measured from gate departure to gate arrival—aligning with North American industry standards, which WestJet says include ground-related duties. CUPE 8125 President Alia Hussain said, “We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal,” emphasizing the union’s efforts to avoid travel disruption.
Canada’s jobs minister Patti Hajdu described the strike as a
“disappointing development” and called on both sides to continue negotiations but did not indicate government intervention. WestJet encouraged passengers to verify flight status before traveling to airports.
Negotiation Background and Labor Context
Negotiations between WestJet and its flight attendants have been ongoing since September 2025 without reaching a collective agreement. The 72-hour strike notice expired at 02:01 EST on August 2, following the overwhelming strike vote. This labour dispute adds to prior airline labour tensions in Canada, including the Air Canada strike in 2025, though no official federal intervention has been announced in this case.
