WestJet flight attendants initiated a strike that caused the cancellation of approximately 600 flights by early Sunday morning, disrupting travel across Canada during one of its busiest summer holiday weekends. The 72-hour strike notice issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 expired at 02:01 EST on Sunday. The union’s strike mandate had been approved by 99% of its members last month. Negotiations between WestJet and the union, which have been ongoing since September 2025, continued during the strike.
Strike Centers on Pay and Ground Work Compensation
The dispute driving the strike concerns flight attendant pay, focusing particularly on compensation for duties performed before takeoff,
known as ground pay. The union asserts that attendants work up to 35 hours monthly without pay on pre-flight activities, including boarding, safety checks, assisting passengers, and handling ground delays. WestJet employs a block-hour pay system where compensation starts only once the aircraft departs the gate and ends upon arrival at the next gate. The airline states this payment model is standard across North America and includes pay for all pre-flight and post-landing work. Cabin crew wages under this system range between CAD 28 and CAD 58 per hour.
Impact on Canadian Passengers and Flight Operations
With 600 flights canceled by Sunday morning, many passengers have faced
disruptions across Canada. WestJet has advised travelers to check flight status before heading to airports. The strike does not affect WestJet Encore flights operating on Bombardier Q400 aircraft or codeshare flights. Under Canadian passenger rights laws, affected customers are entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight on WestJet or alternate carriers, as well as free return travel to their original departure point if needed. Passengers who cancel flights before the strike start may not be eligible for compensation. The Canadian consumer group Air Passenger Rights notes that stranded passengers can claim compensation for delays controllable
by airlines that are unrelated to safety concerns.
Official Statements from WestJet, Union, and Government
A WestJet spokesperson said the airline “remains at the table and committed to achieving a negotiated tentative agreement that recognises the important contributions and professionalism of WestJet’s Cabin Crew.” CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain commented, “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 called the strike a “disappointing development” on social media and urged continued negotiations but did not signal any government intervention.
WestJet’s Scale and Timing of Strike
WestJet, based in Calgary, is Canada’s second-largest airline, serving more than 130 Canadian
and international destinations. The strike occurred during a peak summer travel period, heightening its impact on domestic and international routes. The union highlights that cabin crew had been without a valid collective agreement for 213 days prior to this strike action. The labor dispute reflects broader industry challenges relating to ground pay and hourly compensation models for flight attendants across North America.
