WestJet’s 4,400 flight attendants initiated a strike early on August 2, 2026, prompting cancellations of hundreds of flights including mainline routes from Regina to Toronto, Halifax, and Vancouver, and from Saskatoon to Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. The strike resulted from failed negotiations to renew a collective agreement that expired December 31, 2025.
Union Picketing at Saskatoon International Airport
CUPE Local 8125 members and CUPE Saskatchewan President Kent Peterson picketed at Saskatoon International Airport on August 2, 2026. Peterson emphasized that workers have been without a contract for over 200 days and called for fair compensation for all hours worked, highlighting unpaid ground duties
as a core issue. WestJet Encore flights operating on the same day remained unaffected by the strike.
Passenger Impact at Regina International Airport
Passenger Jarod Eagles, scheduled to fly from Regina to Phoenix with a connecting flight via Calgary, experienced cancellations that left him stranded. Eagles waited approximately 45 minutes at Regina International Airport seeking alternate travel, considering routes through Minneapolis to access more carriers. He cited concerns about the expense of last-minute bookings and uncertainty caused by cancellations. Additional airport staff were deployed at Regina International to assist passengers facing delays.
Company and Union Statements on Negotiations
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed disappointment over the strike, noting the company’s latest
proposal included a 13% wage increase effective October 2026 with retroactive pay to January 1, a 12% duty pay premium, enhanced per diem, expanded vacation, and maternity leave top-ups. He described the offer as setting a new standard for cabin crew compensation. CUPE Local 8125 President Alia Hussain stated the strike resulted from unmet demands for fair pay and compensation for unpaid work, asserting readiness to resume negotiations without government intervention.
Operational Effects and Market Capacity Loss
Regina International Airport CEO James Bogusz reported the strike removed an estimated 600 to 700 seats from the market capacity on August 2, 2026. WestJet represents approximately 60% of
total seat capacity at Regina. WestJet’s mainline flights were completely halted on the strike day while WestJet Encore flights continued to operate normally along with Air Canada and United Airlines services. Passengers were advised to verify itineraries since operating WestJet Encore flights could connect with cancelled mainline services.
Ongoing Negotiations and Government Position
Negotiations between WestJet and CUPE WestJet Component continued intensively in Calgary during the strike. The federal government has not confirmed intervention plans although Minister of Jobs Patty Hajdu expressed disappointment that a deal was not reached, reiterating that the strongest agreements occur at the bargaining table. Past federal involvement in a 2025
Air Canada flight attendant strike over unpaid work provides a precedent for potential government action.
Passenger Refunds and Reaccommodation
WestJet announced that passengers affected by the strike cancellations on August 2, 2026, would be refunded or offered rebooking options. Passengers were encouraged to confirm their full travel itineraries to account for possible disruptions stemming from cancelled connecting flights. Airports deployed additional staff to assist impacted travelers at affected airports.
