WestJet flight attendants began a strike on August 2, 2026, following the expiration of a strike deadline, resulting in more than 270 cancelled flights across Canada. The disruptions affected airports including Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Cancun as the airline pared back its schedule in anticipation of the work stoppage.
The strike stems from unresolved contract negotiations between WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, which represents 4,400 flight attendants. Central to the dispute is compensation for ground work that the union considers unpaid. The issue echoes a similar conflict involving Air Canada flight attendants
who struck in August 2025 over comparable concerns. WestJet’s current pay system, using a credit hour model that combines flight time and ground duties with rates ranging from $28.88 to $53.61 per hour, is viewed by the union as insufficient for on-the-ground labor.
WestJet began canceling flights ahead of the strike deadline, cancelling 198 flights after the night of July 31, increasing to 276 cancellations network-wide by 5 p.m. on August 1. The airline is allowing travelers with flights scheduled between July 30 and August 4 to make one change or cancellation without fees. WestJet presented a proposal including a
13% retroactive wage increase starting January 1, 2026, a 12% duty pay premium for ground work, a 13% per diem increase, $300 annual healthcare spending accounts, expanded vacation, a 17-week postpartum maternity leave top-up, and scheduling improvements. The union rejected the offer.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said, “We’re disappointed to be here; this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve.” He emphasized the airline’s willingness to continue negotiations, noting their offer set a new standard in the Canadian cabin crew industry. CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain stated, “We
are on strike because we believe we deserve better,” adding that unpaid work remains a key issue and the union is prepared to return to the bargaining table but hopes the federal government will avoid interference. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu expressed disappointment that an agreement was not reached before the strike and reiterated that the strongest deals happen at the bargaining table without confirming any government intervention plans.
WestJet normally operates more than 600 flights daily, transporting over 70,000 passengers across Canada. The strike interrupts travel during a busy summer long weekend and has already caused widespread cancellations and delays
affecting thousands of passengers across major Canadian airports.
The labor dispute occurs amid broader industry efforts to address compensation for ground duties. Delta Air Lines became the first North American carrier to pay flight attendants specifically for ground work in 2022, followed by American Airlines and Alaska Airlines introducing boarding pay at 50% of hourly rates. Air Canada flight attendants secured boarding pay increasing to 70% of hourly wages in February 2026. The Canadian government has monitored unpaid work in the airline sector closely following the Air Canada strike, launching investigations beginning in August 2025. Initial findings found limited evidence
of widespread unpaid work but noted concerns for part-time and entry-level attendants. CUPE has criticized airline wage data submissions for their narrow definition of work. This ongoing labor dispute at WestJet reflects continuing tensions over ground duty compensation in the Canadian airline sector.
