More than 4,000 WestJet flight attendants began their strike at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The strike was initiated by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) following their strike notice issued on July 30, 2026, and prompted WestJet to issue a 72-hour lockout notice in response.
Flight Cancellations Disrupt WestJet Network Nationwide
As of 3 p.m. Mountain Time on August 1, WestJet had canceled 276 flights prior to the strike’s official start. Subsequently, hundreds of flights were canceled due to the strike, causing thousands of travelers to be stranded across WestJet’s nationwide Canadian network. WestJet is Canada’s second-largest air carrier, making
the strike a significant disruption in the Canadian aviation sector.
Compensation Dispute Over Ground Duties Triggers Strike
The primary cause of the strike is a dispute over compensation for ground duties performed by flight attendants. CUPE contends that some ground work remains unpaid, while WestJet asserts that its “credit hour” system covers all duties, including flight time, ground work, and delays. This system pays flight attendants from $28.88 to $53.61 per credit hour, with 80 credit hours constituting full-time work and monthly pay ranging from $2,300 to $4,300 per full-time employee.
Official Statements and Union Demands
A WestJet spokesperson said the company’s most recent proposal aimed to be a “transformative, industry-leading agreement
for WestJet’s Cabin Crew,” addressing key priorities set by the union. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125 representing the flight attendants, stated, “We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal.” The union has called on the federal government to respect the collective bargaining process and avoid intervention.
