The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 8125 representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants issued a 72-hour strike notice early on July 31, 2026, signaling plans for a possible strike starting Sunday, August 2. The union’s notice puts the airline on alert amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Following the strike notice, WestJet began grounding aircraft and canceling flights from July 31. By 10:30 p.m. Mountain Time that day, 81 flights were cancelled for August 1 alone. The cancellations aim to mitigate operational risks during the strike threat, especially to prevent aircraft being stranded overseas. WestJet advised passengers to confirm flight status before
traveling during the busy August long weekend.
Union Seeks Contract Terms Similar to Air Canada
WestJet flight attendants want improved contract terms akin to those Air Canada attendants secured in a four-year agreement reached last summer. Air Canada’s deal includes annual 2% wage increases and progressive increases in compensation for ground wait times, raising pay from 50% to 80% over four years. WestJet’s union contends its members perform up to 35 unpaid hours monthly and is seeking expanded ground pay similar to Air Canada’s. WestJet disputes that claim, citing a “credit hour system” that combines flight time, ground duties, and delays into a higher hourly pay rate for
attendants.
WestJet Responds with Lockout Notice and Travel Advisories
Shortly after the union’s strike notice, WestJet issued a 72-hour lockout notice effective August 2, the same date as the proposed strike. CEO Alexis Von Hoensbroech expressed regret over the disruption, saying the lockout decision was not made lightly. A WestJet spokesperson explained that with no agreement reached, the airline must begin parking Boeing 737 aircraft to manage the looming labour disruption. The airline remains engaged in bargaining and hopes to resolve the dispute before strike action.
Passengers have seen material impacts, with some unable to adjust plans. Vancouver resident Michael Murphy highlighted concerns about his wedding guests arriving
via WestJet flights from Dublin. Murphy said many guests cannot take earlier flights due to work and personal commitments, emphasizing the complexity travel disruptions create.
Official Statements Emphasize Ongoing Negotiations and Government Role
Alia Hussain, president of CUPE Local 8125, stated the union remains committed to bargaining continuously to secure a fair contract that recognizes flight attendants’ value at Canada’s second-largest airline. Hussain also stressed that the strike notice does not mean attendants want a strike and that time remains to avoid one.
WestJet’s CEO said the lockout notice was a difficult but necessary step, expressing regret for the guest inconvenience. A WestJet spokesperson conveyed optimism about resolving
remaining issues at the bargaining table. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged both parties to reach a collective agreement, noting Canadians face uncertainty on many fronts and expect cooperation to prevent disruption.
Background and Industry Context
The strike notice follows a near-unanimous vote by CUPE Local 8125 members in favor of strike action last month, with 99.4% voting yes. Labour experts suggest the notice aims to increase pressure to finalize negotiations. WestJet’s pre-emptive grounding and flight cancellations form part of risk management to avoid operational chaos during a strike. The airline’s main hub in Calgary and key routes involving Toronto
Pearson International Airport and Vancouver are most affected.
WestJet is the country’s second-largest carrier after Air Canada, whose flight attendants secured improved wages and ground pay in their most recent contract. Given the federal government’s preparedness to swiftly intervene in labour disputes, both sides appear focused on resolving issues through negotiations to avoid federally imposed settlement.
