WestJet continues to cancel numerous flights across Canada today amid a looming strike threat from its flight attendants. Early Thursday morning, the airline issued a 72-hour lockout notice following a strike notice from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The strike deadline is set for August 2, 2026, at 2:01 a.m. EST if no agreement is reached.
CUPE represents flight attendants at WestJet and Air Canada. The union demands that flight attendants be paid for all hours worked—from check-in to clock-out—instead of the current credit hour system that compensates only flight hours. CUPE also seeks higher wages, highlighting financial
challenges faced by younger employees in costly cities such as Toronto. The union says the existing pay structure does not compensate delays from late takeoffs or de-icing.WestJet has declined to modify this system, prompting stalled negotiations and the strike threat.
Passenger Impact and Airline Response
Passengers with travel scheduled between July 30, 2026, and August 4, 2026, can cancel or rebook their flights at no additional cost under WestJet’s flexible change and cancellation policy. The carrier commits to refunding or reaccommodating affected guests if delays or cancellations occur. Those who booked directly through WestJet receive email notifications of changes, while passengers who booked via travel
agents must contact their agents directly.WestJet Encore flights operated with Q400 aircraft and codeshare flights operated by partner airlines will not be affected by a potential strike.
Official Statements on Lockout and Negotiations
Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group, said, “The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union, was not one that was made lightly. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests.”He added, “We greatly value the work and contributions of our Cabin Crew, and it is our responsibility to ensure the integrity of our network and
to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, crew and aircraft.”Alia Hussain, president of the local CUPE union, said, “We’ve been clear from the start that we want to reach a fair deal without a strike.”
Industry Background and Passenger Impact Estimates
WestJet holds about a 30% share of Canada’s domestic air travel market and is the country’s second-largest airline. The labor dispute follows a similar strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August 2025. That strike grounded roughly 700 flights daily, affecting approximately 500,000 passengers over four days. The Canadian government unsuccessfully intervened to prevent that strike, and United Airlines assisted stranded Air Canada passengers.Aviation
expert John Gradek estimates a strike at WestJet could disrupt travel for as many as 75,000 passengers, amplifying the impact during peak summer travel. WestJet’s ongoing disputes risk its recent distinction as North America’s best on-time airline.
