On July 24, 2026, WestJet Group Ltd. announced it will allow passengers to reschedule or cancel flights without fees for travel booked between July 30 and August 4, in response to a strike authorization vote by its mainline flight attendants taken last week.
The strike authorization vote by the union representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, CUPE local 8125, opens the possibility of a work stoppage as early as August 2, coinciding with Canada’s Civic holiday long weekend. WestJet’s flight attendants have been operating without a collective agreement since the end of 2025.
Flights Affected and Booking Adjustments
The potential strike would impact flights operated by
WestJet’s mainline carrier, which functions approximately 560 flights daily across Canada. Flights under the WestJet Encore brand, operated with Q400 aircraft, along with WestJet codeshare flights operated by partner airlines, will not face disruption in the event of a walkout.
Passengers who booked travel through WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, or Vacances WestJet Québec will be contacted directly by their vacation providers regarding flexible booking options during this period.
Labor Negotiations and Official Statements
WestJet remains engaged in ongoing negotiations with CUPE local 8125. The airline stated it is prepared to make meaningful improvements for cabin crew while balancing its future sustainability. A company statement noted
optimism toward reaching an agreement recognizing the contributions of flight attendants.
CUPE local 8125 president Alia Hussain has urged WestJet to refocus bargaining efforts to avoid disruptions, stating, “WestJet should do the right thing and prevent travel disruptions for their passengers.”
Implications for Passengers
Passengers with WestJet mainline flight bookings during the July 30 to August 4 window can make a one-time change or cancel their reservations without penalty, a policy aimed at mitigating impacts of the possible strike. Travelers on unaffected flights such as WestJet Encore or codeshare services will not experience operational delays related to the labor dispute.
The upcoming labor
uncertainty poses a risk to maintaining WestJet’s regular schedule of 560 daily flights, primarily on the mainline network, during a busy holiday period in Canada.
