WestJet began grounding several of its 737 aircraft on July 31, 2026, as a precaution against a potential strike by flight attendants set to begin after a 72-hour strike notice expires just past midnight on August 2. The carrier is preparing for hundreds of possible cancellations during the upcoming August long weekend.
WestJet and CUPE Negotiations Underway
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, issued the strike notice on July 30, 2026. WestJet responded with a lockout notice matching the same timeline. Negotiations between WestJet and CUPE continued on July 31 without reaching a new contract agreement.
CUPE 8125 President
Alia Hussain said, “We have made some progress, and the issues remaining need to be resolved at the table. We are hopeful that we can still avoid a strike and remain committed to resolving this there.”
Passenger Impact and Airline Response
WestJet operates over 600 flights daily, carrying upwards of 70,000 passengers on some days. The airline stated that WestJet Encore flights operated on Q400 aircraft and codeshare flights run by partners are not affected by the grounding.
Passengers traveling on WestJet flights scheduled between July 30 and August 4, 2026, can make a one-time change or cancel without incurring fees. Those with flights canceled
due to a strike will be eligible for full refunds.
Toronto Pearson International Airport acknowledged the strike and lockout notices and urged travelers to verify the status of their flights before arriving at the airport.
Cause of Grounding and Strike
The grounding of flights ahead of the strike is intended to prevent airlines from having passengers or crew stranded in transit during a work stoppage. The primary unresolved issue in negotiations is compensation for work performed while on the ground.
This follows a similar strike less than a year earlier, when Air Canada flight attendants engaged in work stoppages over comparable compensation concerns. The Canadian
government intervened then to impose binding arbitration and end that strike.
Statements from Passengers and Officials
WestJet passengers expressed concern over possible disruptions during the busy August long weekend. Gord Garwood, a passenger traveling to Vancouver, said, “Maybe it’ll get cancelled, maybe not. Fingers crossed.” He noted he would seek changes at WestJet’s counter if his return flight to Toronto is canceled.
Callie Adams, traveling to Mexico, said, “If we don’t make it, then my work will be hearing from me on Monday morning.” Another passenger, Corey Vahrmeyer, traveling to Vancouver for a wedding, remarked, “Flying lately, in general, has become a little bit more
chaotic. Every time you go to the airport, it feels like it’s almost a roll of the dice. You’re just not sure what you’re going to get, and this time it’s a strike.”
Sanya Kennedy, traveling through Toronto to Calgary, advocated for fair pay, stating, “If somebody works 10 hours, they should get paid for the 10 hours.” Long-time traveler Rinks Slump noted experience with strike notices, saying they usually get resolved before major disruption.
WestJet released a statement saying, “At this time, negotiations have not resulted in an agreement and as a labour disruption approaches, WestJet must begin the
difficult process of parking 737 aircraft. We remain active at the bargaining table to achieve a mutually agreeable deal at the earliest possible time.”
