The union representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants gave the airline 72 hours official notice on July 30, 2026, of an intended strike effective as early as 2 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, August 2.
In response, WestJet initiated grounding of some aircraft on July 31 and cancelled multiple flights ahead of the strike deadline. The airline issued a 72-hour lockout notice to flight attendants, also effective Sunday. To mitigate passenger impact, WestJet is applying a flexible cancellation policy for bookings from July 30 through August 4, 2026, that allows a one-time free change or cancellation.
Passengers affected by cancellations
or delays amid the labour dispute may qualify for refunds, rebooking on alternate flights, or compensation under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations if arrivals are delayed by three hours or more. WestJet has committed to providing timely communication, alternative travel options, and possibly meal vouchers and accommodations for impacted guests. Passengers with tickets booked via third parties maintain their passenger rights. Travel insurance coverage might be affected by the strike status and timing of purchase.
Alia Hussain, president of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 8125, stated, “We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked
hard to reach a fair deal.” She added, “The strike notice does not mean flight attendants want to go on strike; there’s still time to avoid a strike.” Hussain emphasized ongoing negotiations aiming for a contract that recognizes flight attendants’ work and their position at Canada’s second-largest carrier.
WestJet CEO Alexis Von Hoensbroech 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.” A spokesperson for Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged
both sides to negotiate, saying, “The federal government will always maintain that the strongest deals happen at the table.”
The union vote last month showed 99.4 percent support for strike action. Flight attendants seek contract provisions similar to those secured by Air Canada last summer, including wage increases and partial ground pay for time spent on the ground before flights. WestJet disputes that attendants work up to 35 unpaid hours monthly, highlighting its credit hour system which consolidates duty time into a single hourly rate.
Labour studies experts observe the notice indicates heightened tensions but may also focus negotiations. McMaster
University professor Stephanie Ross noted that the strike notice signals impatience but could push the parties toward settlement. York University professor Steven Tufts indicated the lack of public acrimony suggests the sides might be closer to agreement than expected. McGill University’s John Gradek explained that cancelling remote flights early prevents aircraft from being stranded overseas.
Passengers’ travel plans, such as those of Vancouver resident Michael Murphy, face uncertainty. Murphy, whose wedding is August 6, expressed concern that WestJet’s rebooking offer to advance flights does not accommodate guests arriving from Dublin, who have commitments close to the original travel dates. “It’s
not as easy just to move the flight forward,” he said.
