WestJet flight attendants and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) issued a strike notice with a 72-hour deadline starting August 2, 2026, at 2:01 a.m. EST. In response, WestJet issued a 72-hour lockout notice early Thursday, signaling widespread cancellations of WestJet-operated flights across Canada over the coming days. The airline operates more than 600 flights daily and anticipates thousands of cancellations affecting up to 75,000 passengers.
Pay Dispute Behind Labour Action
CUPE represents approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants who are demanding wage adjustments that include compensation from check-in through clock-out, encompassing unpaid work such as ground delays and pre/post-flight duties. Currently, WestJet compensates cabin
crew using a “credit hour” system based on estimated flight time but excludes time spent on delays. The union also seeks higher pay to address the financial hardships faced by younger employees in expensive cities like Toronto. WestJet, headquartered in Calgary, aims to balance pay demands with the airline’s future sustainability.
Passenger Flexibility Amid Disruptions
To mitigate the impact on travelers, WestJet has implemented a flexible change and cancellation policy covering travel scheduled between July 30 and August 4, 2026. Customers booked directly with WestJet will receive email notifications about cancellations or schedule changes. Those with bookings through travel agencies or third-party platforms are
advised to contact their agents. WestJet Encore flights and codeshare services operated by partner airlines are not affected by the labor action.
Official Statements on Strike and Lockout
Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet CEO, expressed regret for the disruption: “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 emphasized the airline’s commitment to maintaining network integrity and minimizing risks to passengers, crew, and aircraft. CUPE local president Alia Hussain stated, “We’ve been clear from the start that we
want to reach a fair deal without a strike.” WestJet has assured passengers impacted by delays or cancellations will be refunded or rebooked promptly.
Context: Previous Air Canada Strike
The labor dispute at WestJet follows a similar strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August 2025, which grounded approximately 700 daily flights and affected around 500,000 passengers. During that strike, United Airlines assisted stranded Air Canada passengers, and the Canadian government intervened. WestJet holds about 30% of Canada’s domestic market, making any disruption significant for the country’s aviation sector.
Details on the exact number of canceled flights or specific airports impacted have not been disclosed
as the 72-hour strike and lockout notices remain in effect.
