WestJet is gradually restoring flight operations following a cabin crew strike that resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations across major Canadian hubs and international routes. The strike, triggered by stalled negotiations over pay and compensation for ground duties, caused widespread schedule disruption at bases including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto.
Earlier this week, WestJet and CUPE Local 8125, representing about 4,400 flight attendants, reached a tentative contract agreement that led cabin crew to return to work quickly and paused the strike pending a ratification vote. This deal curtailed the strike’s duration compared to previous aviation labour disputes in Canada.
Recovery
efforts are underway as WestJet repositions aircraft and crews to realign operations with scheduled routes. While cancellations are declining, some disruptions persist, especially on longer international and leisure flights where equipment and crew imbalances remain. Domestic flights between major Canadian hubs have seen quicker improvements, although delays, aircraft swaps and occasional last-minute cancellations are still reported.
The airline maintains a flexible change and cancellation policy for travel covering the immediate post-strike period. This policy, initially introduced before the strike started, allows passengers to alter travel plans or cancel flights without penalty. WestJet has urged customers to monitor flight status closely
as busy airport check-in counters and call centers continue handling a backlog of rebookings caused by the stoppage.
Statements from WestJet and CUPE
WestJet emphasized its ongoing commitment to balanced negotiations, stating its team remains “actively engaged in negotiations and prepared to make meaningful improvements for cabin crew while balancing future sustainability.” The airline also expressed confidence that recovery would minimize passenger disruption, saying it aims to “provide guests with greater flexibility and confidence in their upcoming travel plans.” However, it acknowledged that uncertainty around travel plans can cause passenger concern.
CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain praised WestJet’s flexible change policy as appropriate, describing
it as “something any responsible business would do.” She said, “What I do know is that they’ve been at the bargaining table with us and both sides are committed to reaching a deal.” Hussain also acknowledged the uncertainty the labour dispute introduced for passengers, stating, “I’m sure [the labour dispute] has introduced a lot of uncertainty for [passengers], and I think it’s the responsibility of the organization to allow for flexible changes to the people who pay my mortgage.”
Labour Tensions and Operational Challenges
The strike revealed ongoing labour tensions within Canada’s aviation sector, following WestJet’s previous major mechanics’ strike in summer 2024 which also
impacted tens of thousands of travellers. Central issues for cabin crew negotiations include paid time for boarding and post-flight ground duties.
Industry analysis shows that restoring airline schedules after strike action involves complex steps such as ferrying airplanes to key hubs, completing maintenance on planes that were idle during the strike, and rebuilding crew rosters to meet regulatory requirements. This behind-the-scenes repositioning typically causes a decreasing but prolonged pattern of cancellations and delays as operations stabilize.
Passenger Impact and Travel Advice
Passengers continue to experience delays and flight changes, particularly on longer-haul international and leisure routes. Those affected by cancellations may qualify for refunds or
alternative transportation under Canadian air passenger protection rules, although strike-related disruptions present classification challenges requiring passengers to retain documentation of any communication and costs incurred.
WestJet advises customers to check flight status regularly and prepare for gate or schedule changes during the ongoing recovery. Flexible plans offer more rebooking opportunities, especially if passengers are willing to shift to off-peak times or later travel dates as the airline works to normalize service.
