WestJet flight attendants could strike Sunday with 4,400 workers idling
The airline and union both issued 72-hour notices. Negotiations continue, but a work stoppage could strand travellers on the August long weekend.
Sources · local media reports
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A strike by WestJet flight attendants could begin as early as August 3 at 2:01 a.m. ET if the airline and the Canadian Union of Public Employees don't reach a deal during a 72-hour notice period that expires then.
The union representing the 4,400 cabin crew members voted 99 per cent in favour of strike action on July 15. WestJet has issued a matching 72-hour lockout notice. Both sides say negotiations are continuing.
If flights are cancelled, WestJet has committed to rebooking passengers on other carriers, though a travel expert warned that could prove difficult during a busy summer long weekend. The airline is allowing passengers booked between July 30 and August 4 to change or cancel flights at no cost.
The dispute centres on how WestJet compensates ground duties. The airline's "credit hour" system combines flight time, ground work, delays and other labour into a single hourly rate ranging from $28.88 to $53.61 per hour. The union argues certain ground duties should be paid separately. Delta Air Lines introduced ground-duty pay reforms in 2022, and American and Alaska airlines followed suit — a contrast that has emboldened cabin crews across North America.
Passengers booked on WestJet Encore regional flights or code-share partners like Delta will not be affected by a strike. Travellers who booked through third-party travel agents should contact their agent directly for rebooking.
What specific compensation increase are flight attendants demanding?
What is WestJet's counter-offer on ground-duty pay?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How many WestJet flight attendants could strike?
4,400 cabin crew members represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees could strike.
When could a WestJet flight attendant strike begin?
A strike could begin as early as August 3, 2026 at 2:01 a.m. ET if no deal is reached during the 72-hour notice period.
What vote did WestJet flight attendants take?
On July 15, 2026, cabin crew members voted 99 per cent in favour of strike action.
What's the pay range under WestJet's current credit hour system?
WestJet's credit hour system combines flight time, ground work, delays and other labour into a single hourly rate ranging from $28.88 to $53.61 per hour.
