WestJet strike could begin Sunday; 4,400 flight attendants and airline issue lockout notice

WestJet flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees issued a 72-hour strike notice early Thursday, and the airline responded with its own 72-hour lockout notice. The notice period expires July 31 at 2:01 a.m. ET — the earliest a strike could begin if negotiations don't produce a deal.

Neither side has ruled out reaching an agreement before the deadline or continuing talks past it. WestJet said Thursday it is "actively negotiating" a settlement, as did CUPE.

The strike notice affects 4,400 flight attendants. If a work stoppage does occur, some flights could be grounded by Friday, though not all WestJet service would necessarily stop. Travellers booked on WestJet Encore regional flights or code-share flights with partners like Delta will not be affected.

For passengers with bookings between July 30 and Aug. 4, WestJet is allowing one-time flight changes or cancellations with no fees. If delays or cancellations occur, the airline said affected passengers will be refunded or re-accommodated. Passengers who booked directly with WestJet will be notified of changes through their booking contact information; those who booked through a travel agent should contact the agent directly.

On July 15, union members voted 99 per cent in favour of a strike mandate with 97 per cent turnout. A cooling-off period meant the crew couldn't strike before Aug. 2, which coincides with a long weekend across most of Canada.

The move echoes last summer's Air Canada strike, when 10,000 cabin crew members went out and ultimately secured compensation increases. Ottawa intervened within 12 hours, requesting the Canada Industrial Relations Board end the strike — but the board's order was defied, and the strike was declared unlawful. Air Canada workers remained on picket lines.