WestJet flight attendants could strike at 02:01 EST on Sunday if contract talks do not yield an agreement. The dispute focuses on pay for duties performed while aircraft are on the ground; the union says attendants may work up to 35 unpaid hours monthly. WestJet has cancelled 81 flights as a precaution and is offering fee-free changes and refunds for travel between Thursday and Tuesday. Under Canadian rules, affected passengers must be rebooked or refunded.
WestJet Cabin Crew May Strike Sunday — What Travellers Need To Know
[NurPhoto via Getty Images]
Flight attendants at WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, could begin a walkout at 02:01 EST (07:01 BST) on Sunday if contract talks with the carrier do not produce an agreement. The potential strike comes in the middle of a busy summer holiday weekend and could affect many travellers across the country.
Current Status
Both sides remain in active negotiations, but the union CUPE 8125 issued a 72-hour strike notice that expires at 02:01 EST on Sunday. Union members authorised the strike mandate overwhelmingly last month, with a 99% vote in favour. WestJet says talks are ongoing and the carrier is continuing to negotiate in hopes of reaching a deal without disruption.
What WestJet Is Doing
To reduce the risk of stranding passengers and aircraft, WestJet began parking some planes on Friday and cancelled 81 flights on Saturday as a precaution. The airline is offering free cancellations and flight changes for travellers with flights scheduled from Thursday through Tuesday. WestJet also said that if a strike causes cancellations or delays, "impacted guests will be refunded or re-accommodated, as applicable."
Which Flights Are Unaffected
WestJet has said that WestJet Encore flights operated on Q400 aircraft and flights sold under WestJet codeshares will not be affected by any potential labour disruption.
Why Flight Attendants Are Threatening To Strike
The dispute centres on pay, specifically compensation for work performed while the aircraft is on the ground — commonly called "ground pay". The union says flight attendants can be expected to work up to 35 unpaid hours a month performing duties such as boarding, safety sweeps, assisting passengers and managing ground delays. The union argues those hours should be paid.
"We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal," said Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, noting the union's preference is to avoid disrupting travel.
WestJet's Pay Model
WestJet says its cabin crew are paid by block hours: credit begins when the aircraft departs the gate and ends when it arrives at the next gate. The airline describes this as "the standard pay model for cabin crews across North America" and says the credit hour system already compensates for work performed before take-off and after landing. WestJet states cabin crew hourly rates range from C$28 to C$58.
Passenger Rights And Practical Advice
Under Canadian passenger protection rules, airlines must rebook passengers on the next available flight, either on their own fleet or on a partner carrier; if neither option is available, they must arrange carriage with a competitor. If your flight is cancelled or materially delayed due to a strike, you are entitled to a refund or re-accommodation, as applicable.
- Check your flight status with WestJet before leaving for the airport.
- If your travel dates fall between Thursday and Tuesday, WestJet is allowing fee-free changes and cancellations — contact the airline or your travel agent to rebook or request a refund.
- Keep receipts for additional expenses and check your travel insurance policy for strike-related coverage.
Negotiations between the flight attendants and WestJet have been ongoing since September 2025. Both sides say they prefer to reach a resolution before the strike notice expires; travellers should stay alert for updates.
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