WestJet flight attendants begin strike, hundreds of flights cancelled

Flight attendants at Canadian airline WestJet have gone on strike on Sunday, August 2, after the airline and their union failed to reach a new collective agreement. The strike involves approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The walkout began at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time after a 72-hour strike notice expired without an agreement being reached.

The dispute centres largely on how flight attendants are paid for work performed before and after flights. CUPE says its members are seeking compensation for their full working day, from the moment they check in until they finish their duties. The union argues that significant amounts of ground work are currently not properly compensated.

WestJet, meanwhile, says its existing system compensates flight attendants through a “credit hour” system. The airline says it made a comprehensive offer that included hourly compensation for all time worked, as well as a significant double-digit wage increase in the first year. The union rejected the proposal.

More than 300 flights cancelled

WestJet began proactively cancelling flights on Saturday as it prepared for the strike. By Sunday, the airline had cancelled 309 flights, with further disruption expected as the industrial action continues.

The timing of the strike is particularly problematic for passengers, as it coincides with Canada’s busy August long weekend.

The disruption primarily affects WestJet’s mainline operations, including flights operated by its Boeing 737 and Boeing 787 aircraft. Flights operated by WestJet Encore and certain partner-operated codeshare services are not affected by the strike.

WestJet has been progressively reducing its schedule and parking aircraft in an effort to keep control of its network rather than leaving aircraft and crews stranded at airports.

Negotiations could still resume

Both WestJet and CUPE have indicated that they remain open to negotiations, leaving the possibility that the strike could be resolved before a prolonged disruption develops.

The Canadian government has also expressed disappointment that the two sides failed to reach an agreement, while urging the parties to continue negotiations.

Passengers whose flights are cancelled are being offered options including rebooking or refunds. Travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.