Thousands of Canadian travelers are likely reevaluating their plans for the upcoming August long weekend as WestJet flight attendants have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike, with a resounding 99.4% approval rate. Following the confirmation of the yes vote on Wednesday morning, around 4,400 members of the CUPE Local 8125 union could potentially initiate a strike on August 2. An impressive 97.3% of flight attendants partook in the vote, according to a CUPE representative who spoke to CBC News.
If the strike occurs, it would effectively ground WestJet, the second-largest airline in Canada, on the day before a statutory holiday observed in many provinces. Additionally, WestJet retains the option to lock out flight attendants on the same date, irrespective of the strike mandate, as a federal “cooling off” period will have concluded by then. Both parties are required to provide a 72-hour notice before any job action, meaning travelers may have to wait until the end of the month to ascertain the status of their August flights.
Negotiations between WestJet and unionized flight attendants for the airline’s mainline flights have been ongoing since late 2025. The previous contract, which was in place between the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the airline, expired at the end of last year. The CEO of WestJet, Alexis von Hoensbroech, acknowledged that the outdated nature of the previous contract necessitates significant improvements in the new agreement.
Flight attendants at WestJet have raised concerns about their compensation structure, citing similarities to a past dispute between Air Canada and its flight attendants in 2025. The union argues that members are not fairly remunerated, particularly for ground duties. The payment model based on “credit hours” at WestJet has come under scrutiny, with the union claiming that it may result in flight attendants receiving less than the federal minimum wage for certain shifts.
Both WestJet and Air Canada unions have criticized the credit hour payment system for not adequately compensating flight attendants during delays or unforeseen circumstances where they are on duty but not actively flying. While WestJet has defended its payment model as standard in North America, the union has posted calculations online to demonstrate instances where the system falls short of ensuring fair compensation.
WestJet’s CEO expressed openness to revising the payment system but emphasized the need for sustainability and financial viability. Despite the strike vote, negotiations are ongoing, with the union and WestJet committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. While challenges remain in bargaining over schedules and wages, progress has been made on several collective agreement items, with further discussions underway.
In the event of a strike or lockout, WestJet has assured passengers that both the company and the union are actively engaged in negotiations to prevent disruptions to travel plans. The airline views the strike vote as a typical step in labor negotiations and clarifies that it does not automatically signify an imminent strike. WestJet has faced labor disputes in the past, notably in 2024 when unionized airline mechanics staged a strike over the Canada Day long weekend, impacting numerous travelers.