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Criticizing WestJet's Stance on Unpaid Work as Short-Sighted

Published July 26, 2026 at 8:32 AM UTC

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By refusing to adequately compensate pilots for mandatory pre- and post-flight duties, WestJet is risking a costly strike that could damage its reputation and finances. The union's grievance is not new—similar issues have sparked labor actions across the industry. Offering free rebooking is a reactive measure that does not address the root cause. Passengers may appreciate the flexibility, but they ultimately want reliable service, not contingency plans. If WestJet continues to resist fair pay for all working hours, it may face prolonged labor strife and loss of public trust. The company should resolve the unpaid work issue now to avoid a full-blown strike.