WestJet flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, have issued a 72-hour strike notice, potentially initiating job action as early as August 2, 2026. This development follows months of stalled negotiations over compensation and working conditions.
The union's decision comes after a significant majority of its members voted in favor of strike action. In a vote conducted between July 8 and July 15, 99.4% of participating members authorized the union to proceed with potential strike action. The vote saw a 97.3% participation rate among the approximately 4,400 flight attendants represented by CUPE 8125.
Central to the dispute are concerns over compensation for pre-flight and post-flight duties. Flight attendants report working up to 35 unpaid hours each month, as current compensation models do not account for time spent on tasks such as boarding, safety checks, and deboarding.
The union has emphasized its commitment to reaching a fair, negotiated collective agreement and has expressed hope that the strike notice will prompt management to address these longstanding issues. However, without a resolution, a strike could disrupt WestJet's operations, particularly during the busy August long weekend.
Passengers are advised to monitor WestJet's official communications for updates on flight statuses and potential disruptions. Both the airline and the union have indicated a desire to avoid a strike and continue negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.