WestJet has started grounding aircraft as a potential strike by flight attendants looms. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing approximately 4,400 cabin crew members, issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, 2026, signaling a possible work stoppage as early as August 2, 2026.
The dispute centers on compensation for ground duties, which CUPE argues are unpaid. WestJet contends that these tasks are compensated under a "credit hour" system rather than through hourly pay. Both parties are engaged in ongoing negotiations to avert disruption.
If the strike proceeds, it could affect tens of thousands of travelers, as WestJet operates over 600 flights daily, carrying approximately 75,000 passengers. However, regional WestJet Encore and Delta-operated code-share flights would remain unaffected.
Passengers with bookings between July 30 and August 4 have been offered the option to make a one-time change or cancellation to their itineraries without incurring standard change fees.
The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to monitor official communications from WestJet and CUPE for updates.