WestJet flight attendants on strike as union, airline fail to come to terms

WestJet flight attendants are on strike, with the airline's flights halted on a busy summer travel weekend after the carrier and union failed to reach a new contract.

Both CUPE, the union representing the workers, and the airline announced the move after a strike deadline passed.

Media additions

Contract talks had been ongoing in the carrier's home city of Calgary, in an effort to bridge the gaps between WestJet and CUPE WestJet Component. Wages and compensation for work being done on the ground are among the stumbling blocks.

WestJet said affected passengers will be refunded or reaccommodated as applicable.

"We're disappointed to be here; this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve,"

said CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.

"Our focus remains on staying available for the union to reach an agreeent. We presented a proposal that would have set a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, making WestJet the only airline to offer an hourly rate covering all time before and after flights, plus a double-digit wage increase in year one among other priorities the union raised. Unfortunately, it wasn't accepted."

In a media release from the union, Alia Hussain said WestJet's latest offer didn't go far enough.

"We are on strike because we believe we deserve better,"

said the president of the union's 8125 local.

"We are ready to go back to the table to settle. We hope the federal government will not interfere and will let the bargaining process run its course. Unpaid work is a big piece of our priorities, but we are bargaining a comprehensive contract.

"We would not be here if (the airline) had taken our concerns seriously for almost 11 months of bargaining."

Hours after the strike took effect, WestJet released the details of its latest proposal.

The deal offers what the company describes as significant across-the-board wage increases, starting with a 13 per cent boost in October 2026 and retroactive pay to January 1.

That's alongside a new duty pay premium worth an additional 12 per cent salary equivalent.

Also in the deal, an immediate 13 per cent per diem hike, annual $300 healthcare spending accounts, expanded vacation, and a 17-week postpartum maternity leave top-up.

Scheduling and quality-of-life enhancements, including reduced maximum duty days, extra rest hours at home and away, and extra pay for reassignments or layover hotel delays, were also part of the package.

WestJet had begun grounding planes and cancelling flights in the lead-up to a potential strike to avoid stranding passengers and crew.

Along with wage rates generally, compensation for work done on the ground has marked a key stumbling block in the talks, less than a year after the same issue sparked a work stoppage by 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada.

In Calgary, bargaining teams continued with near-round-the-clock negotiations at a hotel conference room to hammer out a new contract.

Reaction to the news of a strike came swiftly from Hajdu, who said in a statement on social media that she was disappointed that no deal could be reached to avoid a disruption.

She reiterated previous comments that the strongest deals happen at the table, but did not say whether the government planned to intervene.

Passenger Impact and Next Steps

• WestJet said affected passengers will be refunded or reaccommodated as applicable.
• Travellers booked directly with the airline are advised to check flight statuses through updated contact information.
• Those who booked through third-party travel agents must manage itinerary changes through their booking agency.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees had ratcheted up a public relations campaign in recent weeks, launching a "day of action" with rallies across the country on July 14.

Ads arguing the cabin crews' case popped up on platforms ranging from podcasts to TikTok content creator videos.