WestJet, flight attendants sign wind-down plan ahead of possible strike
The union says 4,440 members voted 99.4% in favor after months of talks stalled over pay for ground duties.
- Around 4,440 members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees could walk off the job as soon as August 2, following a strike mandate vote centered on demands to end unpaid work.
- Flight attendants are seeking compensation for all hours worked, as their collective agreement expired in 2025 and WestJet's 'credit hour' system excludes pre-departure and post-arrival work from pay.
- Offering one-time booking changes for travel between July 30 and August 4, WestJet is preparing for service disruptions as CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain urged the airline to 'return to bargaining with a new focus.'
- Conservative labour critic Kyle Seeback warned Wednesday that the federal government should not intervene in the dispute, arguing early interference like that seen with Air Canada would undermine the bargaining process over unpaid work.
- Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code has been used around a dozen times over the past 18 months, though critics argue the government has 'weaponized' the provision and several unions are currently challenging it in court.
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Timmins Today
Newmarket TodayWestJet flight attendants' union serves airline 72-hour strike notice
CALGARY — Intense bargaining between WestJet and the union representing its flight attendants ratcheted up further on Thursday after CUPE issued a 72-hour strike notice, paving the runway for a possible airline shutdown during the busy summer travel
WestJet responds to 72-hour strike threat with own deadline
Canadian carrier WestJet has responded to threats of a possible flight attendant strike by issuing its own 72-hour deadline as an industrial dispute over contracts deepens. On July 30, 2026, WestJet said it was issuing a lockout notice after members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 8125 announced a 72-hour strike notice. If an agreement is not reached, a work stoppage could occur on August 2, 2026, just after midnight, local time…
The union representing 4400 WestJet flight attendants filed a 72-hour strike notice on Thursday, paving the way for a possible strike during the period of heavy influx that is the summer season.
A release of the 4400 officers could take place on Sunday. The employer responds with a lockout notice.
Unless an agreement is reached by then, WestJet's flight attendants will be able to decommission Sunday at 0001 Mountain Time.
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