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2h ago

WestJet Flight Attendants Could Begin Strike Sunday

With federal mediators involved, both sides signed a wind-down plan to limit passenger disruption.

A WestJet plane takes off as WestJet flight attendants hold a "Day of Action" while union members vote on a possible strike in Calgary, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
The WestJet headquarters building is seen through razor wire as WestJet flight attendants hold a "Day of Action" while union members vote on a possible strike in Calgary, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
WestJet flight attendants hold a "Day of Action" while union members vote on a possible strike in Calgary, Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
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Overview

  • Negotiations continued on Wednesday, July 29, and Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said talks were progressing with federal mediators supporting the process.
  • The union and WestJet signed an operational wind-down plan this week that explains how planes would be grounded and cabin crew would be returned home if a work stoppage occurs.
  • CUPE Local 8125 represents about 4,400 flight attendants and voted nearly unanimously in mid‑July for strike authority, saying unpaid ground work that it estimates at roughly 35 hours a month per attendant remains the central bargaining gap.
  • WestJet has offered a one-time fee-free change or cancellation window for travel from July 30 to Aug. 4 and says regional WestJet Encore and partner-operated codeshare flights would not be affected by a mainline crew walkout.
  • A strike or lockout could begin as soon as Sunday, Aug. 2 after 72 hours’ notice and would likely ground WestJet’s mainline flights, risking major summer travel disruption and renewed political debate over the federal back-to-work power.