WestJet has issued a lockout notice to the union representing its cabin crew after receiving a 72-hour strike notice from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), as negotiations continue toward a new collective agreement.
The airline said the notices do not immediately affect operations or mean a labour disruption will occur. Both parties remain at the bargaining table in an effort to reach an agreement before any job action begins.
WestJet Component (CUPE Local 8125) represents more than 4,600 Cabin Crew at WestJet and WestJet Encore.
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"The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union, was not one that was made lightly. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group.
WestJet Component (CUPE Local 8125). (Photo Credit: Facebook)
"We greatly value the work and contributions of our Cabin Crew, and it is our responsibility to ensure the integrity of our network and to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, crew and aircraft. Our commitment remains at the bargaining table, where we will continue to work around the clock to come to an agreement that provides value and meaningful improvements for our Cabin Crew and is sustainable for our company."
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If a deal is not reached, a work stoppage could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. MT on Aug. 2.
According to a statement from CUPE 8125, its goal is to achieve a “negotiated agreement and minimize any impact on travellers.” However, as negotiations with the airline failed, the strike vote was “necessary to move the process forward at the bargaining table.”
CUPE has argued that WestJet's current flight credit pay system results in flight attendants performing an average of 35 hours of unpaid work each month and says compensation has failed to keep pace with inflation.
The negotiations come less than a year after a four-day strike by Air Canada flight attendants disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of passengers. That dispute reflected a broader push by flight attendants in Canada to reform industry pay practices, which typically compensate cabin crew only while an aircraft is operating rather than for all hours spent on duty.
Work stoppage could occur as early as Aug. 2 at 00:01 MT. (Photo Credit: CUPE Local 8125 via Facebook)
WestJet said it is preparing contingency plans to reduce disruption should a labour stoppage occur. Those measures include managing schedule changes and cancellations in advance where necessary and continuing its flexible change and cancellation policy for guests travelling between July 30 and Aug. 4, 2026, who wish to make alternate travel arrangements.
The airline said customers whose flights are delayed or cancelled will be refunded or reaccommodated, as applicable. Guests who booked directly with WestJet will be notified by email, while those who booked through a travel advisor or online travel agency are being asked to contact their booking provider for assistance.
WestJet said it will continue negotiating with CUPE in hopes of reaching an agreement before any disruption to service occurs.
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