Thousands of Canadian travelers are likely to reassess their plans for the upcoming August long weekend following a resounding 99.4% strike mandate by WestJet flight attendants. The confirmed yes vote outcome on Wednesday morning means approximately 4,400 union members represented by CUPE Local 8125 could potentially initiate a strike on August 2. According to a CUPE spokesperson, 97.3% of flight attendants participated in the voting process.
A strike by mainline flight attendants could effectively ground WestJet, the country’s second-largest airline, on the eve of a statutory holiday observed in many provinces. WestJet also retains the option to lock out flight attendants on the same date, irrespective of the strike mandate, as the federal “cooling off” period will have lapsed by then.
Both parties are required to provide 72 hours’ notice, meaning Canadians may have to wait until the end of the month to learn the status of their August flights. WestJet has been engaged in negotiations with unionized flight attendants for its mainline flights since late 2025, aiming for a new deal following the expiration of the previous contract with the Canadian Union of Public Employees at the end of last year.
Acknowledging the outdated nature of the previous contract due to circumstances during the pandemic, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech emphasized the necessity for significant improvements in a potential new agreement. CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain, a WestJet flight attendant, highlighted the disparity in pay, noting that despite being the second-largest carrier in Canada, WestJet’s flight attendants are among the lowest paid in the industry.
In a situation reminiscent of a previous dispute between Air Canada and its flight attendants in 2025, CUPE has raised concerns about the fair compensation of its members during the ongoing contract negotiations with WestJet. This has sparked discussions on the payment model and wage structures in the airline industry.
Flight attendants at WestJet are remunerated with a fixed amount of “credit hours” that vary depending on flight duration. The airline justifies the payment method by asserting that the “credit hour” wage is designed to account for additional duties, even during periods that may seem unpaid. However, the union has challenged this approach, arguing that it fails to adequately compensate for all work hours, particularly during flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
As talks between the airline and the union continue, both sides are aiming to reach a sustainable agreement that addresses the concerns raised by the flight attendants. The potential strike vote signifies a critical juncture in the negotiations, highlighting the urgency for resolving key issues related to wages, working conditions, and overall compensation for WestJet’s flight attendants.
