WestJet Airlines is facing potential disruption as flight attendants, represented by CUPE Local 8125, prepare to strike starting August 2. With an overwhelming 99.4 per cent of union members voting in favour of the strike on July 15, the situation poses a significant risk to Canada’s second-largest airline during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, which includes the August long weekend. The airline has responded by allowing passengers to make one-time changes or cancellations to their bookings without incurring fees for flights scheduled between July 30 and August 4.
Core Issues Behind the Strike
The central grievance driving the strike action is the issue of unpaid work. Flight attendants have raised concerns regarding compensation for essential duties performed before boarding, during delays, and following arrivals. A representative from CUPE Local 8125 highlighted that these responsibilities are not fully compensated, leading to many attendants effectively earning below the minimum wage when factoring in their unpaid hours. In some cases, attendants report up to 35 hours of unpaid work each month.
John Gradek, a lecturer in supply networks and aviation management at McGill University, noted that WestJet’s recent measures are an attempt to reassure passengers. “It seems WestJet is signalling that they’re still hopeful for a resolution, while also providing flexibility for travellers who may be concerned about their upcoming flights,” he explained.
The Unfair Pay Structure
The flight attendants argue that the current “archaic flight credit system” is the root of the problem. Under this model, flight attendants are compensated based on “credit hours” that only account for time when the aircraft is in motion, disregarding the extensive duties required before and after flights. WestJet maintains that this system is standard across North American airlines, with a single credit hour equating to one hour of flight time.
The airline explained that rather than paying a lower hourly wage for every hour worked, the credit hour system consolidates various tasks—flight time, ground duties, delays—into a single pay rate. Nevertheless, CUPE Local 8125 has stated that this system leaves many flight attendants feeling undervalued and underpaid for the extensive work they perform.
Negotiation Progress and Industry Context
WestJet has acknowledged the need for adjustments to the current compensation structure, particularly in light of inflationary pressures. “We recognise that many of our crew feel this system requires improvements,” said the airline in a recent statement. The company has indicated a willingness to negotiate terms that would enhance both pay and working conditions for flight attendants.
Industry expert Robert Kokonis remarked on the precarious nature of negotiations during peak travel seasons. He noted that past disputes, like the three-day strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August 2025, resulted in significant cancellations affecting over 500,000 passengers. “No one wants to see a strike, especially during busy times,” Kokonis said.
Gradek echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the recent Air Canada contract may serve as a benchmark for WestJet flight attendants. “Air Canada provided substantial benefits in their negotiations, and WestJet seems to be looking for similar improvements,” he stated.
A Hope for Resolution
Despite the looming strike, there are indications that both sides are engaging in meaningful dialogue. Gradek observed a lack of leaks from negotiation sessions, suggesting a level of confidentiality that could bode well for reaching a compromise. He added, “WestJet is likely aware of the reputational damage that a strike could cause, especially given last summer’s Air Canada situation.”
Kokonis reiterated that both the airline and the union understand the adverse implications of a strike. “A labour dispute benefits no one—the passengers, the airline, or the crew,” he concluded.
Why it Matters
The situation at WestJet highlights a broader issue within the airline industry regarding fair compensation for cabin crew. As negotiations continue, the outcome will not only impact the immediate parties involved but also set a precedent for how airlines address labour relations in the future. With peak travel just around the corner, the stakes are high—not just for WestJet and its employees, but for the thousands of passengers who rely on the airline for their summer travel plans.
