As the busy travel season approaches, WestJet flight attendants are gearing up for a possible strike, with action set to commence as soon as August 2. The union representing nearly 4,400 members, CUPE Local 8125, has overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action, citing a critical issue: the lack of compensation for necessary work performed before, during, and after flights. This could significantly disrupt operations at Canada’s second-largest airline during a peak travel period coinciding with the August long weekend.
Union Leadership Issues Strike Mandate
On July 15, CUPE Local 8125 announced that 99.4 per cent of its members supported the decision to strike. This overwhelming mandate reflects significant dissatisfaction with current working conditions, particularly regarding unpaid duties. The union’s spokesperson highlighted that flight attendants are expected to fulfil safety responsibilities from the moment they arrive at work, yet many are not compensated for essential tasks, creating a situation where some earn less than the minimum wage when accounting for unpaid hours—up to 35 each month.
John Gradek, an expert in supply networks and aviation management at McGill University, remarked that WestJet’s recent policy changes, allowing passengers booked between July 30 and August 4 to alter their flights without incurring fees, appear to be an attempt to reassure customers while negotiations continue. “It seems like WestJet is trying to signal that they believe a deal is still possible,” Gradek stated.
Unpaid Work at the Centre of Negotiations
The crux of the negotiations revolves around the issue of unpaid work, a problem that previously spurred a three-day strike by Air Canada flight attendants last summer. CUPE Local 8125 asserts that flight attendants are engaged in numerous essential duties—ranging from pre-flight checks to emergency evacuations—that remain uncompensated. This situation has led to a widespread call for reform within the airline’s compensation structure.
WestJet maintains that its payment system, which uses a credit hour model, is standard across North America. According to the airline, flight hours are credited based on the time the aircraft is in motion, which means that ground duties and delays are not compensated separately. The airline argues that this model combines various responsibilities into a single pay structure, aimed at ensuring that flight attendants receive a higher rate of pay across their duty period.
Despite this, the union has labelled the credit hour system as outdated, asserting that it fails to adequately pay for the full scope of work performed. WestJet acknowledges that improvements are needed and has expressed a commitment to addressing both the current pay structure and the impacts of inflation on employee compensation.
A Broader Context: Lessons from Air Canada’s Strike
The ongoing negotiations come on the heels of a significant labour dispute involving Air Canada, where approximately 10,000 flight attendants walked off the job for three days in August 2025, resulting in widespread disruptions for over 500,000 travellers. Robert Kokonis, president and managing director of AirTrav, suggested that the outcomes from Air Canada’s negotiations may set a precedent for WestJet. “Nobody wants a strike, especially during such a busy travel period,” he remarked, emphasising the potential fallout from job action.
Both WestJet and Air Canada flight attendants are represented by CUPE, which further complicates the landscape for the airline as it navigates these negotiations. Gradek noted that the recent Air Canada contract was favourable for flight attendants, and WestJet is likely feeling pressure to offer similar improvements to avoid a detrimental strike.
Signs of Progress in Negotiations
While tensions remain high, there are indications that negotiations may be progressing. Gradek highlighted that both sides seem to be engaging in constructive dialogue, with no leaks emerging from negotiation sessions. He commented, “The fact that there’s no information leaking out suggests that they are working toward a resolution.”
Kokonis echoed this sentiment, noting that both sides understand the potential damage a strike could inflict on their respective brands and reputations. “They recognise that a strike is detrimental to everyone,” he concluded.
Why it Matters
This unfolding situation is critical not just for WestJet and its employees but also for the thousands of travellers who rely on the airline during the peak summer travel season. A strike could lead to widespread cancellations, stranding passengers and complicating travel plans across North America. As negotiations continue, the focus will remain on whether both parties can reach an agreement that addresses the flight attendants’ concerns while maintaining operational integrity and customer satisfaction. The outcome could set significant precedents for labour relations in the aviation industry in Canada, impacting future negotiations and worker rights across the sector.
