As WestJet flight attendants gear up for a potential strike starting August 2, a significant point of contention remains unresolved: the issue of unpaid work. Nearly 4,400 members of CUPE Local 8125 voted overwhelmingly—by 99.4 per cent—in favour of strike action on July 15. This move threatens to disrupt operations at Canada’s second-largest airline during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, spanning the August long weekend from August 1 to August 3. In response, WestJet has proactively offered passengers the option to change or cancel flights without incurring fees for bookings between July 30 and August 4.
Unpaid Work: The Central Issue
The heart of the dispute lies in what CUPE Local 8125 describes as the “unfair practice of unpaid work.” Union representatives argue that essential duties performed by flight attendants—including pre-boarding preparations, managing delays, conducting emergency evacuations, and post-arrival tasks—are not adequately compensated. A spokesperson for the union highlighted that some flight attendants are effectively earning below minimum wage when considering the unpaid hours, with reports of up to 35 unpaid hours each month.
John Gradek, a faculty lecturer in supply networks and aviation management at McGill University, noted that the current compensation structure does not account for the full scope of work done by flight attendants. He pointed out that many essential tasks go unrecognised by airlines, resulting in significant unpaid work hours.
The Credit Hour System Explained
At the centre of the compensation debate is WestJet’s credit hour system, which is claimed to be standard across North American airlines. Under this model, flight attendants are compensated for “block hours”—the time from when the aircraft departs the gate until it arrives back. Essentially, one credit hour corresponds to one hour of flight time.
WestJet maintains that this system is designed to combine flight time with ground duties, delays, and other responsibilities into a single pay rate, which is then spread across the entire duty day. However, the union argues that this structure leaves flight attendants working significant hours without pay, as the system fails to recognise critical pre- and post-flight duties.
The airline has acknowledged concerns regarding the credit hour system, admitting that many crew members feel it needs improvement. WestJet also stated it is willing to adjust compensation in light of inflation, indicating a potential willingness to negotiate.
Historical Context and Impact of Potential Strike
This impending strike echoes a similar labour dispute in August 2025, when around 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike for three days, leading to over 500,000 flight cancellations. Robert Kokonis, president and managing director of AirTrav, remarked that the previous contract for Air Canada flight attendants was not particularly favourable, suggesting that the current negotiations at WestJet are being influenced by that past outcome.
The union’s position is strengthened by the fact that both WestJet and Air Canada flight attendants are represented by the same union, further aligning their interests. Gradek noted that the Air Canada contract included significant benefits for flight attendants, which may set a precedent for WestJet’s negotiations.
Despite the tensions, there are signs of progress. Gradek indicated that ongoing discussions have not leaked any details, suggesting a level of constructive dialogue between both parties. He expressed optimism that WestJet is keen to avoid the reputational damage that Air Canada suffered during its recent strike.
Why it Matters
The potential strike by WestJet flight attendants highlights critical issues within the airline industry regarding fair compensation and recognition of labour. As air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications, not only for the airline’s operations and its employees but also for the broader travel landscape in Canada. A strike during this peak travel season could disrupt the plans of countless passengers, impacting their travel experience and the airline’s reputation. As negotiations continue, the resolution of these issues will be crucial in shaping the future of labour relations within the aviation sector.