As the clock ticks down to August 2, WestJet flight attendants, represented by CUPE Local 8125, are poised to strike, having voted overwhelmingly—99.4 per cent— in favour of industrial action on July 15. The impending strike threatens to disrupt operations at Canada’s second-largest airline during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, coinciding with the August long weekend from August 1 to August 3. In response, WestJet has allowed passengers with bookings from July 30 to August 4 to change or cancel their flights without incurring any fees.
Unpaid Work at the Heart of Dispute
Central to the union’s grievances is the issue of unpaid work, a concern that echoes similar disputes faced by other Canadian airlines in the past. CUPE Local 8125 has articulated that flight attendants are seeking an end to what they describe as the “unfair practice” of unpaid duties.
A union spokesperson highlighted that essential responsibilities—such as pre-boarding tasks, managing delays, and ensuring safety during emergencies—are not adequately compensated. Consequently, some flight attendants find themselves earning less than minimum wage when factoring in the unpaid hours, with reports indicating that they may be working up to 35 unpaid hours monthly.
John Gradek, a faculty lecturer in supply chain and aviation management at McGill University, remarked that the concerns raised by the flight attendants are not unique. “Much of the work done by flight attendants is not recognised by many carriers as payable hours,” he noted.
WestJet’s Position on Compensation
At the core of the compensation debate is the “credit hour” system employed by WestJet, which the airline defends as the standard pay model for cabin crew across North America. Under this system, credit hours are designated for time spent in the air, rather than accounting for all hours of duty.
WestJet asserts that “block hours” start when the aircraft departs the gate and end upon arrival. However, the union argues that this system leads to flight attendants effectively working for free for a significant portion of their time. The airline has acknowledged the crew’s concerns, stating it is prepared to make meaningful adjustments in response to inflation and compensation.
Robert Kokonis, president and managing director of AirTrav, remarked on the inadequacy of compensation in previous contracts, indicating that the situation is unsustainable. The looming threat of a strike during peak travel times adds to the urgency of these negotiations.
The Context of Recent Labour Disputes
The current situation is reminiscent of a three-day strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August 2025, which resulted in over 500,000 cancelled flights. Kokonis suggested that the outcomes of Air Canada’s negotiations may be influencing WestJet’s current discussions, as both airlines share the same union representation.
Gradek reflected on this sentiment, pointing out that the previous Air Canada contract provided flight attendants with substantial benefits. “WestJet is under pressure to match those improvements, not only for salary but also for recognition of unpaid hours,” he added.
Despite the looming industrial action, there are signs that negotiations could progress positively. Gradek noted that information from ongoing discussions has been kept confidential, which could indicate a willingness to reach an agreement. He speculated that WestJet is keen to avoid the reputational damage experienced by Air Canada during their strike last summer.
Why it Matters
The potential strike by WestJet flight attendants highlights crucial issues surrounding worker compensation in the aviation industry, particularly concerning unpaid hours. With the looming threat of disruption during a peak travel period, both WestJet and its employees face significant pressure to resolve their differences amicably. The outcome of these negotiations could set important precedents for labour relations within the airline sector, impacting not just the companies involved but also the broader landscape of travel and employment standards in Canada.
