As the August long weekend approaches, WestJet flight attendants are poised to strike as early as August 2, following a decisive vote from union members. With 99.4 per cent approval, nearly 4,400 members of CUPE Local 8125 are rallying around a pivotal issue: the practice of unpaid work. This impending action could ground Canada’s second-largest airline during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Union’s Stand on Unpaid Labour
The crux of the dispute centres on flight attendants seeking an end to what they describe as the unfair practice of unpaid work. A spokesperson for CUPE Local 8125 articulated their concerns, stating, “Essential duties before boarding, during delays, emergency evacuations, and after arrival are not fully compensated.” Flight attendants are tasked with passenger safety from the moment they report for duty, which in some cases leads to them earning below minimum wage when factoring in their unpaid hours—up to 35 hours each month.
John Gradek, a lecturer in supply networks and aviation management at McGill University, suggested that the airline’s recent measures are an attempt to reassure passengers amidst the uncertainty. “I think this is WestJet’s effort to say, ‘OK, we’re reaching out. We still think there’s a chance of a deal,’” he explained.
WestJet’s Response and the Credit Hour System
WestJet maintains that the credit hour system employed for compensation is standard across North America. Under this model, flight attendants are paid for “block hours”—the time from when the aircraft departs the gate until it arrives back. This system, according to WestJet, combines various duties into a single pay rate. However, the union argues that this model does not adequately reflect the hours worked, leading to significant unpaid time.
“Many of our crew feel this system requires improvements,” WestJet acknowledged, indicating a willingness to adjust compensation in light of inflation and other concerns. Despite the airline’s assurances, the sentiment among attendants suggests that changes to their pay structure are overdue.
Historical Context and Implications of a Strike
Recent history has shown the potential fallout of labour disputes in the airline industry. In August 2025, a similar situation unfolded when approximately 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike for three days, leading to the cancellation of flights that affected over 500,000 passengers. The repercussions of such actions are profound, not only impacting the airline but also the travelling public.
Robert Kokonis, president and managing director of AirTrav, remarked, “Nobody wants a strike, and these threats of job action during peak travel periods are awful.” He noted that the last contract for flight attendants was not particularly favourable, suggesting that the current negotiations are influenced by the outcomes of Air Canada’s previous agreement with its staff.
Negotiations and the Path Forward
Despite the looming strike, Gradek expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing negotiations. “There seems to be some level of compromise that’s been talked about by the CEO of WestJet,” he noted, adding that the absence of leaks from negotiation sessions could indicate productive discussions.
Kokonis echoed this sentiment, stating that both sides recognise that a strike would not serve their best interests. “They understand that the strike is in nobody’s best interest,” he stated, highlighting the potential disruption to customers and the airline’s reputation.
Why it Matters
The potential strike by WestJet flight attendants underscores a critical issue in the aviation industry: the need for fair compensation and working conditions for employees. As travel demand surges, it is essential for airlines to address the concerns of their workforce to avoid disruptions that could affect thousands of passengers. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for labour relations across the sector, influencing how airlines approach employee compensation and engagement in the future.
