As WestJet flight attendants prepare for a potential strike beginning August 2, a significant issue looms large: the lack of compensation for essential duties. An overwhelming 99.4 per cent of the 4,400 members of CUPE Local 8125 voted in favour of industrial action on July 15, threatening to disrupt operations for Canada’s second-largest airline during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, encompassing the August long weekend from August 1 to the statutory holiday on August 3. In response, WestJet has allowed passengers with flights booked between July 30 and August 4 to alter or cancel their reservations without incurring additional fees.
Unpaid Work: The Core Issue
The pressing matter for the flight attendants revolves around the practice of unpaid work, which has been a longstanding grievance within the aviation industry. A spokesperson from CUPE Local 8125 articulated the union’s position, stating, “Our crew is demanding an end to the unfair practice of unpaid work.” The union argues that flight attendants perform essential tasks before boarding, during delays, and in emergency situations, yet do not receive full compensation for these responsibilities. Some attendants reportedly face situations where their earnings drop below the minimum wage due to up to 35 hours of unpaid work each month.
John Gradek, a faculty lecturer in supply networks and aviation management at McGill University, highlighted that many airlines fail to recognise the extensive work performed by flight attendants as billable hours. He noted, “Much of their work goes unnoticed and unpaid under the current structure.”
The Credit Hour System Under Scrutiny
At the heart of the dispute is WestJet’s credit hour system, which the airline contends is the standard for cabin crew across North America. According to the airline, these credit hours begin when the aircraft departs and conclude upon arrival, with one credit hour equalling one hour of flight time. This system combines flight hours with ground duties and other necessary work into a single pay rate, which is then distributed across the duty day.
However, flight attendants contend that this “archaic flight credit system” leads to approximately 35 hours of unpaid work each month. WestJet has acknowledged the concerns, stating, “We’ve heard clearly that many of our crew feel this system requires improvements. We also know their current compensation requires adjustments in the context of inflation, and we take that seriously.”
The Stakes of Potential Strike Action
Industry experts, including Robert Kokonis, president and managing director of AirTrav, have voiced their concerns regarding the ramifications of a strike, particularly during peak travel periods. “The actual compensation wasn’t super great in the previous contract for flight attendants,” he remarked, emphasising that no one benefits from strike threats during busy times.
Historical context underscores the seriousness of the situation, as a similar dispute in August 2025 resulted in a three-day strike by approximately 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, leading to the cancellation of flights for over 500,000 passengers. Kokonis speculated that the outcomes of Air Canada negotiations may influence WestJet’s approach, given that both airlines’ flight attendants are represented by the same union.
Gradek concurred, suggesting that WestJet may seek to avoid the reputational damage experienced by Air Canada. “WestJet has seen the fallout from the last strike, and they’re eager to find common ground before it escalates.”
Despite the potential for strike action, there are indications that negotiations are progressing. Gradek observed that the lack of leaks from the negotiation table could signify a positive trajectory towards an agreement. “To me, that’s a good sign that they’re talking and they’re creeping towards some type of agreement,” he stated.
Why it Matters
The looming strike by WestJet flight attendants underscores a larger issue within the aviation industry regarding fair compensation for essential work. With air travel set to peak during the upcoming long weekend, the potential disruption could not only impact travellers but also the airline’s reputation and financial viability. The outcome of these negotiations will likely set a precedent for labor relations within the sector, highlighting the critical need for airlines to address employee concerns to maintain operational integrity and customer trust.
