As WestJet flight attendants gear up for a potential strike starting August 2, the primary grievance centres on the issue of unpaid work. A staggering 99.4 per cent of the nearly 4,400 members represented by CUPE Local 8125 voted in favour of strike action on July 15. This decision could disrupt operations at Canada’s second-largest airline during the busy August long weekend, which spans from August 1 to the statutory holiday on August 3.
Passenger Impact and Company Response
In anticipation of the strike, WestJet has proactively offered passengers the option to alter or cancel flights booked between July 30 and August 4 without incurring fees. This move aims to mitigate travel disruptions and reassure customers. John Gradek, a faculty lecturer in supply networks and aviation management at McGill University, believes this gesture reflects WestJet’s desire to maintain operational continuity while still hoping for a resolution.
“They are reaching out to passengers, indicating that they still believe a deal can be struck. In the meantime, they want to provide options for those affected by potential cancellations,” Gradek explained.
Core Issues in Negotiations
At the heart of the union’s demands lies the contentious issue of unpaid work. According to CUPE Local 8125, flight attendants are advocating for an end to practices that leave them uncompensated for essential duties performed before boarding, during delays, and following arrivals. A spokesperson highlighted that many attendants are effectively earning below minimum wage when factoring in the unpaid hours, which can total as much as 35 hours each month.
Gradek emphasised that much of the work performed by flight attendants often goes unrecognised and unpaid by airlines. “Many carriers do not acknowledge the full extent of the duties involved,” he remarked.
The Credit Hour System Explained
The current payment structure, known as the credit hour system, has been cited as a significant concern. Flight attendants argue that this system, which only compensates for hours when the aircraft is in motion, leads to approximately 35 hours of unpaid work each month.
WestJet contends that this model is standard across North American airlines, explaining that credit hours encompass flight time, ground duties, and delays, thus simplifying compensation into a single rate. “Rather than paying a lower hourly wage for all hours worked, this system combines various duties into one higher rate, which is then allocated across the full duty day,” the airline stated in a recent update.
The Stakes of a Potential Strike
The airline has acknowledged the need for adjustments in crew compensation in light of inflation, expressing a willingness to negotiate meaningful improvements. Robert Kokonis, president and managing director of AirTrav, pointed out that the previous contract’s compensation for flight attendants was inadequate, cautioning against the repercussions of a strike during peak travel times.
“The threat of job action during busy periods is disastrous for all involved,” he remarked.
Drawing parallels with a similar strike by Air Canada flight attendants in August 2025, Kokonis suggested that the outcomes of those negotiations might influence WestJet’s current discussions. Both WestJet and Air Canada flight attendants fall under the same union representation.
Signs of Progress in Negotiations
Despite the looming threat of a strike, there are indications that negotiations could be progressing. Gradek noted that both parties appear to be engaging in productive dialogue, with no leaks from the negotiation sessions suggesting a positive direction. “The silence from the negotiation room can often be a good sign,” he stated. “WestJet is likely keen to avoid the reputational damage experienced by Air Canada due to last summer’s strike.”
Both sides seem to understand that a strike would not benefit anyone in the long run. Kokonis affirmed, “No one wants to resort to such measures. It serves no one’s interests, particularly those of the passengers.”
Why it Matters
As the situation develops, the potential strike by WestJet flight attendants highlights critical issues surrounding labour rights and fair compensation in the aviation sector. With travel demand surging in summer, the outcome of these negotiations will not only impact the airline’s operations but also set a precedent for labour relations within the industry. The resolution—or lack thereof—could reshape the landscape of air travel in Canada, affecting thousands of passengers and the livelihoods of flight attendants across the country.
