About 4,400 WestJet flight attendants began a strike on August 2, 2026 after negotiations for a new collective agreement failed to produce a deal. Canada’s second-largest airline said it temporarily suspended its mainline operations because of the labor disruption. The walkout arrived during a busy summer travel period and affected hundreds of flights, while the airline and the union described compensation for ground duties and overall pay as central issues in the dispute.
Why did WestJet suspend flights?
WestJet’s official travel advisory says mainline flights were suspended from 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time on August 2. The notice covers travel between July 30 and August 5 and advises passengers to check their flight status before going to the airport. WestJet Encore regional services operated with Q400 aircraft continue to fly. The company also directs affected travelers to available rebooking or refund options.
Reuters reported that WestJet had cancelled 309 flights through Sunday night in preparation for the strike. The Associated Press likewise reported more than 300 cancellations and said operations using the airline’s Boeing 737 and 787 fleets were affected. The final scale of disruption can change depending on the duration of the walkout and the pace at which aircraft and crews can return to service, so passengers should rely on current airline notices.
What are the main points of the dispute?
CUPE Local 8125, which represents the cabin crew, has identified wages, scheduling, work-life balance and compensation for all working time as bargaining priorities. The union issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, and WestJet responded with a 72-hour lockout notice. CUPE said its objective remained a negotiated agreement that recognized the value of flight attendants’ work while minimizing disruption to travelers.
WestJet said its proposal included hourly pay for pre-flight and post-flight time as well as a double-digit wage increase in the first year. Union representatives said the offer did not sufficiently resolve their concerns. Because the company and the union characterize the compensation system differently, the proposal should not be treated as a settled contract or a mutually accepted description of current pay practices.
Which services should passengers check?
The official advisory distinguishes between suspended WestJet mainline flights and WestJet Encore services, which continue operating. The status of partner and codeshare flights can depend on the operating carrier. Reuters and AP reported that the airline was offering refunds or alternative arrangements to affected customers, although replacement capacity may be limited during the peak travel period.
The strike began on August 2, and no new agreement had been announced when this article was prepared. WestJet says it remains committed to reaching a resolution, while CUPE has indicated it is willing to continue negotiations. There is therefore no verified date for a full return to normal operations. Travelers with imminent bookings should confirm the operating carrier, check live flight status and review WestJet’s active advisory before leaving for the airport.
What happens next?
The length of the disruption depends on whether the parties can reach a tentative collective agreement and how quickly WestJet can restore aircraft and crew schedules afterward. Neither side’s public statements provide a firm restart timetable. Any claim that all flights will resume on a specific day would go beyond the available evidence. The company advisory, union updates and independent reporting remain the strongest sources for monitoring changes.
