WestJet faces possible strike risk as flight attendants issue formal labour dispute notice

WestJet flight attendants have formally filed a notice of dispute after contract negotiations with the airline failed to produce a new agreement.

The move was announced on Monday by Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 8125, which represents around 4,400 cabin crew workers at WestJet.

Bargaining between the two sides began in September 2025.

The union said flight attendants are seeking better pay, improved scheduling and safer working conditions.

Union president Alia Hussain said: “Flight attendants are performing increasingly demanding work in a safety-sensitive environment, and we are some of the lowest paid in Canada.”

“The system that governs our compensation was built for a different time, and it no longer reflects the value of work being done today”, she added.

According to the union, flight attendants currently work an average of 35 unpaid hours each month because large portions of their duties are not fully compensated under the existing pay structure.

WestJet told Global News it was “actively engaged in the bargaining process with CUPE” and described conciliation as “a common step in the labour negotiation process.”

The airline added it “recognizes and values the critical role cabin crew play in ensuring the safety, comfort, and care of our guests on every flight.”