WestJet strike could disrupt August holiday travel after union vote

WestJet flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, raising the prospect of widespread travel disruption over the August long weekend if a new labour agreement is not reached.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 said 99.4 percent of members who voted supported strike action, with 97.3 percent participating in the ballot.

Around 4,400 flight attendants could legally strike from 2 August, provided the required 72 hours' notice is given.

A walkout by WestJet's mainline cabin crew would significantly disrupt operations at Canada's second largest airline during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The union and airline have been negotiating a new contract since late 2025 after the previous agreement expired at the end of last year.

According to CBC WestJet chief executive Alexis von Hoensbroech acknowledged the need for improved pay, saying: “It was done in the middle of the pandemic, so there's a lot of catch-up to be done because they fell behind inflation.”

However, he added: “under our current contract, [flight attendants] are being paid for every hour worked.”

CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain said: “We are the second-largest carrier in Canada, and we are among some of the lowest paid, and that has to change.”

Negotiations are continuing, and either side can issue strike or lockout notice after the federal cooling off period ends.