Potential WestJet Strike Threatens August Travel as Cancellations Could Begin Friday

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published July 29, 2026

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WestJet passengers could face significant travel disruptions over the August long weekend as approximately 4,400 flight attendants approach the date on which they would be legally permitted to begin strike action if ongoing contract negotiations fail.

The workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ Local 8125, could legally walk off the job as early as 2:01 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 2. However, the union must first provide 72 hours’ formal notice. As of Wednesday, July 29, both sides said negotiations were continuing, and neither a strike notice nor a lockout notice had been announced.

WestJet continues to operate normally, but previous airline labour disputes have prompted carriers to begin cancelling or consolidating flights several days before a work stoppage. As a result, some flights could begin to be grounded as early as Friday, July 31, if notice is issued and the airline starts reducing its schedule. WestJet has not announced a cancellation plan, meaning Friday disruptions remain a possibility rather than a confirmed decision.

The airline has introduced temporary flexibility for passengers scheduled to travel between July 30 and August 4. Eligible travellers may make a one-time change or cancel their booking without a fee, although refunds, travel credits and any fare differences remain subject to the conditions of the original ticket. Customers who booked packages through WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations or Vacances WestJet Québec should contact their vacation provider for available options.

A potential strike would not affect flights operated by the regional WestJet Encore service or codeshare flights operated by partner airlines such as Delta Air Lines, according to information provided by WestJet.

Flight attendants voted 99.4 per cent in favour of authorizing strike action, with 97.3 per cent of union members participating in the vote. The main unresolved issues include wages and compensation for duties performed while aircraft are on the ground, including work completed before departure and after arrival.

CUPE says some WestJet flight attendants perform as many as 35 hours of unpaid work each month. WestJet disputes that characterization, arguing that its credit-hour compensation system incorporates flight time, ground duties, delays and other required work into a single pay structure.

The airline says it remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached, while the union maintains that its members do not want to strike but are prepared to take action unless meaningful progress is made at the bargaining table.

Passengers travelling during the affected period should regularly check their flight status and monitor messages from WestJet before heading to the airport. Travellers considering a voluntary cancellation should also review the conditions of their fare, as a fee-free cancellation does not necessarily guarantee a cash refund to the original method of payment.