- WestJet flight attendants voted to strike as early as Aug. 2, with the union citing unpaid work as the core issue.
- WestJet allows passengers to change flights ahead of the potential strike, indicating a proactive approach to minimize disruption.
- The union, CUPE Local 8125, seeks 'an end to the unfair practice of unpaid work', reporting that flight attendants work up to 35 unpaid hours every month and some earn below minimum wage.
- WestJet defends its credit hour system as the 'standard pay model' in North America, where one credit hour equals one flight time hour, but acknowledges the system 'requires improvements' and commits to 'meaningful improvements' in compensation.
- Experts note that much of the work flight attendants do 'is not recognized' as payable hours, and the Air Canada contract set a precedent with a 'pretty rich' first-year deal, making wages and hour recognition the 'two big issues'.
- In August 2025, 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants struck for three days, causing cancellations affecting over 500,000 travellers, and the same core issue is at play in WestJet's negotiations.
WestJet flight attendants are preparing for a potential strike as early as August 2, primarily over the issue of unpaid work. The union, CUPE Local 8125, emphasizes that essential duties performed by flight attendants before boarding, during delays, and after arrival are not fully compensated.1245
Some flight attendants report making below minimum wage due to up to 35 unpaid hours each month. WestJet acknowledges that many crew members feel the current credit hour system, which only compensates for time when the aircraft is in motion, requires improvements.678
WestJet states, 'We also know their current compensation requires adjustments in the context of inflation, and we take that seriously.' The airline is prepared to make meaningful improvements to address these concerns.
Industry expert Robert Kokonis noted that the previous contract for flight attendants was not favorable, and the current negotiations mirror those of Air Canada flight attendants, who faced similar issues. In August 2025, a labor dispute involving Air Canada led to significant flight cancellations affecting over 500,000 travelers.1213
As the situation develops, WestJet is allowing passengers to change flights in anticipation of the strike, highlighting the urgency of the negotiations.
“The union voted to strike as early as Aug. 2, with flight attendants working up to 35 unpaid hours per month and some earning below minimum wage. WestJet defends its credit hour system as standard but acknowledges it requires improvements, while experts note the same core issue drove a 10,000-strong Air Canada strike in 2025.”
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