- Some WestJet flights could start to be grounded as early as Friday unless the airline and its flight attendants reach a new contract ahead of a possible strike this weekend.
- If a strike goes ahead, about 75,000 passengers a day could be affected.
- WestJet has offered eligible WestJet Rewards members the option to cancel or reschedule bookings scheduled between July 30 and Aug. 4.
WestJet flight attendants are on the brink of a strike, with a deadline set for Sunday. The union, representing 4,400 flight attendants, has voted 99 percent in favor of a strike mandate as contract negotiations remain unresolved.
If a strike occurs, it could ground flights starting Friday, affecting approximately 75,000 passengers daily. WestJet has prepared for this possibility by agreeing to an operational wind-down plan with the union.
In response to the looming strike, WestJet is offering eligible WestJet Rewards members the option to cancel or reschedule bookings made between July 30 and August 4. The airline is under pressure to finalize a new contract to avoid disruptions that could impact thousands of travelers.3
The situation remains fluid as both parties continue negotiations, with the potential for significant travel disruptions looming if an agreement is not reached by the weekend.
“If a strike goes ahead, about 75,000 passengers a day could be affected, prompting WestJet to offer eligible Rewards members the option to cancel or reschedule bookings scheduled between July 30 and Aug. 4. The airline is under pressure to reach a new contract with its flight attendants before the deadline.”
CP24
