- WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees have reached a tentative deal, ending a strike that has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, both sides said early Monday.
- The strike began just after midnight Mountain Time Sunday when last-minute talks failed, leading to flight cancellations during a busy travel weekend.
- Both strike and lockout notices were withdrawn, and the tentative agreement will be presented to cabin crew for a ratification vote.
- Normal flight operations were not expected to resume immediately, as WestJet had suspended all 737 and 787 flights on Sunday.
- Contract talks between WestJet and CUPE had been ongoing in Calgary since January, focusing on compensation for work performed on the ground.
- Earlier in the week, the union issued a strike notice, and WestJet responded with a lockout notice, escalating tensions between the two parties.
- WestJet began winding down flights on Saturday and suspended all of its 737 and 787 flights on Sunday in anticipation of the strike.
WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) reached a tentative agreement early Monday, ending a strike that disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of Canadians over the August long weekend.15
The strike, which began just after midnight on Sunday, affected approximately 225,000 Canadians due to flight cancellations during one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.2
CUPE, representing 4,400 flight attendants, had been negotiating for better compensation for ground work, including boarding and safety checks. The tentative deal, if ratified, aims to improve the legacy flight credit system and includes a 13% pay increase effective October 1, retroactive to January 1, 2026, followed by 2.5% annual increases until 2029.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating it reflects the hard work of cabin crews. The union's president, Alia Hussain, noted that the deal recognizes the additional work required from cabin crew and includes general increases in compensation.
Despite the strike's end, normal flight operations may take time to resume, as WestJet had already suspended flights on Sunday. The airline is working to restore service and has apologized for the disruption caused to travelers.4
Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu welcomed the news, emphasizing the importance of reaching a deal at the bargaining table. The agreement will now be presented to CUPE members for a ratification vote, with both sides withdrawing their strike and lockout notices.
“The deal now heads to a ratification vote by roughly 4,400 CUPE flight attendants; WestJet's Sunday offer included a 13% pay raise retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026. The strike began Sunday after last-minute talks failed, disrupting Canada's August long weekend and leaving at least one traveller rebooked on a two-day, five-layover route.”
Global News
