- WestJet flight attendants walked out on Sunday after talks fell through, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights during the busy summer season.
- The strike included picketing at Toronto Pearson Airport on August 2, 2026.
- The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 4,400 flight attendants, sought pay from check-in until clock-out rather than mostly for in-flight time.
- The union reached a tentative deal with WestJet on Monday, ending the strike.
- WestJet did not disclose the tentative deal's details; the agreement will be presented to cabin crew for a ratification vote.
WestJet flight attendants have ended their strike after reaching a tentative wage deal with the airline, which has a 30% domestic market share. The strike, initiated on Sunday, resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights during the peak summer travel season.145
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 4,400 flight attendants, demanded compensation for the entire duration of their shifts, from check-in to clock-out, rather than just during flight time. This demand reflects a growing trend among airline workers seeking fairer pay structures.3
Details of the tentative agreement have not been disclosed, but it will be presented to cabin crew members for a ratification vote. The resolution of this strike is crucial for WestJet, as it navigates the challenges of maintaining operations during a busy travel period.
The strike's impact was significant, leading to widespread flight cancellations and disruptions, highlighting the importance of labor negotiations in the airline industry.
“CUPE, which represents 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, had sought pay from check-in until clock-out rather than mostly for in-flight time. WestJet did not disclose terms, and the agreement now heads to cabin crew for a ratification vote.”
