WestJet flight attendants went on strike Sunday after the airline and their union failed to reach a new collective agreement.
WestJet suspended its scheduled Boeing 737 and 787 flights at 12:01 a.m. MT because of the labour disruption.
The airline said the stoppage had cancelled August long weekend travel for about 250,000 customers, with more flights at risk if the strike lasts.
WestJet Encore flights are operating.
“We’re disappointed to be here, this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve,” WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a statement.
The airline said in an update Sunday afternoon that it remained committed to reaching a negotiated agreement and believed a deal was within reach.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees said its bargaining committee remained at the table and was ready to negotiate.
CUPE Local 8125 represents about 4,400 WestJet flight attendants.
“We tried until the very last minute to get a fair deal that recognizes the value of the work cabin crews do,” local president Alia Hussain said in a statement. “WestJet’s offer did not go far enough.”
Hussain said the union was ready to settle the dispute at the bargaining table and wanted the federal government to allow the collective bargaining process to proceed without intervention.
Unpaid work big part of negotiation
“Unpaid work is a big piece of our priorities, but we are bargaining a comprehensive contract,” she said.
The union said the parties had been bargaining for almost 11 months.
WestJet released details Sunday of the proposal it made before the strike.
The airline said the offer included a 13 per cent wage increase effective Oct. 1, 2026, followed by increases of 2.5 per cent on Jan. 1 in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
It also included retroactive wage payments to Jan. 1, 2026, and a new premium for all duty hours. WestJet said the duty premium would be equivalent to an additional 12 per cent increase in salary.
Other proposed changes included higher meal allowances, a $300 annual health spending account, additional rest time, a maternity leave top-up, more vacation for long-serving employees and scheduling changes.
The union said the proposal represented movement and acknowledged for the first time that work performed outside flight time should be compensated.
However, CUPE said the proposal placed too little value on that work and would provide compensation only in limited circumstances.
The union has identified wages, compensation for all hours worked, scheduling and work-life balance as bargaining priorities.
Affected passengers were to be notified
WestJet said passengers whose flights are cancelled would be notified by email and text message.
The airline said it would rebook affected passengers on the next available flight, including flights operated by other airlines.
Passengers can review their new itinerary, consider other available flights or request a refund to their original form of payment.
Those who booked through a travel agency, third-party website or another airline must contact the original booking provider to receive a refund.
WestJet advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Passengers with cancelled flights should not travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed replacement itinerary.
More than 99.4 per cent of the members who voted in July authorized strike action. CUPE said 97.3 per cent of eligible members participated in the vote.
Both sides said negotiations were continuing Sunday.
