WestJet flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, began striking Sunday after contract negotiations failed. The airline canceled over 300 flights, impacting travel during a long weekend.
The strike disrupts travel for thousands of passengers during a peak holiday period and highlights ongoing labor disputes over compensation for flight attendants in North America.
Flight attendants at Canada's WestJet, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), began striking on Sunday after contract talks failed to yield an agreement. The union, which represents 4,400 cabin crew, announced the strike, leading WestJet to cancel over 300 flights during a busy three-day weekend.
A central issue in the dispute is compensation for duties performed by flight attendants while on the ground before and after flights. CUPE argues that some of this time is unpaid, while WestJet maintains that staff are compensated through a "credit hour" system.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech stated the airline had proposed a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, including an hourly rate for all time before and after flights, along with a double-digit wage increase in the first year. However, the union's president, Alia Hussain, indicated that the offer did not sufficiently recognize the value of cabin crew work.
Both parties have expressed a willingness to resume negotiations. WestJet has confirmed that flights operated on Boeing 737s and 787s cannot operate, and affected travelers will be refunded or rebooked. Flights operated by WestJet Encore and partner code-share flights remain unaffected.
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