WestJet, the second-largest airline in Canada, is making preparations to gradually cease operations in anticipation of a potential strike by its flight attendants or a lockout. Despite the plan to wind down operations, ongoing negotiations between the union and the company may still avert a labor dispute.
In a communication obtained by CBC News, WestJet’s vice-president of inflight operations, Robert Antoniuk, clarified that the agreement to halt operations gradually does not signify an escalation towards labor action. The agreement outlines the process for suspending operations in case negotiations between the CUPE WestJet Component and the company fail.
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon mentioned that federal mediators are actively engaged in the negotiation process and expressed optimism about reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
According to John Gradek, a former Air Canada director and current faculty lecturer at McGill University, it is standard practice for airlines like WestJet to have contingency plans in place to manage operations in the event of a potential labor dispute. He emphasized the importance of pre-positioning resources to prevent disruptions, such as ensuring aircraft and crew are not stranded abroad.
WestJet has not yet announced any flight cancellations related to the labor dispute but has offered options for passengers impacted by potential disruptions. The airline has proposed waiving cancellation or change fees for passengers traveling between July 30 and August 4, with some passengers possibly receiving credit for future use.
The CUPE WestJet Component, representing approximately 4,400 union members, may legally initiate a strike by August 2 following a resounding vote in favor of striking by nearly 97% of eligible flight attendants. The main point of contention in the negotiations has been the compensation for flight attendants concerning unpaid work hours.
WestJet’s pay system for flight attendants relies on a credit hour model that may result in unpaid hours, as claimed by the union. The airline maintains that flight attendants are remunerated for all hours worked under the current contract and justifies the pay structure based on industry norms.
The issue of “unpaid work” has been a persistent concern for the union, reminiscent of past disputes, such as the strike against Air Canada in 2025 over similar grievances. WestJet’s history includes a major labor dispute in 2024 involving unionized airline mechanics, which disrupted travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers over the Canada Day long weekend.
