Many Canadian travelers are reevaluating their plans for the upcoming August long weekend following a resounding 99.4% strike vote by WestJet flight attendants. The vote outcome, confirmed on Wednesday, means that approximately 4,400 union members represented by CUPE Local 8125 could potentially go on strike on Aug. 2. A representative from CUPE informed CBC News that 97.3% of flight attendants participated in the vote.
If a strike occurs, it would ground WestJet, the second-largest airline in Canada, on the day before a statutory holiday in several provinces. Additionally, WestJet has the option to lock out flight attendants on the same date, regardless of the strike vote, as the federal “cooling off” period will have concluded. Both parties are required to give a 72-hour notice, meaning Canadians might have to wait until the end of the month to learn the status of their August flights.
WestJet has been engaged in negotiations with unionized flight attendants for its mainline flights since late 2025. The previous contract between the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the airline was effective from March 1, 2021, until the end of the previous year.
CEO of WestJet, Alexis von Hoensbroech, acknowledged that the age of the previous contract might necessitate significant improvements in a new deal. He expressed understanding, stating, “It was done in the middle of the pandemic, so there’s a lot of catch-up to be done because they fell behind inflation.”
“We are the second-largest carrier in Canada, and we are among some of the lowest paid, and that has to change,” remarked Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125 and a WestJet flight attendant.
CEO’s Perspective on Compensation
Similar to the Air Canada dispute with its flight attendants in 2025, WestJet is facing allegations from CUPE during the current contract negotiations that its members are not fairly compensated. John Gradek, an aviation management lecturer at McGill University, drew parallels, stating, “The issues sound a little familiar, if you remember last summer with Air Canada.”
Gradek criticized WestJet, suggesting the airline has not recognized the evolving payment methods of its main competitor. He emphasized that failing to meet Air Canada’s position is unacceptable, especially since the federal government has been investigating such disputes since 2025.
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“Every time we board a plane, we aren’t getting paid,” voiced WestJet flight attendants in an Instagram video, highlighting an average of 35 unpaid hours per month for various duties. The union