WestJet responds to crew union 72-hour strike notice with lockout
WestJet has issued a 72-hour lockout notice after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing approximately 4,400 cabin crew, served the airline with a 72-hour strike notice.
The notices do not automatically trigger a work stoppage, but they set the stage for potential industrial action from 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time on August 2 if negotiations fail to produce a new collective agreement.
The airline said both parties remain at the bargaining table and continue to negotiate around the clock to avoid disrupting travellers during one of Canada’s busiest holiday weekends.
WestJet says lockout notice is a contingency measure
Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet’s Chief Executive Officer, said the airline’s decision is meant to protect the airline’s operations rather than escalate the dispute.
“The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union, was not one that was made lightly. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests,” von Hoensbroech said in a statement.
“We greatly value the work and contributions of our Cabin Crew, and it is our responsibility to ensure the integrity of our network and to minimise the risk of stranding our guests, crew and aircraft.
“Our commitment remains at the bargaining table, where we will continue to work around the clock to come to an agreement that provides value and meaningful improvements for our Cabin Crew and is sustainable for our company.”
The airline is preparing contingency measures that may go into effect over the coming days. These include schedule adjustments and cancellations where necessary to minimise disruption. The airline will ensure its passengers get advance notice of any changes.
It is also offering flexible change and cancellation options for customers travelling between July 30 and August 4.
WestJet flights could be affected from August 2
Should negotiations break down, a strike or lockout could begin early on August 2.
WestJet said passengers affected by any cancellations or delays would be refunded or reaccommodated where applicable. Customers who booked directly with the airline will be contacted by email, while those who booked through travel agencies or online travel agencies should contact their booking provider.
Union seeks pay for all hours worked
CUPE says the two sides remain far apart on several key issues, with compensation for work performed on the ground as a central point of disagreement.
Like other flight attendant unions across North America, WestJet cabin crew are seeking pay that covers the full duration of their shifts—from check-in until they finish work—rather than just the time an aircraft is in motion. The union has also called for broader improvements to overall compensation.
If they weren't listening before, they sure are now. Cabin crew at CUPE 8125 have sent @WestJet management a clear message: the time to end unpaid work and bring in a fair contract is right now. Solidarity! https://t.co/gjgbJvNRBb
— Mark Hancock (@MarkHancockCUPE) July 15, 2026
Earlier this month, WestJet flight attendants voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action if a negotiated settlement could not be reached.
Canada’s second-largest airline prepares for peak-season disruption
WestJet operates more than 600 flights each day, carrying over 70,000 passengers on busy travel days. Following its integration with Sunwing in 2025, the airline group now operates nearly 200 aircraft serving over 100 destinations across North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Any work stoppage would come during Canada’s Civic Holiday travel period, making it one of the most significant potential airline labour disruptions since Air Canada’s cabin crew dispute in 2025.
