WestJet Attendants Strike
WestJet Flight Attendants Strike Over Unpaid Ground Duties, Leading to Over 300 Cancellations
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WestJet flight attendants walked off the job Sunday, grounding more than 300 flights at Canada's second-largest airline, according to AP News. The strike was called by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents all 4,400 of WestJet's cabin crew.
The walkout left WestJet unable to operate any scheduled flights on its Boeing 737s or 787s, Newsday reported. The airline moved to refund or rebook passengers who booked through travel agents or third-party platforms.
The Core Fight: Getting Paid While Still on the Ground
The dispute centers on a specific pay issue: flight attendants say they are not paid for duties they perform before a plane takes off. That includes boarding passengers, conducting safety checks, and preparing the cabin, according to Winnipeg Free Press. The union calls this unpaid work — and it wants that to change.
Flight attendants typically only start earning pay once a plane's door closes or the aircraft pushes back from the gate. Industry critics say this is a longstanding problem across many airlines. The union wants WestJet to fix it through a new contract, The Independent reported.
Over 300 Flights Cancelled as Strike Hits Full Force
By early Sunday, WestJet had already scrapped more than 300 flights, according to SF Gate. The cancellations hit travelers heading into a busy travel period, leaving thousands scrambling to find alternative plans.
WestJet confirmed the strike in a public statement. The airline said its focus was on helping both sides reach a deal. It could not fly any of its 737 or 787 jets while the strike was active, Yahoo Finance reported.
WestJet's Position and What Comes Next
WestJet said it was committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union. The airline did not publicly detail its offer on ground-pay. It focused its messaging on passenger support, telling customers how to get refunds or new bookings, according to WRAL.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees has not set a public deadline for talks to resume. With hundreds of flights already cancelled and 4,400 workers off the job, the pressure on both sides to reach a deal is growing fast, CT Post noted.
WestJet's Strike History and What Passengers Should Know
This is not WestJet's first major labor disruption. The airline has faced previous work stoppages in recent years. This strike, however, is the first involving its full cabin crew under the Canadian Union of Public Employees, according to KVUE.
Passengers booked directly through WestJet's website should contact the airline for rebooking options. Those who used a travel agent or third-party site are also eligible for refunds or new flights. The airline urged travelers to check its website for the latest updates, NH Register reported.
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