WestJet cabin crew work stoppage in effect<\/p>\n
Published 8:36 am Sunday, August 2, 2026<\/p>\n
WestJet plans are touched down on Sunday, Aug. 2 as the cabin crew is on strike.<\/p>\n
The union representing WestJet\u2019s cabin crew staff issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, just before the B.C. Day long weekend.<\/p>\n
However, after 72 hours, a deal between WestJet and the union wasn\u2019t agreed upon. The strike prevents the airline from operating its scheduled 737 and 787 flights.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re disappointed to be here, this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve,\u201d said WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. \u201cOur focus remains on staying available for the union to reach an agreement. We presented a proposal that would have set a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, making WestJet the only airline to offer an hourly rate covering all time before and after flights, plus a double-digit wage increase in year one among other priorities the union raised. Unfortunately, it wasn\u2019t accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cabin crew staff are demanding fair wages, a stop to unpaid work, and improved working conditions.<\/p>\n
On Sunday morning, WestJet released its most recent offer to the cabin crew:<\/p>\n
Wage increases across the board:
\u2013 Effective October 1, 2026 \u2013 13.0 per cent increase
\u2013 Effective January 1, 2027 \u2013 2.5 per cent increase
\u2013 Effective January 1, 2028 \u2013 2.5 per cent increase
\u2013 Effective January 1, 2029 \u2013 2.5 per cent increase;
\nRetroactive wage payment to January 1, 2026;
\nNEW Duty pay premium \u2013 a payment for all duty hours (additional pay for all hours worked designed to solve the union\u2019s claim of unpaid work), equivalent to another 12% of salary increase;
\nHealthcare Spending Account: $300 in health spending per year;
\nSignificant increase in per diem (meal allowance) rates: increase of 13% in 2026, and 2.5% every year thereafter;
\nFifth week of vacation at 25 years of service;
\nMaternity leave top-up to 17 weeks postpartum;
\nNew flexible part-time program (reduced block);
\nSignificant scheduling and quality-of-life improvements: one additional hour of rest at home base; increase to minimum rest away from base of one hour; out of base partial shift trades;
\nPremium payment when reassigned to an uncovered flight in a base;
\nReduced duty day maximum when working three legs or more;
\nPayment when crew are faced with a delay accessing a hotel room on a layover.<\/p>\n
\u201cWestJet recognizes the decision for Cabin Crew to strike is not an easy one. Given this, it\u2019s important to be clear about what was offered,\u201d stated WestJet in a press release.<\/p>\n
At this time, WestJet and the union remain active in negotiations. <\/p>\n