WestJet flight attendants begin strike over pay dispute
WestJet cabin crew have walked out, cancelling over 300 flights as the union and airline negotiate compensation for ground duties.
Flight attendants representing WestJet, Canada’s second-largest carrier, began a strike on Sunday, prompting the airline to cancel more than 300 flights and disrupt travel during a three-day weekend. The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents the 4,400-member cabin crew, announced the walkout on its Facebook page.
The dispute centers on how crew members are paid for work performed while the aircraft is on the ground. The union claims that such duties are unpaid, while WestJet says staff receive compensation through a “credit hour” system rather than a traditional hourly wage.
“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,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group.
“WestJet’s offer did not go far enough,” said Alia Hussain, president of the union chapter representing the cabin crew.
Both parties said they remain willing to resume negotiations. WestJet indicated that flights operated by its Boeing 737 and 787 fleets cannot be operated, while Encore Q400 services and code-share flights with partner airlines continue unaffected. Passengers with direct bookings will be contacted by email, and those who booked through agents are advised to reach out to their providers.
The strike follows a similar walkout by Air Canada flight attendants last summer, which halted service for more than 100,000 travelers for three days before an agreement was reached.