WestJet plans are touched down on Sunday, Aug. 2 as the cabin crew is on strike.
The union representing WestJet’s cabin crew staff issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, just before the B.C. Day long weekend.
However, after 72 hours, a deal between WestJet and the union wasn’t agreed upon. The strike prevents the airline from operating its scheduled 737 and 787 flights.
“We’re disappointed to be here, this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve,” said WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. “Our 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’t accepted.”
The cabin crew staff are demanding fair wages, a stop to unpaid work, and improved working conditions.
On Sunday morning, WestJet released its most recent offer to the cabin crew:
- Wage increases across the board:
– Effective October 1, 2026 – 13.0 per cent increase
– Effective January 1, 2027 – 2.5 per cent increase
– Effective January 1, 2028 – 2.5 per cent increase
– Effective January 1, 2029 – 2.5 per cent increase; - Retroactive wage payment to January 1, 2026;
- NEW Duty pay premium – a payment for all duty hours (additional pay for all hours worked designed to solve the union’s claim of unpaid work), equivalent to another 12% of salary increase;
- Healthcare Spending Account: $300 in health spending per year;
- Significant increase in per diem (meal allowance) rates: increase of 13% in 2026, and 2.5% every year thereafter;
- Fifth week of vacation at 25 years of service;
- Maternity leave top-up to 17 weeks postpartum;
- New flexible part-time program (reduced block);
- Significant 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;
- Premium payment when reassigned to an uncovered flight in a base;
- Reduced duty day maximum when working three legs or more;
- Payment when crew are faced with a delay accessing a hotel room on a layover.
“WestJet recognizes the decision for Cabin Crew to strike is not an easy one. Given this, it’s important to be clear about what was offered,” stated WestJet in a press release.
At this time, WestJet and the union remain active in negotiations.
Travellers taking WestJet flights are encouraged to check the status of their flight ahead of arriving at the airport. Information about the bargaining process can be found at westjet.com/cabincrew.