The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents cabin crew at WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, has issued a 72-hour strike notice after collective bargaining talks failed to produce an agreement. Unless a settlement is reached, strike action could begin as early as August 2.
Cabin crew are seeking pay for ground duties, including pre-flight preparation, passenger boarding and post-flight work. The union is also calling for improved wages and working conditions.
In response, WestJet issued a precautionary 72-hour lockout notice. The airline said the move did not mean operations would stop immediately and that negotiations were continuing in an effort to reach an agreement.
A potential strike could disrupt the travel plans of thousands of passengers during one of Canada’s busiest summer travel periods. WestJet has introduced a one-time fee-free change or cancellation option for bookings between July 30 and August 4.
