WestJet Flight Attendants Go on Strike, 309 Flights Cancelled

Approximately 4,285 flight attendants at Canada’s second-largest airline, WestJet, have gone on strike after nearly 11 months of collective bargaining failed to produce a new labour agreement.

The main issue behind the strike is the lack of pay for work performed before and after flights. The union argues that flight attendants carry out safety checks, assist with boarding and remain responsible for passengers during deplaning, yet are not directly compensated for these duties.

As a result of the strike, WestJet suspended its Boeing 737 and Boeing 787 operations, cancelling 309 flights through Sunday during one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.

Although WestJet said it had presented a new proposal that included compensation for pre- and post-flight duties, the union stated that the offer did not go far enough to meet workers’ demands. Both sides said they remain willing to return to the negotiating table.

The Canadian government is also closely monitoring the situation, with reports suggesting it could intervene if the strike continues.