WestJet Strike Ends: Tentative Deal with Cabin Crew Union Reached, Flight Cancellations to Continue

WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)—the union representing roughly 4,400 cabin crew members—announced Monday that they have reached a tentative labor agreement.

The deal immediately halts the ongoing work stoppage, with both parties officially withdrawing active strike and lockout notices. While the proposed contract still faces a ratification vote from cabin crew members, airline leadership confirmed that teams are already mobilizing to reset standard operations, restore canceled routes, and resume full flight schedules as quickly as possible.

“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the hard work and professionalism our cabin crew,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of WestJet. “We know this disruption has been frustrating for our guests and WestJetters and we’re sorry for that. Our teams are working hard to restore service and get our guests on their way to their destinations as quickly as possible and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we get back to normal.”

The union had officially gone on strike early Sunday morning, though WestJet began ramping up cancellations starting on Friday. Hundreds of flights were scrapped across WestJet’s Canadian hubs on Sunday. Monday wasn’t faring better, even with the deal.

According to live flight-tracking data from FlightAware, WestJet has already logged 301 cancellations, 60% of its total schedule, as of 7 a.m. EST on Friday. today. Again, the cancellations are hitting WestJet’s Western hub in Calgary International Airport (YYC) the hardest, which is seeing 101 cancellations, 32% of all flights at the airport.

While the tentative agreement halts the work stoppage, travelers should prepare for residual disruptions to linger over the next few days. WestJet confirmed that teams are gradually restoring flight schedules, but warns that ongoing delays and cancellations are expected as planes and flight crews are repositioned.

For comparison, the most recent Air Canada work stoppage required seven to ten days for schedules to fully normalize.