WestJet Strike Threat Looms: What Travelers and Advisors Need to Know Ahead of Aug. 2

Despite being less than 48 hours away from a potential work stoppage by its flight attendants, Canadian airline WestJet has still not announced any flight cancellations.

The carrier issued a 72-hour lockout notice on Thursday in response to a 72-hour strike notice served by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents roughly 4,400 WestJet flight attendants. The parallel notices set the stage for a potential strike or lockout as early as Aug. 2 at 02:01 ET.

For now, WestJet is allowing passengers traveling between July 30 and Aug. 4 to make a one-time itinerary change or cancellation with no added fees. Ticket holders who receive formal notice of a cancellation due to labor action remain eligible for full refunds.

“We are actively working toward a resolution within 72 hours that prevents a work stoppage from occurring on August 2 at 02:01 ET (00:01 MT). Issuing a 72-hour notice does not mean a work stoppage will occur,” WestJet said in its latest update.

Despite that stance, WestJet stated it will take all necessary actions to manage potential disruptions for travelers. The airline has begun preparations to operate a reduced schedule while proactively managing itinerary changes, cancellations, and guest notifications well in advance. WestJet is also encouraging passengers traveling during this window to review their travel plans and take advantage of the self-serve change and cancellation options in the Manage Trips portal.

Julia Kent, director of advocacy and community relations at CAA Atlantic, told Newfoundland broadcaster VOCM that flight compensation rules during a strike are nuanced.

“Airlines are required to book you on another flight that they have a partnership with, if it’s cancelled, within a reasonable time frame,” Kent said. “If that’s not available, they have to book you on any airline within a reasonable time frame.”

Kent noted that the required rebooking window under passenger protection regulations is 48 hours. “Your rights don’t disappear in the event of a strike or the possibility of a strike,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), warned of severe broader economic fallout if a work stoppage occurs.

“A work stoppage, especially during one of the busiest travel weekends of the summer, would have major consequences for Canada’s transportation network and for the hundreds of thousands of small businesses counting on the critical summer tourism season,” Kelly said in a statement.

According to CFIB research, one-third of all small businesses rely on summer tourism for their annual revenue. While even a short disruption could derail business plans, a prolonged stoppage would be devastating for the sector.

“We are calling on WestJet and the union to reach an agreement and avoid any disruption to service,” Kelly said. “If they’re unable to do so, Ottawa must be ready to intervene and avoid the economic damage a work stoppage in the heart of tourism season would have on Canada’s economy.”