Almost Unanimous: WestJet Flight Attendants Could Strike as of August 2

Another summer, another potential flight attendant strike at a major Canadian airline. Following a strike vote, WestJet’s flight attendants could walk off the job just before the August long weekend.

WestJet and CUPE have been negotiating a new collective agreement since late 2025. The previous contract expired at the end of last year.

CUPE Local 8125 says 97.3% of its 4,400 WestJet flight attendant members participated in a strike vote, and a nearly unanimous 99.4% voted to strike. Following a 21-day cooling-off period, cabin crew could go on strike as early as August 2.  

A statement from the union local read: “CUPE 8125 emphasized that, from the beginning, its goal has been to achieve a negotiated agreement and minimize any impact on travellers. Due to stalled negotiations with WestJet, this strike vote became necessary to move the process forward at the bargaining table.” 

In a social media post, CUPE wrote: “These extraordinary results send a powerful message to WestJet management: our membership is united, engaged and determined to achieve the fair contract we deserve. 

“Thank you to every member who took the time to vote. This overwhelming mandate strengthens our Bargaining Committee’s position as we continue fighting for improvements in wages, working conditions, scheduling and job security.”

The major issues in the labour negotiations are similar to those that spurred a costly Air Canada flight attendant strike last summer, with a major sticking point being unpaid labour when planes are not in the air.

Air Canada says the financial impact of the August 2025 strike by flight attendants was $375 million. When CUPE gave notice of its intent to strike, Air Canada acted on prepared contingency plans and ultimately cancelled over 3,200 flights.

Following the end of the cooling-off period, the WestJet flight attendant union is now required to provide 72 hours’ notice before any strike or lockout could begin.