WestJet flight attendants approve strike mandate
Posted Jul 15, 2026 11:56:50 AM.
WestJet flight attendants have authorized a strike that could see thousands of workers walk off the job in fewer than three weeks if they are unable to reach a new deal on contract demands.
In an update to its members and obtained by The Canadian Press, the union representing some 4,400 cabin crew at the airline says they voted 99 per cent in favour of the strike mandate.
The mandate does not spark immediate job action, but grants union officials the authority to call a strike after a cooling-off period.
A potential strike could occur as soon as Sunday, Aug. 2.
In an earlier update to members, the Canadian Union of Public Employees said it has made bargaining progress in some areas, but that its push for better compensation and working conditions continues.
Ground-duty pay remains a major point of contention at WestJet, after Air Canada flight attendants secured compensation for some ground work at up to 70 per cent of their hourly rate earlier this year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2026.
Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press
