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WestJet Axes 86 Flights as Strike Deadline Looms
WestJet Cancels Flights as Strike Deadline Looms: What You Need to Know
What’s Happening?
Imagine you’re planning a big trip, and suddenly the airline starts cancelling flights before anything bad has even happened. That’s exactly what WestJet is doing right now.
WestJet has begun an "organized take-down" of its flight network—cancelling flights on purpose—to prepare for a possible strike or lockout by its flight attendants. As of Friday morning, 86 flights scheduled for Saturday have already been cancelled.
Important Point: This is a precautionary move. WestJet wants to avoid stranding passengers and aircraft in the wrong places if flight attendants walk off the job.
Why Are Flights Being Cancelled?
Think of it like packing up your toys before a storm hits. WestJet is moving its planes to safe locations where they can be parked, secured, and maintained if a work stoppage begins.
According to aviation expert John Gradek from McGill University, this is smart asset management. But he also warns: "It is going to be a mess" if no agreement is reached.
The Core Issue: Pay for Ground Work
Here’s the heart of the dispute—explained simply:
| What Flight Attendants Do | Current Pay Status |
|---|---|
| Board passengers | Not paid |
| Complete safety checks | Not paid |
| Manage delays on the ground | Not paid |
| Work while plane is in air | Paid |
Barry Eidlin, a labour expert at McGill University, puts it plainly:
"Flight attendants are basically saying, ‘Enough’s enough, we need to be paid for the hours that we’ve been working.’"
Delays have become more common, meaning flight attendants spend more unpaid time on the ground.
Timeline: When Could a Strike Start?
Here’s the countdown:
- CUPE (the union representing ~4,400 flight attendants) issued a 72-hour strike notice
- WestJet responded with a 72-hour lockout notice
- Deadline: Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT — the earliest a strike or lockout could begin
- Right now: Both sides are still talking, with federal mediators helping since May
What WestJet Says
- Their latest offer was designed to be "industry-leading"
- It addresses the union’s key priorities
- They remain committed to reaching a deal before any work stoppage
What the Union Says
- Flight attendants want fair pay for all hours worked — not just flight time
- They’ve been negotiating for months
- They don’t want to strike — but feel they have no choice
Expert Opinions
| Expert | Role | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| John Gradek | Aviation Management Lecturer, McGill | Cancellations are prudent; disruptions will grow if no deal |
| Barry Eidlin | Sociology Professor, Labour Expert | Workers are fed up with unpaid ground time |
What This Means for Travelers
If you have a WestJet flight coming up:
- Check your flight status on WestJet’s website or app
- Expect more cancellations as the deadline approaches
- Know your rights — airlines must rebook or refund for cancelled flights
- Have a backup plan — especially for weekend travel
Important Point: Even if a strike doesn’t happen, the cancellations are real and happening now.
Summary
- WestJet is proactively cancelling flights (86+ so far) ahead of a possible strike/lockout
- The dispute is about pay for ground duties (boarding, safety checks, delays)
- Flight attendants are only paid in the air — not on the ground
- Deadline: Sunday 12:01 a.m. MT
- Both sides still negotiating with federal mediators
- Travelers should check flights frequently and prepare for disruptions
FAQ
1. Will my flight definitely be cancelled?
Not necessarily — but more cancellations are likely as the deadline nears. Check WestJet’s website for your specific flight.
2. What’s the difference between a strike and a lockout?
- Strike: Workers refuse to work (union initiates)
- Lockout: Employer stops workers from working (company initiates)
Both result in no flights operating.
3. Am I entitled to compensation if my flight is cancelled?
Yes. Under Canadian regulations, if WestJet cancels your flight, they must rebook you or refund you. Additional compensation may apply depending on the reason and notice given.
4. Why doesn’t WestJet just pay them for ground time?
That’s the core of the negotiation. WestJet says their offer is "industry-leading," but the union says it doesn’t go far enough. Both sides are trying to reach a deal before Sunday.
5. Can the government force them to settle?
The federal government has appointed mediators to help, but cannot force a deal. However, they could pass back-to-work legislation if the strike severely impacts the economy — though that’s a last resort.
Stay informed. Check your flight. Hope for a deal.
