309 flights cancelled as WestJet cabin crew go on strike: Why it happened
3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Aug 2, 2026 09:41 PM IST
More than 300 WestJet flights have been cancelled across Canada after 4,400 cabin crew walked off the job over a pay dispute, disrupting one of the country’s busiest summer travel weekends.
According to WestJet, about 309 flights have already been cancelled as of Sunday morning, the BBC reported. The strike was announced by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 4,400 cabin crew at the airline. The decision affects travellers’ three-day weekend plans.
Pay dispute over ‘ground work’ at heart of strike
One of the primary factors that led to the announcement of strikes was how cabin crews should be paid, specifically the payment for the work they do before the flight takes off, also known as ground pay in the airline industry. The union has claimed that some of the work done on the ground remains unpaid and has cited pay through a “credit hour” system rather than an hourly rate.
This evening, WestJet began to initiate an organised take-down of its network and will start issuing flight cancellations to guests. Learn more on our Newsroom: https://t.co/MNL7c7N8ZZ
— WestJet News (@WestJetNews) August 1, 2026
The union has claimed that flight attendants are expected to work up to 35 hours per month without getting paid for those hours as the duties are performed before the flight’s departure. However, WestJet has said wages paid under the credit hour system include compensation for work done before take-off and landing, BBC reported.
According to WestJet, flight attendants earn anywhere between $20 and $41 per hour, the report added.
Guests travelling are advised to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport. https://t.co/YsnKCEQvc7 pic.twitter.com/ZNiBjHMMU0
— WestJet (@WestJet) August 1, 2026
WestJet says it offered higher wages
“We presented a proposal that would have set a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, making WestJet the only airline to offer an hourly rate covering all time before and after flights, plus a double-digit wage increase in year one among other priorities the union raised. Unfortunately, it wasn’t accepted,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group, ABC News reported.
Union says talks failed despite last-minute efforts
The union had informed WestJet on Thursday that a strike would come if talks didn’t produce a result, giving the airline 72 hours’ notice. WestJet had then issued a lockout notice, Reuters reported.
The union said that it tried to strike a deal with WestJet until the last minute, but that “WestJet’s offer did not go far enough.”
“We are on strike because we believe we deserve better. We are ready to go back to the table to settle,” said Alia Hussain, president of the union’s WestJet component.
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Are India-bound passengers affected?
WestJet does not operate direct flights between India and Canada. However, travellers with connecting itineraries through Canadian cities or codeshare bookings may face delays or cancellations and should check their flight status.
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