The strike by approximately 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet comes after the airline failed to reach an agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees. As a result, around 250,000 travelers have had their flights canceled, with 615 flights grounded by mid-morning Sunday. The union is advocating for pay that covers the entire duration of their work, not just when flights are in motion.
WestJet had proposed a 13% wage increase this year, followed by 2.5% annual increases through 2029, along with additional pay to address unpaid work concerns. Despite these offers, negotiations broke down, leading to the strike.
The situation is compounded by the busy summer travel season, and the airline has committed to refunding or reaccommodating affected passengers, although reports indicate difficulties in customer service. The Canadian government has previously intervened in similar disputes, raising questions about potential future involvement in this case