WestJet resumes flights after strike ends with tentative CUPE deal

A one‑day strike by WestJet flight attendants, represented by CUPE Local 8125, grounded the airline across Canada on Sunday, cancelling more than 300 flights (about 62% of the schedule) and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The dispute centered on pay for time spent on the ground. Early on Monday the airline and the union reached a tentative agreement, which the union will present to its 4,400 members for ratification.

WestJet began restoring service on Tuesday, but cancellations continued with 16 flights still cancelled and many itineraries delayed for several days as aircraft and crews were repositioned. The airline warned travelers to check flight status before heading to the airport. By Wednesday, August 5, WestJet reported that all scheduled flights were operating, though the recovery phase was expected to last up to a week or more.

Passengers in Canada and abroad, including dozens stranded at Cancun’s airport, faced additional hotel and re‑booking costs while the carrier worked to re‑accommodate them. Chief executive Alexis von Hoensbroech and spokesperson Ashley Tymko emphasized the airline’s effort to restore service quickly.