Flights canceled as WestJet flight attendants strike over pay dispute

WestJet flight attendants walked off the job Sunday, grounding more than 300 flights and disrupting travel for thousands across Canada. The Canadian Union of Public Employees, representing 4,400 cabin crew, announced the strike, citing a dispute over pay as the primary issue.

A central point of contention is how flight attendants are compensated for duties performed while on the ground. The union argues that some of this work is unpaid, while WestJet maintains its staff is compensated through a "credit hour" system rather than a traditional hourly rate.

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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.

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech stated the company presented a proposal that would have set a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, including a double-digit wage increase in the first year. "Unfortunately, it wasn't accepted," he said.

Alia Hussain, president of the union chapter, countered that WestJet's offer "did not go far enough" to recognize the value of cabin crews' work. Both parties have indicated a willingness to return to negotiations to reach an agreement. WestJet has stated that travelers affected by cancellations will be refunded or re-accommodated, with direct communication via email. Flights operated by WestJet Encore and partner airlines are not impacted.

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WestJet's offer did not go far enough.