Over 4,000 WestJet cabin personnel have issued a formal notice of dispute after seven months of failed negotiations with the airline, but they are not going on a strike anytime soon.
Understanding the Legal Process for a Strike
When a union and an employer are unable to reach an agreement at the bargaining table, the Minister of Labour may decide to assign a conciliator to help the parties with their negotiations before a strike can be called. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) explains that, for a strike to happen, 21 days must pass since the notice of dispute or, if a conciliator is assigned, since the end of their mandate, which is usually 60 days. The union must also obtain a strike mandate by holding a vote among its members. If employees vote to strike, the mandate is valid for 60 days. The union must give the employer 72 hours' notice of its intention to strike.
Key Issues in the Dispute
A notice issued by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) on Monday said the dispute is centred on “a growing gap between the work flight attendants are required to perform and the outdated system that determines how that work is compensated.” It noted that “significant portions” of flight attendants’ time are not fully compensated, saying that, on average, flight attendants work 35 hours every month unpaid. “Flight attendants are performing increasingly demanding work in a safety-sensitive environment, and we are some of the lowest paid in Canada,” said Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125. “The system that governs our compensation was built for a different time, and it no longer reflects the value of work being done today.”
Union's Demands and Next Steps
CUPE 8125 represents approximately 4,400 cabin personnel at WestJet mainline. The union and WestJet have met multiple times each month since serving notice to bargain in September 2025. The union is also seeking improvements to scheduling and basic working conditions, and emphasized its goal of achieving a negotiated agreement while minimizing any impact on travellers. “Flight attendants have remained patient and professional throughout this process, but delays cannot continue,” Hussain said. “We are looking for meaningful progress at the table on issues that affect our members and their ability to provide reliable service for our guests.” She added: “Our focus is on securing a fair and sustainable agreement that reflects the realities of the job and the value of the work being done every day.”
Recent Changes at WestJet
The notice of dispute comes after the airline announced increases to baggage fees earlier this month. From April 23, travellers paying at the airport to check their bags will be charged an extra $10 each for the first and second bags. If paying in advance, the fees will go up by $5 per bag for the first and second bags. National Post has contacted WestJet for comment.
