WestJet Strike Ends After Tentative Deal, Airline Works to Restore Flights Across Canada

Canada's second largest airline, WestJet, has reached a tentative agreement with its flight attendants' union, bringing a brief but disruptive strike to an end after hundreds of flight cancellations stranded thousands of passengers during the country's busy holiday weekend.

The agreement, announced on Monday, was reached with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, which represents about 4,400 cabin crew members. Flight attendants have returned to work, although the deal must still be approved by union members in a ratification vote expected within the next 30 days.

The strike caused widespread disruption across WestJet's network. The airline said it cancelled 922 of its 2,365 scheduled flights, or about 39 percent of its operations, affecting nearly 250,000 travellers. Many passengers were left stranded, struggled to find accommodation, or waited days to be rebooked as flights filled up during the long weekend.

WestJet is now gradually restoring operations by repositioning aircraft and crews across its network. The airline expects its flight schedule to return to normal by Wednesday, though some travellers may continue to experience delays and rebooking issues in the meantime. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech apologized to customers for the disruption and thanked them for their patience as the airline works through the backlog.

The main sticking point in negotiations was compensation for duties performed before takeoff, including boarding passengers, safety checks and other ground responsibilities. The union argued that much of this work was not properly paid under WestJet's existing flight credit system, while the airline maintained that the system already compensated employees.

CUPE Local 8125 President Alia Hussain called the tentative agreement "meaningful progress," saying it recognizes more pre-flight work and improves compensation. Reports indicate the deal also includes a new duty period premium, though full contract details have not yet been released because members still need to vote on the agreement.

Before the strike, WestJet had offered a 13 percent wage increase beginning in October, followed by annual 2.5 percent raises for the next three years, retroactive pay to January, additional compensation for all hours worked and improved benefits. The union had rejected that proposal, saying it did not go far enough.

The dispute mirrors last year's Air Canada cabin crew strike, which also focused on compensation for pre-flight duties before ending with a negotiated settlement.