WestJet, the second-largest airline in Canada, is making preparations to gradually cease operations in anticipation of a potential strike by its flight attendants or a lockout. However, the implementation of this plan does not signify an immediate labor dispute, as negotiations between the airline’s union and management are ongoing.
In a communication obtained by CBC News, Robert Antoniuk, WestJet’s vice-president of inflight operations, clarified that the agreement to wind down operations is a precautionary measure in case talks between the CUPE WestJet Component and the airline do not yield a resolution. The union has reiterated its desire for a fair deal without resorting to a strike.
Federal mediators are actively involved in the negotiations, with Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon expressing optimism about the progress being made towards a mutually agreeable settlement.
John Gradek, a former Air Canada director and current faculty member at McGill University, noted that it is common practice for airlines to have contingency plans in place to manage operations before a potential labor dispute. Ensuring that aircraft and crew members are not stranded abroad in the event of a shutdown is essential preparation.
While WestJet has not announced any flight cancellations related to the labor dispute, it has offered to waive cancellation or change fees for passengers traveling between July 30 and August 4. Approximately 4,400 union members represented by CUPE WestJet Component are eligible to strike by August 2, following a strong vote in favor of strike action. The longstanding issue of unpaid work remains a key point of contention between the union and the airline.
WestJet’s pay system for flight attendants is based on credit hours, with the union claiming that a significant portion of work hours go uncompensated. The company maintains that flight attendants are fairly compensated under the current contract, pointing out that the credit hour wage accounts for additional duties performed during what the union considers unpaid hours.
The dispute over unpaid work has been a persistent concern for CUPE, drawing parallels to previous labor conflicts in the aviation industry. WestJet’s last major labor dispute occurred in 2024 when unionized airline mechanics went on strike, impacting travel for many passengers.