A potentially damaging WestJet flight attendants strike is considerably closer to reality today.
CUPE Local 8125, representing roughly 4,400 WestJet Mainline flight attendants, have voted to authorize a potential strike.
CUPE on 15JUL announced that union members approved the strike vote by 99.4%, with 97.3% of members voting. The result gives the union's bargaining committee a mandate for job action if a new contract isn’t reached. The vote doesn’t guarantee a walkout; union leadership has repeatedly stressed a strong result is meant to strengthen its hand at the table, not trigger an automatic strike.
The soonest WestJet flight attendants could legally walk off the job — or the airline could lock them out — is 02AUG, 2026, and only after the union files a formal 72-hour strike notice.
"These extraordinary results send a powerful message to WestJet management: our membership is united, engaged, and determined to achieve the fair contract we deserve," the union posted on social media.
“The members of CUPE 8125 ... voted to strike because they stand behind the bargaining priorities that they have identified, especially pay for all hours of work performed. WestJet should do the right thing and prevent travel disruptions for their passengers," said Alia Hussain, CUPE 8125 President.
CUPE says flight attendants perform an average of 35 hours of unpaid work a month — largely boarding, deplaning and ground time before cabin doors close — which the union argues leaves junior crew effectively earning below minimum wage. As of late June, the two sides had reached an agreement in principle on 32 contract articles, with 35 still outstanding.
Advisors booking WestJet Mainline clients for early August onward should build in flexibility while talks continue — a deal could still land before the window opens.
