WestJet has released the details of its latest contract proposal to cabin crew after a work stoppage forced the airline to suspend operations of its Boeing 737 and 787 fleets, disrupting travel for hundreds of thousands of passengers during the August long weekend.
The airline confirmed Sunday that strike action by the union representing WestJet cabin crew is now underway, bringing scheduled flights on its narrow-body and wide-body aircraft to a halt. The company says it remains open to negotiations despite the labour dispute.
“We’re disappointed to be here, this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJetters and the communities and businesses we serve,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group.
“Our focus remains on staying available for the union to reach an agreement. 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.”
The strike follows weeks of collective bargaining between WestJet and the union representing its cabin crew. While the airline has publicly outlined its latest offer, the union has maintained that unresolved issues remain at the bargaining table.
WestJet says its final proposal included a series of wage increases and new benefits designed to address key concerns raised during negotiations.
Under the offer, flight attendants would receive a 13 percent wage increase effective October 1, 2026, followed by 2.5 percent increases annually from 2027 through 2029. The proposal also included retroactive pay to January 1, 2026.
One of the most notable elements of the proposal was a new duty pay premium, which WestJet says would compensate cabin crew for all duty hours before and after flights. The airline estimates the measure would amount to an additional increase equivalent to about 12 per cent of salary, addressing the union’s longstanding concerns about unpaid work performed outside scheduled flight time.
Other proposed improvements included: A $300 annual Health Care Spending Account, a 13 per cent increase in meal allowances (per diems) in 2026, with annual increases of 2.5 per cent thereafter, a fifth week of vacation after 25 years of service, a 17-week maternity leave top-up, new flexible part-time scheduling program, additional rest time at home and during layovers, greater flexibility for shift trading, premium pay for certain flight reassignments, reduced maximum duty days for crews operating three or more flight segments, and compensation for delays in accessing hotel accommodations during layovers.
WestJet described the proposal as a “transformational offer” that it said would have established a new benchmark for cabin crew compensation in Canada.
The airline says the strike has already affected approximately 250,000 travellers, with additional cancellations expected if the work stoppage continues.
WestJet said passengers whose travel has been disrupted will either be refunded or rebooked where possible. Customers who booked directly with the airline will receive updates through the email address used when making their reservation, while those who booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms have been advised to contact their booking provider.
The airline is also directing travellers to its online travel advisory page for the latest updates on cancellations, rebooking options and service disruptions.
Although flight operations have been suspended on portions of its network, WestJet says it remains available to resume negotiations with the union.
The labour dispute comes during one of Canada’s busiest travel periods, with thousands of passengers facing uncertainty as both sides continue efforts to reach a new collective agreement.
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