WestJet Strike Is Over, But Flights Won’t Return to Normal Overnight

The strike by WestJet flight attendants has ended after a tentative agreement was reached overnight, according to reporting by Global News. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, representing 4,400 flight attendants, and WestJet announced the deal early Monday morning at 4:15 a.m. Mountain time.

CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain called it meaningful progress, saying the agreement changes the flight credit system to better recognize the work cabin crew perform, with pay increases tied to that work. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the airline was pleased to reach an agreement reflecting the professionalism of its cabin crew.

The strike began just after midnight Mountain time on Sunday, after last-minute talks broke down. The dispute centred mainly on compensation for work performed on the ground, including boarding passengers, completing safety checks, and managing delays, since flight attendants were seeking pay from the moment they clock in rather than only once the aircraft is moving.

WestJet had already begun winding down jet flights on Saturday and suspended all 737 and 787 flights on Sunday, with the suspension expected to last at least until August 6, though the airline noted the grounding could be extended further. Encore flights continued operating throughout the disruption.

While neither side has released full details of the final agreement, WestJet shared the terms of an offer it had put forward before the deal, which included a 13 percent pay increase effective October 1, retroactive to January 1, 2026, followed by 2.5 percent annual increases through 2029. The offer also included a “duty pay premium,” described as additional pay for all duty hours, which the airline said was equivalent to roughly another 12 percent salary increase.

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu welcomed the settlement in a post on X, saying the government and Canadians were pleased the parties reached a deal at the bargaining table. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the news, with vice-president Pascal Chan noting it would take time for WestJet’s network to fully resume, but calling it a relief for stranded travellers, businesses, and time-sensitive shipments.

What Travellers Should Expect Now?

Flights are not expected to resume immediately, even with the strike resolved. Ian Lee, a management professor at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, explained that restarting a grounded fleet involves rechecking every plane and its parts under strict safety regulations before aircraft can return to full schedules.

As of Monday morning, all WestJet flights out of Toronto Pearson remained suspended, with the airline advising affected passengers to contact WestJet directly for the latest updates. The tentative agreement still needs to be voted on by union members before it is finalized.

Why This Matters If You’re Travelling to or From Canada?

If you’re a newcomer, international student, or work permit holder with upcoming travel plans on WestJet, whether for a family visit, a permanent residence landing, or returning to Canada, it’s worth confirming your flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport, since full schedules are expected to take time to resume. If your travel is tied to a specific immigration deadline, such as a landing date for permanent residence or a port of entry appointment, build in extra buffer time until WestJet confirms its schedule is fully back to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WestJet strike over?

Yes. CUPE Local 8125 and WestJet reached a tentative agreement early Monday morning, ending the strike that began just after midnight on Sunday. The agreement still needs to be ratified by union members.

When will WestJet flights return to normal?

Not immediately. The airline had suspended all 737 and 787 flights until at least August 6, and resuming full operations requires safety rechecks on every aircraft before flights can return to a normal schedule.

What was the WestJet strike actually about?

The dispute centred on compensation for work performed on the ground, including boarding passengers, safety checks, and delay management. Flight attendants were seeking pay starting from clock-in rather than only once the aircraft is in motion.

What was in WestJet’s pay offer before the deal was reached?

WestJet’s pre-agreement offer included a 13 percent pay increase effective October 1, retroactive to January 1, 2026, followed by 2.5 percent annual increases through 2029, along with a “duty pay premium” the airline said was worth roughly another 12 percent in compensation.

Should I still expect delays if I’m flying WestJet this week?

Possibly. Even though the strike has ended, WestJet’s network needs time to fully resume, and passengers with upcoming flights are advised to check directly with the airline for the latest status before travelling.