SXM AIRPORT--Passengers travelling with WestJet in the coming days are being urged to closely monitor their bookings, as a strike involving 4,400 flight attendants could begin as early as this weekend.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents the airline’s cabin crew, has issued a 72-hour strike notice. WestJet has responded by issuing a lockout notice.
Although the notices do not mean that flights will immediately be affected, a work stoppage could begin at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time on Sunday, August 2, if the two sides fail to reach an agreement.
WestJet and the union remain at the negotiating table, but CUPE said the parties are still far apart on several key issues.
“We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal,” said Alia Hussain, chair of the union’s WestJet contingent.
Hussain said there is still time to prevent a strike and that negotiations will continue around the clock.
WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech said the company’s decision to issue a lockout notice was made in response to the union’s action and was not taken lightly.
He acknowledged the uncertainty facing passengers and said WestJet remains committed to reaching an agreement that provides improvements for cabin crew while remaining sustainable for the airline.
WestJet passengers should begin checking their flight status regularly, as some aircraft could start being grounded as early as Friday, July 31, unless a tentative agreement is reached. The airline operates more than 600 flights per day and carries more than 70,000 passengers on some days, meaning a disruption could affect a significant number of travellers.
WestJet said it will manage flight changes and cancellations in a way that allows passengers to be informed in advance whenever possible.
Flexible change and cancellation policies remain available for passengers with bookings between July 30 and August 4, 2026, who may wish to make alternative travel arrangements.
Passengers booked directly with WestJet will receive updates through the email address provided at the time of booking. Those who booked through a travel advisor or online agency should contact that company directly.
Should flights be delayed or cancelled, affected passengers will be refunded or placed on alternative flights where applicable.
WestJet Encore regional flights and codeshare services operated by partner airlines, including Delta, are not expected to be affected by a strike involving WestJet flight attendants.
The airline and union have already reached a wind-down agreement outlining how aircraft would be grounded and cabin crew returned home in the event of a work stoppage.
Passengers travelling between July 31 and August 4 should continue monitoring WestJet’s official flight updates, check their email frequently and confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport.
