At 2 a.m. [yesterday], WestJet flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), went on a legal strike after 11 months of negotiations broke down over wages and pay for ground duties. The company responded with a lockout notice and has grounded its 737 and 787 fleets, canceling hundreds of flights over the Canadian long weekend. Smaller aircraft and codeshare partner flights continue operating, including WestJet Encore. This marks the second major Canadian aviation labour disruption in a year, following last summer’s Air Canada flight attendant strike.
ALPA supports the WestJet flight attendants in securing a freely negotiated, fair, and equitable collective agreement. You can find more information on their job action here.
Make the Walk
With flights grounded on short notice, some WestJet pilots may find themselves stranded away from base with limited rebooking options. Please take a moment to check whether any WJA pilots need a ride or assistance getting home.
Read ALPA Canada’s message sent earlier [yesterday] morning here.
Questions about picket lines involving another union? Contact your MEC or LEC.
