WestJet’s approximately 4,400 flight attendants are at risk of going on strike in the coming weeks if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, which represents the flight attendants, announced on Wednesday that 99. 4% of its members voted in favor of giving their bargaining team strike authorization.

This vote does not necessarily mean an immediate strike, but it does indicate the potential for one in the future. After a mandatory 21-day “cooling off” period, the earliest the flight attendants could stop working is August 2nd.

In a statement, CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain emphasized the unity and determination of the flight attendants, stating that they voted to strike in support of their bargaining priorities, particularly fair compensation for all hours worked. She urged WestJet to take action and prevent travel disruptions for their passengers.

Negotiations between WestJet and its unionized flight attendants have been ongoing for months. The current contract, which went into effect in 2021, became amendable at the end of 2025.

According to the CBC, WestJet’s leadership has acknowledged the need for some changes to maintain flight attendants’ pay above inflation. However, it is unclear if they will accept CUPE’s demand for a new pay model that would provide compensation for duties and hours worked outside of flights. WestJet argues that they already account for these extra hours with an above-standard “credit hour” system.

This issue was also a major factor in a brief strike by Air Canada flight attendants last year.

As Canada’s second-largest airline, a strike by WestJet’s flight attendants would have a significant impact, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights per day and causing major disruptions in the country’s air transportation system. The situation is ongoing, and both parties continue to negotiate in hopes of reaching a mutually agreeable solution.