WestJet, the second-largest airline in Canada, is making preparations to reduce operations ahead of a potential strike or lockout involving its flight attendants. The airline’s management and the union are currently negotiating, and the agreement to gradually scale back operations should not be seen as a sign of an imminent labor dispute. The discussions are ongoing with the involvement of federal mediators, as confirmed by Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.
According to John Gradek, a former Air Canada director and current aviation management lecturer at McGill University, it is standard practice for airlines like WestJet to have contingency plans in place to manage operations in case of a labor dispute. This precaution is necessary to ensure that aircraft and crew members are not stranded in foreign locations if operations need to be suspended abruptly.
Although there has been no official announcement of flight cancellations related to the potential labor issue, WestJet is offering flexibility to passengers traveling between July 30 and August 4 by waiving cancellation or change fees. The union representing over 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet is seeking a fair deal without resorting to a strike, but disagreements persist, particularly regarding compensation for hours worked.
The current payment system for WestJet’s flight attendants is based on “credit hours,” which can remain fixed even if flights are delayed or during ground delays. The union claims that flight attendants perform unpaid duties equivalent to an average of 35 hours per month. WestJet maintains that under the current contract, flight attendants are compensated for all hours worked, and the credit hour wage is adjusted for additional responsibilities.
The issue of unpaid work has been a sticking point for the union, similar to past disputes in the airline industry. WestJet faced a significant labor conflict in 2024, and the ongoing negotiations aim to avoid a similar disruption. Both sides are working towards reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to prevent any disruptions to the airline’s operations in the coming days.