Canada's WestJet, cabin crew union reach tentative deal, averting strike

The tentative agreement, announced by WestJet on Monday, withdraws both the strike and lockout notices and will now go to the airline's cabin crew for a ratification vote.

"We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the hard work and professionalism of our cabin crew," WestJet Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a statement.

"We know this disruption has been frustrating for our guests and WestJetters, and we're sorry for that. Our teams are working hard to restore service and get our guests on their way to their destinations as quickly as possible."

Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu welcomed the development, saying in a post on X that "the federal government and Canadians welcome the news that the parties have reached a deal together, at the bargaining table."

The agreement follows days of uncertainty after CUPE, representing about 4,400 flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice that could have triggered job action from Aug. 2. WestJet responded with a lockout notice while negotiations continued under federal mediation.

Ahead of the potential strike, the airline had proactively cancelled 86 flights and began parking parts of its Boeing 737 fleet to minimise operational disruptions, while introducing a flexible booking policy for affected travellers.

The dispute centred on compensation for work performed on the ground, with the union seeking pay from check-in until clock-out, arguing that cabin crew are currently paid only when an aircraft is in motion.

WestJet maintained that its existing "credit hour" compensation system was set out in the current collective agreement while negotiations continued on a new contract.

WestJet said it would provide further updates on restoring its flight schedule as operations gradually return to normal.

WestJet is Canada's second-largest airline, after Air Canada.

Headquartered in Calgary, the carrier operates an extensive network of domestic flights, services between Canada and the United States, and international routes to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and select seasonal destinations.