Will Canada's WestJet airline strike go ahead - and can I get a refund?
Summary
Flight attendants at WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, may begin a strike on Sunday over pay disputes, specifically about compensation for work done before takeoff. WestJet is canceling some flights early and offering free changes or refunds to passengers while still negotiating with the union.Key Facts
- WestJet flight attendants might strike starting Sunday morning during a busy holiday weekend.
- The main issue is pay for work done on the ground before the plane takes off, called "ground pay."
- The union announced a 72-hour strike notice that ends Sunday at 02:01 EST.
- WestJet has canceled 81 flights on Saturday to avoid stranding passengers.
- Passengers can change or cancel flights between Thursday and Tuesday without extra fees.
- If flights are canceled or delayed due to the strike, passengers will be refunded or rebooked.
- The union representing flight attendants is CUPE 8125.
- Flight attendants say they perform up to 35 unpaid hours monthly for pre-takeoff duties; WestJet says its pay model includes compensation for that work.
- WestJet pays cabin crew between C$28 and C$58 per hour based on a block hours system starting when a plane leaves the gate until it arrives at the next gate.
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