WestJet has begun the process of parking its Boeing 737 jets across its network as the deadline for a possible strike by the air carrier’s flight attendants looms.
The Calgary airline described the move as a “ necessary step” that would allow the company to both maintain operational control and “protect the integrity of the broader network.”
“Most importantly, this proactive measure minimizes the risk of stranding guests and aircraft,” WestJet said in a July 31 press release, adding that WestJet Encore flights operated on a Q400, as well as codeshare flights operated by airline partners “remain unaffected. ”
The carrier said it was still at the bargaining table with the union representing WestJet cabin crew in a bid to reach a deal before the clock runs out on negotiations.
WestJet’s flight attendants issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, prompting the airline to issue a corresponding 72-hour lockout notice.
The strike is set to begin halfway through the Civic Holiday long weekend unless a deal is secured by Aug. 2 at 12 a.m. Mountain Time. That means more than 4,200 flight attendants could be off the job as of 12:01 a.m. during a peak period for summer travel.
The potential strike is a result of WestJet cabin crew voting 99.4 percent in favour of a strike mandate on July 15 after being without a new collective agreement since their previous deal expired on Dec. 31, 2025.
The Epoch Times was unable to reach CUPE Local 8125, the union representing WestJet cabin crew, or the airline for comment on the negotiations before publication, but the union has previously said the two sides remain far apart on several issues.
The union has listed unpaid work for ground duties as a major issue at the bargaining table, but WestJet has said all duties are compensated through a “credit hour” system rather than an hourly rate.
The union has said that an average of 35 hours per month remain unpaid due to WestJet’s current credit system, but the company disagreed.
The air carrier has described the system as standard in the industry, and said flight attendants receive a higher wage under this compensation framework to account for extra responsibilities during periods that flight attendants deem unpaid time.
The union released the results of a survey this week conducted by Abacus Data, which said 68 percent of Canadians polled were aware of the potential strike and 64 percent supported flight attendants, while just 11 percent said they supported WestJet.
WestJet says it operates more than 600 flights daily, transporting up to 70,000 passengers on certain days.
The air carrier said it “will take all necessary actions to manage the potential impacts as much as possible” if a strike occurs.
