WestJet allowing passengers to change or cancel certain flights due to threat of strike

WestJet allowing passengers to change or cancel certain flights due to threat of strike

Flights between July 30 and Aug. 4 can be modified

WestJet is giving passengers with flights scheduled from July 30 to Aug. 4 the opportunity to make a one-time change or cancellation to their bookings with no fee.

The Calgary-based airline says the policy is meant to "provide guests with greater flexibility and confidence in their upcoming travel plans" in light of the ongoing labour dispute with flight attendants.

Earlier this month, WestJet flight attendants voted 99.4 per cent in favour of a strike. That means about 4,400 union members represented by CUPE Local 8125 could legally walk off the job on Aug. 2.

"We believe that an agreement can be reached while avoiding guest disruption. However, we understand that uncertainty around travel plans can be concerning," WestJet said in an email to WestJet Rewards members.

WestJet flight attendants vote to strike by August long weekend

CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain told CBC News the airline's move is encouraging.

"I'm sure [the labour dispute] has introduced a lot of uncertainty for [passengers], and I think it's the responsibility of the organization to allow for flexible changes to the people who pay my mortgage," she said.

Hussain said WestJet's decision doesn't necessarily mean a strike is happening, but called it something "any responsible business would do."

"What I do know is that they've been at the bargaining table with us and both sides are committed to reaching a deal," she said.

WestJet last experienced a major labour dispute in the summer of 2024, when unionized airline mechanics went on strike over the Canada Day long weekend, affecting tens of thousands of travellers.

"Our team remains actively engaged in negotiations and is fully prepared to make meaningful improvements that work for cabin crew while balancing the future sustainability of WestJet," the airline said in a statement.

Amir Said is a multimedia journalist with CBC Calgary. He is an alumnus of the University of Regina, and his award-winning work as a writer and photographer has been published by outlets across Canada, including Postmedia, The Hill Times and The Narwhal. Amir can be reached at amir.said@cbc.ca or through social media.