WestJet flight attendants issue 72-hour strike notice, airline responds with lockout notice

WestJet is warning of potential flight disruptions after flight attendants at the airline issued a 72-hour strike notice Thursday morning.

CUPE 8125, which represents more than 4,700 WestJet flight attendants across Canada, said job action could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 2.

The airline issued a 72-hour lockout notice in response.

CUPE 8125 said in a statement Thursday that the two sides remain too far apart on several key issues.

The union has called for an end to unpaid work by flight attendants, saying members at WestJet are expected to work without pay for up to 35 hours a month.

WestJet rejected the claim that flight attendants are expected to work without pay. The airline said its credit-hour system for paying cabin crew is the standard pay model across North America.

WestJet and the union said they will continue to bargain in the hopes of reaching a deal before Aug. 2.

“We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal,” said CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain.

“There’s still time to avoid a strike,” she said. “We will continue to bargain around the clock until this is resolved. We want a fair contract for our members that recognizes the value of flight attendants’ work and recognizes our position as employees of the second-largest carrier in Canada.”

WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a statement the decision to issue a lockout notice was not taken lightly.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests,” he said.

The airline said guests travelling between July 30 and Aug. 4 can make a one-time change or cancel their flight at no extra cost.

WestJet said customers affected by flight delays or cancellations would be refunded or reaccommodated.

The airline noted that customers who booked flights through a travel agent or online booking agency should contact those services directly.