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WestJet is giving passengers on flights scheduled between July 30 and August 4 a one-time change or cancellation fee free of charge.
The Calgary-based airline says the policy is intended to “provide guests with greater flexibility and confidence in their upcoming travel plans” in light of an ongoing labor dispute with flight attendants.
Earlier this month, WestJet flight attendants voted 99.4 percent in favor of a strike. That means about 4,400 union members represented by CUPE Local 8125 can legally walk off the job on Aug. 2.
“We believe an agreement can be reached while avoiding disruption to guests. However, we understand that uncertainty around travel plans can be a source of concern,” WestJet said in an email to WestJet Rewards members.
WATCH | WestJet flight attendants vote to strike for August long weekend:
WestJet flight attendants vote to strike for August long weekend
WestJet flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly to strike over pay and working conditions as early as the August long weekend if no agreement is reached, potentially throwing Canada’s holiday air travel into chaos.
CUPE 8125 president Aliya Hussain told CBC News the airline’s move is encouraging.
“I’m sure (the labor dispute) has created a lot of uncertainty for (commuters) and I think it’s the organization’s responsibility to provide flexible changes for the people who pay my mortgage,” she said.
Hussein said WestJet’s decision did not necessarily mean a strike, but called it something “any responsible business would do.”
“What I do know is that they sat with us at the negotiating table and both sides are determined to reach an agreement,” she said.
WestJet last faced a major labor dispute in the summer of 2024, when the airline’s unionized mechanics went on strike over the Canada Day long weekend, affecting tens of thousands of travelers.
“Our team remains actively involved in negotiations and is fully committed to making significant improvements that will benefit cabin crew while balancing the future sustainability of WestJet,” the airline said in a statement.