Vancouver International Airport Prepares for Possible Disruptions Ahead of WestJet Strike

Shraddha Tripathy

7/31/20262 min read

Vancouver International Airport is preparing for possible travel disruptions as WestJet and the union representing approximately 4,400 flight attendants approach a potential work stoppage.

CUPE 8125 issued a 72-hour strike notice Thursday, while WestJet responded by issuing a 72-hour lockout notice.

WestJet flights could be disrupted beginning at 11:01 p.m. PT on Saturday, although both sides say negotiations are continuing in an effort to reach an agreement.

YVR Increasing Terminal Staffing

YVR said it is preparing for potential impacts while contract talks remain underway.

“This includes increasing terminal staffing to best support affected passengers,” the airport said in a news release.

The airport is advising WestJet passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the terminal.

Travellers could face delays, cancellations or other changes if the strike or lockout proceeds.

Union Says Agreement Is Still Possible

CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain said there is still time for the two sides to reach a deal and avoid a strike.

“We will continue to bargain around the clock until this is resolved,” Hussain said in a statement.

“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.”

The union says a central issue in the dispute is WestJet’s compensation system for flight attendants.

According to CUPE, attendants are generally not paid for time spent dealing with delays or assisting passengers as they board or leave aircraft. The union says flight attendants can perform as many as 35 hours of unpaid work each month.

WestJet Issues Lockout Notice

WestJet Group CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the airline did not issue the lockout notice lightly.

“We greatly value the work and contributions of our cabin crew, and it is our responsibility to ensure the integrity of our network and to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, crew and aircraft,” he said in a news release.

Von Hoensbroech said the airline remains committed to negotiations and will continue working toward an agreement that provides meaningful improvements for flight attendants while remaining financially sustainable for the company.

WestJet has said its compensation structure follows a standard model used for cabin crews across North America. The airline says flight attendants receive a higher hourly pay rate to account for time that is not separately compensated.

Negotiations are continuing as the Saturday deadline approaches, with passengers being advised to monitor updates directly from WestJet and YVR.

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