Nearly 4,400 WestJet flight attendants could strike as soon as Sunday, August 2, as last-minute contract talks continue between the airline and CUPE Local 8125, federal officials confirmed Wednesday.

The looming walkout follows months of negotiations over a new collective agreement. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon told reporters in Montreal that both sides remain at the bargaining table with federal mediators, describing the discussions as "progressing" but stopping short of predicting a deal.

Federal mediation supports intense negotiations

MacKinnon emphasized the government's hands-off approach, saying, "I have to leave it to the parties to characterize those talks, but they are very, very well supported by the Federal Mediation Service." His comments came after an unrelated announcement in Montreal.

A WestJet spokesperson said the airline is "fully prepared to make meaningful improvements" for cabin crew while ensuring "the future sustainability of WestJet." The company has already waived change fees for passengers booked between July 30 and August 4, allowing one-time rebookings or cancellations without penalty.

NDP urges government to avoid repeat of Air Canada intervention

In a separate development, New Democrat MPs Don Davies and Leah Gazan pressed Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu to rule out using Section 107 of the Labour Code to force striking workers back to work. The government invoked the same provision last summer during an Air Canada flight attendants' strike, which the union ultimately defied before reaching a negotiated settlement.

"This clear contempt for workers' fundamental rights is unacceptable and must not be repeated," the NDP lawmakers wrote in a letter to Hajdu. CUPE 8125 President Alia Hussain has warned that government intervention "risks altering the balance that is essential to meaningful negotiations." The NDP has introduced legislation to repeal Section 107 entirely.

What passengers and workers should watch for

  • Strike deadline: 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 2
  • 4,400 CUPE Local 8125 members could walk off the job
  • WestJet has relaxed rebooking policies for affected flights
  • Federal mediators remain involved in negotiations

Global News has reached out to CUPE Local 8125 for comment but has not yet received a response. The union has not publicly detailed its specific demands, while WestJet has emphasized the need for a "sustainable" agreement for both workers and the airline.