As WestJet flight attendants began their strike, the airline’s pilots joined them on picket lines across Canada in a show of solidarity.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) shared photos of pilots supporting the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) cabin crew, who walked out after contract talks failed. Around 4,400 flight attendants went on strike, leading to nearly 500 flight cancellations and disrupting travel for an estimated 250,000 passengers during Canada’s busy August holiday weekend.
The dispute centers on compensation for work performed before takeoff and after landing, with the union arguing that cabin crew complete dozens of unpaid hours each month under the current pay system.
The strike follows previous labor disputes involving WestJet pilots and mechanics, highlighting ongoing concerns over pay, scheduling, and working conditions within the airline.