WestJet Strikes: What You Need to Know and How to Act

Written By Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated: February 05, 2025

WestJet seems to go on strike just about every year, so what does it mean for you as a passenger when you find out a strike is looming? Or worse, what if you’re at the airport when there’s a wildcat strike?

In this guide, you’ll find out what to expect from WestJet before and during a strike. We’ll also explain what the airline has to do to honour your passenger rights, how to handle flight interruptions, and how to help your travel plans from veering too far off course.

WestJet Strikes: The Basics

When an airline goes on strike, it means that a group of airline employees (ground staff, pilots, cabin crew, and others) decide to stop working temporarily as a way to resolve issues about wages, benefits, working conditions, or other employee-related disputes.

Most of the time, strikes are planned and announced as a last resort after negotiation attempts fail. But in some cases, a strike can happen spontaneously without any forewarning. These are called Wildcat Strikes and can create flight operation havoc and misery for passengers.

In Canada, strikes are regulated by labour laws, and passenger rights are set by the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). These regulations protect you if your Westjet flight is delayed or canceled as a result of the dispute.

PRO TIP: Not all strike threats result in actual strikes, and sometimes negotiations can extend until the very last minute.

WestJet Strikes in the Past: How it Shapes Future Disputes 

Since its start in 1996, WestJet has had 5 threatened strikes and only one that actually materialized. Sometimes, the airline will delay and cancel flights ahead of a dispute deadline in order to minimize the negative effects on passengers. You can see the labor dispute history of WestJet for the past 5 years in the table below.

When Do Most WestJet Strikes Happen?

To maximize the impact, labour unions strategically plan to strike during busy travel periods in order to leverage more bargaining power with management. As such, WestJet strike and strike threats have typically occurred in May and June right when the busy summer season is beginning.

The exception is the most recent Mechanics Strike that took place in July 2024.

4 Airports Most Impacted By WestJet Strikes

Calgary International Airport (YYC)

As WestJet’s main hub and the airline’s headquarters, most of its ground crew, mechanics and operations take place here, and as a result, Calgary Airport is more affected by labour disputes.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

This is one of the country's busiest airports with many WestJet flights. When strikes happen, this airport can be greatly affected simply because of the large number of flights that could be affected.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

A huge gateway for domestic and international flights, YVR is also a WestJet hub, so strike action can have a profound effect on this airport.

Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

Edmonton is also a WestJet hub, and during previous disputes, it has had many flight disruptions.

What to Know Before and During a WestJet Strike

To help you manage these tricky situations, you’ll first need to understand your passenger rights in Canada. If your flight is affected by a strike, the Canadian Transportation Agency requires WestJet to rebook its passengers on the next available flight OR on a flight with another airline that it has a commercial agreement with.

Your rebooked flight must leave within 48 hours of your original time of departure. If this isn’t possible, then WestJet must give you the choice of a refund or alternate travel arrangements (free of charge).

What To Do Before a Threatened Strike

If you have a flight planned, the first thing to do is download the WestJet app and stay abreast of any updates and changes. The app is ideal for these purposes because it will also alert you to any delays or cancellations, gate changes, and other vital flight information.

You can also find details on the airline’s Travel Advisory page or Guest Updates pages or by signing up for text updates. 

You can also track developments on CTV or CBC.

Canceling and Changing Flights

When a strike has been announced, most Canadian airlines will allow passengers to change or cancel flights without the usual fees, but you’ll be able to find more details by checking the WestJet page or app.

Usually, WestJet will tell you which flight dates are eligible to make cancellations and changes without fees. But you should always check the official website to see if your flight falls within the dates where these changes are allowed.

WestJet Strike Refunds: When You Can Get Them

If you cancel a non-refundable flight that was not within the range of dates eligible, you will not get a refund. However, you will still get a refund if you purchased a refundable ticket. Because of this, some passengers will wait until WestJet cancels their flight to ensure they get a ticket refund..

If you’re ever unsure, you can contact WestJet customer service to get more specifics about your unique situation.

If You’re at the Airport and Affected by a Strike

If you’re already enroute and you’re stuck at an airport after a delay or cancellation, then WestJet is required to help you with meals, hotel accommodation and transport if you’re stuck overnight and the strike is within their control.

PRO TIP: All announced airline employee strikes are within the airline’s control. Only sudden, wildcat strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances.

ReCap: What to Do if WestJet Strikes

1. Use the WestJet app or check the website fo travel advisories and alerts
2. Contact customer service if you need more information or need help changing your flight
3. Check the refund policies of your ticket. If it is non-refundable, consider waiting until WestJet cancels your flight as this will initiate automatic refunds if you don't accept a rebooking.
4. Review your Canada passenger rights.
5. Pack and prepare for delays and disruptions.
6. Check to see if your travel insurance will help cover expenses or flight disruptions.

• WestJet Compensation