WestJet Prepares for Potential Labor Strike Over Unpaid Work Hours

Canada's WestJet has started parking its Boeing 737 jets due to ongoing labor negotiations with flight attendants. The potential strike, which could begin as early as August 2 at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time, is over unpaid work during check-in and clock-out times.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) represents WestJet's flight attendants and has been in talks with the airline to resolve the dispute. The union is seeking payment for cabin crew from when they arrive at work until their shift ends, which is currently not the case.

WestJet remains optimistic about reaching a mutually agreeable deal but has taken precautions by parking its aircraft to maintain operational control. The move does not affect WestJet Encore flights operated on Bombardier's Q400 or codeshare flights with partners.