Mediation and legislation: How the government could step into a WestJet strike

A WestJet flight attendants strike could begin as early as Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT after the union issued a 72-hour notice. If the work stoppage happens, the federal government could intervene by invoking Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to “maintain or secure industrial peace.” The mechanism was used last summer during an Air Canada dispute: Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration, and flight attendants ultimately returned after a deal. The Canadian Labour Congress says Liberals have used Section 107 at least eight times since June 2024. The NDP urged the government not to intervene, while a Conservative MP argued collective bargaining works best without government involvement.