WestJet Allowing Passengers To Make Free Changes To Flights As Strike Looms

WestJet says it will let passengers make one-time changes without a fee as a flight attendants’ strike looms ahead of peak summer travel. The Calgary-based carrier will allow free changes for reservations booked between July 30 and August 4. The strike threat is tied to a walkout that could begin as soon as August 2, after CUPE Local 8125 voted 99.4% in favor of strike action involving 4,400 union members, following stalled negotiations with the airline. WestJet also clarified that regional flights operated by WestJet Encore using Bombardier Q400 aircraft are not affected, nor are bookings on codeshare services. The airline said it remains engaged in talks and is prepared to negotiate improvements for cabin crew while maintaining WestJet’s long-term sustainability. The current collective agreement expired in December, and conciliators were brought in by May.