WestJet flight attendants go on strike, grounding hundreds of flights

WestJet flight attendants began a strike Sunday after contract negotiations with Canada’s second-largest airline failed to produce a new labor agreement, disrupting services during the peak summer travel season. The walkout involves about 4,400 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). CUPE is seeking pay for the entire time employees are on duty, from check-in until they clock out, rather than only when aircraft are in motion. CUPE issued a 72-hour strike notice on Thursday and WestJet responded with a lockout notice while talks continued. WestJet said 309 flights were canceled through Sunday night to minimize the risk of stranding passengers and aircraft. The union said it would return to negotiations, while Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged the parties to reach an agreement at the bargaining table.