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NDP Supports WestJet Flight Attendants Amid Rising Public Backing Over Pay Dispute
WestJet cabin crew, represented by CUPE 8125, prepare for possible strike as NDP calls on government to respect their right to strike and end unpaid work practices.
The gist
WestJet flight attendants receive strong public and NDP political support as a potential strike looms over unpaid work and fair pay demands.
WestJet’s cabin crew union, CUPE 8125, is poised for potential strike action starting August 2, 2026, as negotiations with the airline over unpaid work and wages reach a critical stage. The union is demanding fair compensation for all duties including boarding, deplaning, and safety checks, work that WestJet currently does not pay for. The New Democratic Party (NDP) has thrown its support behind the flight attendants by urging the federal Liberal government to respect the workers’ constitutional right to strike without intervening prematurely.
The NDP’s Labour Critic Don Davies and MP Leah Gazan sent a letter to Minister of Jobs Patty Hajdu emphasizing the importance of protecting collective bargaining rights in this dispute. They cautioned against government actions mirroring last summer’s rapid intervention during Air Canada’s flight attendants’ strike, which the NDP described as a violation of the right to strike. The party specifically warned about the misuse of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, which can be deployed to force back-to-work measures.
Public sentiment strongly favors the flight attendants, as evidenced by a recent Abacus Data poll taken from July 17 to 19 surveying 1,500 Canadian adults. The survey found 64% of Canadians support the flight attendants’ position in the dispute, while only 11% sympathize with WestJet. Further, 84% believe flight attendants should be compensated for all work-related activities beyond just flight time. This indicates an overwhelming consensus on the core issue of unpaid labor.
In addition, 65% of those surveyed think WestJet can afford to pay higher wages, while a mere 14% believe the airline’s current offer is the best reasonable deal. Support escalates among WestJet’s customers, with 83% backing potential strike action to secure a just contract. Other priorities from the union also enjoy high approval: 85% favor pay for all duties, 81% support inflation-linked wages, 82% back better scheduling to reduce fatigue, and 76% agree pay should reflect flight attendants’ key role in passenger safety.
CUPE 8125 President Alia Hussain praised the public’s clear understanding of the situation, framing the issue simply as one of fairness. She highlighted that flight attendants are advocating to be paid for the full scope of their work, a concept which resonates broadly with Canadians. Hussain urged WestJet to return to negotiations with meaningful proposals to avert strike action, reiterating that the union prefers a negotiated settlement over industrial action.
The union’s resolve was made explicit following a strike vote on July 15, where an overwhelming 99.4% of members voted to strike, with a turn-out of 97.3%. This mandate shows the depth of frustration among cabin crew over unpaid labor conditions. Hussain pressed the airline to choose either to continue expecting unpaid work or to negotiate an equitable agreement recognizing the essential safety contributions of flight attendants.
Meanwhile, the NDP maintains that government intervention in labor disputes often skews power toward corporate interests, undermining fair bargaining processes. MP Gazan, who introduced Bill C-247 seeking to repeal Section 107, underscored that the right to strike is safeguarded by the Canadian Charter of Rights and international law. The party urges the Liberals to avoid undermining workers striving for livable wages and respectful treatment.
The potential strike comes during summer’s peak travel season, including the busy August long weekend, which could disrupt flight schedules and passenger plans. Flight attendants face challenging work conditions, including long hours, fatigue, and inadequate pay for all tasks, sometimes effectively earning below minimum wage. A fair collective agreement would improve worker retention, safety outcomes, and the overall passenger experience, making this dispute significant for the aviation sector.
As talks continue through the mandated cooling-off period, both WestJet and federal officials face pressure to negotiate in good faith. The strong public backing revealed in the survey makes clear that Canadians favor equitable pay and the recognition of flight attendants’ vital roles. The course of this dispute will set important precedents for labor rights and working conditions in Canadian aviation.
Frequently asked questions
- What are WestJet flight attendants demanding in the current dispute?
- They are demanding fair wages that include pay for all work-related activities such as boarding, deplaning, delays, and safety checks, not just in-flight time.
- How does the public view the dispute between WestJet flight attendants and the airline?
- A recent survey showed 64% of Canadians support the flight attendants and 84% agree they should be paid for all work done, with many believing WestJet can afford to pay more.
- What role has the NDP played in the WestJet flight attendants’ dispute?
- The NDP has urged the federal government to respect the workers’ constitutional right to strike and avoid premature intervention that could undermine collective bargaining.
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