NDP Supports WestJet Flight Attendants Amid Rising Public Backing Over Pay Dispute
As WestJet cabin crew represented by CUPE 8125 prepare for possible strike action as early as August 2, 2026, Canada’s New Democratic Party is urging the Liberal government to respect workers’ constitutional right to strike. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The union and its allies are calling for fair wages, an end to unpaid labour, and meaningful negotiations without government intervention that could undermine the process. In a letter to Minister of Jobs Patty Hajdu, NDP Labour Critic Don Davies and MP Leah Gazan emphasized the importance of protecting collective bargaining rights. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); They referenced last summer’s events at Air Canada, where the government moved quickly to end a CUPE flight attendants’ strike after just 12 hours. The NDP warns against repeating what they call a “right to strike violation” through tools like Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Strong Public Backing Revealed in New Survey A fresh Abacus Data survey shows Canadians firmly stand with the WestJet flight attendants. Conducted July 17-19 among 1,500 adults, the poll found 64% support the workers in their dispute with WestJet, while only 11% back the airline. Even stronger sentiment exists around the core issue: ending unpaid work. More than eight in ten Canadians (84%) agree flight attendants should receive pay for all work-related duties, including boarding, deplaning, delays, and safety checks. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Nearly two-thirds (65%) believe WestJet can afford higher pay, and just 14% think the company’s current offer is its best reasonable effort. Support jumps higher among WestJet customers, with 83% backing potential strike action to secure a fair deal. Canadians also view the union’s key priorities as reasonable: 85% support paying flight attendants for all work performed 81% back keeping wages aligned with inflation 82% favour better scheduling and fatigue protections 76% endorse raising pay to reflect the critical safety role of cabin crew ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Photo Credit: Mitchul Hope, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125 , which represents over 4,400 WestJet cabin crew, highlighted the simplicity of the ask. “The public understands what this fight is about: basic fairness,” she said. “Flight attendants are asking to be paid for all of the work they do. Canadians know that if you work, you should be paid for that work. It’s that simple.” Union Prepared but Prefers Negotiation CUPE 8125 members delivered a powerful message through their strike vote on July 15: 99.4% voted yes with 97.3% turnout. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); While the union remains committed to reaching an agreement at the bargaining table and does not want to strike, members are ready to act if necessary to end unpaid work and achieve fair conditions. Hussain called on WestJet to return to bargaining with serious proposals. “WestJet has a choice,” she stated. “It can continue asking flight attendants to work for free, or it can do the right thing and negotiate a fair agreement that recognizes the essential safety work flight attendants do every day. Canadians have made it clear where they stand. We hope WestJet and the federal government are listening.” The NDP echoes this position. MP Davies noted that government intervention tilts the balance toward corporate interests. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); MP Gazan, sponsor of Bill C-247 to repeal Section 107, stressed that the right to strike is protected under the Charter and international law. The party urges the Liberals to avoid siding with executives over workers seeking liveable wages and fair treatment. Implications for Travellers and Workers Flight attendants perform vital safety roles while often facing demanding schedules, fatigue risks, and unpaid time on the ground. Many earn effectively below minimum wage when accounting for all hours worked. Resolving these issues through good-faith bargaining could improve worker retention, safety standards, and passenger experience. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(133); }); With peak summer travel underway, a strike could disrupt flights during the busy August long weekend. However, the union stresses its goal has always been a negotiated settlement that minimizes impact on travellers. Public opinion appears to recognize that fair treatment for essential workers ultimately benefits everyone in the aviation industry. As negotiations continue in the cooling-off period, all eyes are on WestJet and the federal government. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(134); }); Canadians have voiced their clear preference through the survey: support flight attendants in securing pay for all work and a contract that values their contributions.