WestJet flight attendants issue 72-hour strike notice

The union representing 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet has issued a 72-hour strike notice, putting them in a potential strike position as early as Sunday.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) says the airline then issued a 72-hour lockout notice.

While giving notice of a strike does not mean flight attendants will hit the picket line, a strike could begin as soon as Sunday if the two sides don’t reach a deal.

However, in the coming days, WestJet will take all necessary actions to actively manage potential impacts to guests.

This includes planning to operate on a reduced schedule as well as managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of their flight.

WestJet is providing added flexibility by allowing guests travelling between Thursday and Tuesday to make a one-time change or cancellation at no additional cost.

“We are actively working toward a resolution within 72 hours that prevents a work stoppage from occurring on August 2 at 00:01 MT,” WestJet said in a travel advisory on their website.

READ MORE: WestJet flight attendants vote to authorize strike as early as Aug. 2