WestJet cancels 200 flights as union talks near deadline

Passengers across Canada are facing widespread flight cancellations as WestJet and its flight attendants' union head into a final, critical day of negotiations, with the threat of a strike or lockout looming. The Calgary-based airline has cancelled nearly 200 flights as it reduces its network in anticipation of potential labor action that could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. MT on Sunday, August 2, following a 72-hour notice period. The dispute involves approximately 4,400 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125.

The airline began an organized reduction of its schedule on Friday, July 31, to minimize the risk of stranding passengers and aircraft. As of Saturday, August 1, the airline reported cancelling 80 flights on Friday, 86 flights on Saturday, and 118 flights on Saturday. The cancellations have impacted major hubs, including Vancouver and Calgary. At Vancouver International Airport, 20 WestJet flights were affected as of Saturday afternoon, while more than 60 flights in and out of Calgary International Airport were listed as cancelled for Saturday and Sunday.

Despite the cancellations, both sides report that negotiations are...