By Business Desk
CALGARY — Thousands of travelers across Canada are facing major disruption after a strike by WestJet employees forced the airline to cancel hundreds of flights, creating delays, long airport queues and uncertainty during one of the country’s busiest travel periods.
The walkout by unionized workers has affected domestic and international routes, with airports in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton and Winnipeg among those experiencing the greatest impact.
WestJet said it was working to restore operations but warned passengers that disruptions could continue as negotiations with the union remain unresolved.
Why Are Workers on Strike?
The strike centers on disputes over:
- Wages and compensation.
- Working conditions.
- Scheduling and staffing.
- Long-term employment agreements.
Union representatives say workers are seeking improved conditions after months of negotiations failed to produce a new contract.
How Bad Is the Disruption?
The airline has canceled hundreds of flights, leaving thousands of passengers scrambling to rebook trips or seek refunds.
Many travelers reported:
- Long waits at airports.
- Delayed departures.
- Missed connections.
- Last-minute itinerary changes.
WestJet has urged customers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
What Happens Next?
Negotiations between WestJet and union officials are continuing.
If a new agreement is reached quickly, flight schedules could gradually return to normal. However, prolonged industrial action could result in additional cancellations and delays in the coming days.
Passengers with upcoming bookings are being advised to monitor airline updates closely.
Why It Matters
WestJet is Canada’s second-largest airline, and a prolonged strike could have wider consequences for tourism, business travel and the country’s aviation network. With peak travel demand still high, the dispute is placing additional pressure on an already busy transportation system.