World·UpdatedCalgary-based WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees have reached a tentative deal, ending a strike ​that has led to the cancellation ‌of hundreds of flights, both sides said early Monday.Hundreds of flights were cancelled, leaving travellers in limboCBC News · Posted: Aug 03, 2026 6:46 AM EDT | Last Updated: 24 minutes agoListen to this articleEstimated 4 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.WestJet flight attendants strike at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Sunday. The union representing some 4,400 flight attendants said it had reached a tentative deal with the Calgary-based airline early Monday. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have reached a tentative deal, ending a strike ​that has led to the cancellation ‌of hundreds of flights, both sides said early Monday.CUPE, which represents 4,400 flight attendants with the Calgary-based airline, sought pay for its members from ⁠the time they check in until they clock out, instead of ‌mostly just for time when their aircraft is in motion.The deal ends the work stoppage — which had left passengers stranded and in limbo — during the busy summer travel season after flight attendants walked off the job Sunday.WATCH | WestJet-CUPE tentative deal's impact on passengers:WestJet, CUPE reach tentative deal, ending strike by flight attendants36 minutes ago|Duration 4:43WestJet and the Canadian Union for Public Employees reached a tentative deal to end a strike by flight attendants after hundreds of flights were cancelled. Pay has been at the centre of the dispute, with the union arguing that unpaid ground duties are not fairly compensated.WestJet didn't disclose ​details of the tentative agreement, which will be presented to ⁠cabin crew for a ratification ⁠vote.Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu confirmed the tentative pact on X, saying "the federal government and Canadians welcome the news that the parties have reached a deal together, at the bargaining table."Timing for flights to resumeIt isn't immediately known when flights will resume fully. But John Gradek, faculty lecturer in aviation management at McGill University in Montreal, said it will likely take a few days."It's about time," Gradek said of the tentative deal, noting that some 225,000 Canadians were affected by WestJet flight cancellations this weekend.Gradek said the August long weekend — and particularly the holiday Monday — represents the busiest time in the summer for WestJet."Today is shot. Things are going to need to get fixed up."Canadians who've been affected should remain "on guard" and keep checking the latest status of their flights, said Shalene Dudley, a Toronto-based travel agent and CEO of Latitude Concierge Travel."It's a scary place to be, especially when you're celebrating something like a wedding."Some insight into the tentative pactIn a statement Monday, the union said that the deal, if ratified, would "improve upon the legacy flight credit system by introducing a duty period premium that recognizes more of the work cabin crew are required to perform," and also increases compensation for that work.Travellers in limbo as WestJet flight attendants go on strike"This tentative agreement represents meaningful progress," CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain said in a statement. "It evolves the flight credit system by recognizing more of the work cabin crew are required to perform and with general increases to compensation for that work. "To our members, thank you for your solidarity throughout this process. We also want to thank the public, labour organizations and everyone who supported cabin crew as we worked toward a fair resolution." CUPE is slated to speak with reporters in Calgary at 1 p.m. ET. CBC News spoke to a passenger who has been visiting St. John's from Toronto and was affected by the strike.While at the St. John's International Airport, Maddie Young said her direct flight to Toronto was cancelled and WestJet rebooked her on a flight that included five layovers stops, spread out over two days."I'd just like to get a more direct flight, so I can get back to work soon." Young added that she hasn't been able to get through to WestJet by phone, even when she's called in the middle of the night.For now, Young said, she booked a direct flight with a different airline — but she hasn't been able to cancel her multi-stop, two-day trip back to Toronto with WestJet. "I'm hoping to get through to someone."Despite the headache, Young voiced support for WestJet flight attendants. "I'm happy that the strike is over, and I'm hopeful flight attendants got what they were looking for."