WestJet Flight Attendants Strike, Grounding Flights After Talks Collapse

Flight attendants at WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline, went on strike after contract negotiations with the carrier broke down. The workers are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which is pushing for attendants to be paid from the moment they check in until they clock out — a significant shift from current compensation practices. The strike has grounded flights and caused widespread disruption for travelers. Picket lines were formed as attendants walked off the job following the failure to reach a deal. The action is particularly relevant to St. Maarten, which relies heavily on Canadian tourism and direct flight connections to the island. WestJet operates routes to Caribbean destinations, meaning the strike could impact inbound tourist arrivals and disrupt travel plans for visitors and residents alike. No immediate resolution has been announced, leaving the timeline of disruption uncertain.