WestJet passengers who recently purchased travel insurance may find themselves without coverage if their flights are affected by a potential strike. Insurance bought after the announcement of a strike by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing WestJet’s flight attendants, may not provide reimbursement for travel disruptions caused by the labor dispute.
Customers who secured insurance before CUPE’s strike vote, which saw 99.4% in favor of a strike, could have been covered. However, with the possibility of a strike looming over the upcoming August long weekend, insurance companies now view it as a “known event,” potentially leading to coverage denial for policies issued after this time.
According to a communication from insurance provider Manulife, benefits related to a potential strike are unlikely to apply. Travel insurance expert Martin Firestone highlighted that insurance purchased post-strike announcement may cover incidents like illness or death but may not extend to flight disruptions due to a strike.
Firestone emphasized the importance of comprehensive insurance beyond just flight costs. He illustrated a scenario where trip interruption insurance could safeguard expenses for missed connections, such as a cruise, in addition to flight expenses. He advised against solely relying on airline-offered insurance, emphasizing the need for broader coverage.
Travelers who did not purchase insurance have limited options if a strike affects their travel plans. While airlines are typically required to rebook or refund affected flights, the convenience of alternative arrangements may not match original expectations. Some insurance options allow cancellations due to strikes but may cover only a portion of expenses.
The possibility of a strike may dissipate if the union and company reach an agreement before the end of July. WestJet CEO and union representatives expressed commitment to negotiating a resolution and avoiding a strike, citing a shared goal of reaching an agreement at the bargaining table.
WestJet faced a significant labor dispute in 2024 when unionized mechanics went on strike over the Canada Day weekend, impacting numerous travelers.
