WestJet Strike Threatens Travel Insurance Coverage for Passengers
Travelers flying with WestJet may face financial challenges as travel insurance purchased after the announcement of a potential strike by WestJet flight attendants may not cover disruptions caused by the labor dispute. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing WestJet's flight attendants, announced a 99.4% vote in favor of striking, potentially starting as soon as the August long weekend if no agreement is reached. Insurance companies, such as Manulife, have indicated that the strike is now considered a 'known event,' which means new policies will not cover it as an unexpected event. This situation leaves travelers who booked flights without prior insurance with limited options, such as waiting to see if the strike occurs or changing their plans. In the event of a strike, airlines are typically required to rebook flights or offer refunds, but this may not cover additional travel costs, such as missed cruises.