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WestJet Strike Countdown: What to Do If You're Flying This Long Weekend

  Published July 31, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief If you've got a WestJet flight booked for this weekend, here's the situation in one line: a strike or a lockout could ground the airline's cabin crew as early as Saturday, August 1 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time / Sunday, August 2 at 12:01 a.m. MT — right at the start of the busy August long weekend. Nothing has happened yet. WestJet and the union representing its roughly 4,400 flight attendants, CUPE Local 8125, are both still at the table. But both sides have now filed the legal paperwork that makes a work stoppage possible within days, so this is the moment to actually check your booking rather than hope it sorts itself out. HOW WE GOT HERE Flight attendants voted 99.4% in favour of a strike mandate back on July 15. On July 30, the union issued a 72-hour strike notice over wages and unpaid ground work — CUPE says the average flight attendant does about 35 hours a month of unpaid boarding, security, and delay-related work...

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Maldives Bans Israelis from Entering Country Over War in Gaza

 

The Maldives government has taken a significant step by announcing a ban on Israeli citizens from entering the Indian Ocean archipelago. This decision comes amid rising public anger in the predominantly Muslim nation over the ongoing war in Gaza. Here are the key details:

  1. Ban Details:

    • The Cabinet of the Maldives decided to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country.
    • A subcommittee will be established to oversee the ban implementation.
    • President Mohamed Muizu will appoint a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and launch a fundraising campaign.
  2. Israel’s Response:

    • Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, recommended that Israelis avoid any travel to the Maldives, including those with foreign passports.
    • Israelis currently in the Maldives are advised to consider leaving.
  3. Tourism Impact:

    • Nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives last year, accounting for 0.6% of total tourist arrivals.

The ban reflects the Maldives’ stance on the conflict in Gaza and underscores the nation’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause. As tensions persist, this move adds to the geopolitical dynamics in the region.


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