WestJet flight attendants have approved a new collective agreement with a 90.2% vote in favor. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting the significant progress achieved during negotiations. The agreement, the second of its kind, secures fair compensation for additional duties performed by members.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees highlighted key benefits of the agreement, including an 18% wage increase spread over three years and new provisions for ground-related work compensation. Employees can anticipate a 13% wage boost this October, followed by 2.75% in January and a further 2.5% raise at the beginning of 2028.
Throughout the negotiations, which commenced in January, discrepancies regarding wage adjustments and payment for ground tasks were prominent issues between WestJet and the CUPE WestJet Component. The union had consistently raised concerns about unpaid work during non-flight hours, contrasting WestJet’s stance that all duties are duly compensated through a credit hour system rather than an hourly wage.
Effective from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2028, the new three-year agreement signifies a culmination of challenging discussions, particularly centered around boarding compensation. The resolution came after a brief strike involving approximately 4,400 cabin crew members earlier in the month, leading to over 900 flight cancellations during peak summer travel.
The aviation sector has witnessed a wave of labor disputes in recent years, with both Air Canada and WestJet experiencing strikes that impacted operations significantly. WestJet, known for operating over 600 daily flights and serving more than 70,000 passengers on busy days, has gradually restored its flight schedule post the disruptions.
