WestJet flight attendants have approved a new collective agreement with the airline, with an overwhelming 90.2 percent vote in favor of the deal. According to Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, the positive outcome reflects the significant progress achieved during negotiations. This marks the second contract for the union, securing key improvements, including fair compensation for additional work responsibilities.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees revealed that the agreement entails an 18 percent wage increase spread over three years, along with provisions for compensating ground-based tasks. The terms of the contract stipulate a 13 percent salary bump in October, followed by increases of 2.75 percent in January and 2.5 percent at the beginning of 2028.
Notably, the agreement, effective from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, resulted from prolonged discussions starting in January. Disputes between WestJet and the CUPE WestJet Component primarily revolved around wage adjustments and addressing complaints about uncompensated ground duties performed by cabin crews.
Following intense negotiations, a one-day strike by approximately 4,400 cabin crew members occurred earlier in the month, particularly over concerns regarding boarding pay. WestJet’s flight operations gradually resumed after a period with over 900 flight cancellations during the peak summer travel season.
The aviation sector has experienced disruptions due to labor actions in recent years, including strikes by Air Canada flight attendants and WestJet mechanics, leading to temporary halts in operations at Canada’s major airlines. WestJet, known for operating more than 600 daily flights and transporting over 70,000 passengers on certain days, continues to navigate the challenges within the industry.
