WestJet’s flight attendants have approved a new collective agreement with the airline, with a resounding 90.2 percent vote in favor of the deal. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the members’ strong support acknowledges the significant progress achieved during negotiations. This marks the second contract for the union, with notable advancements in ensuring fair compensation for the additional work carried out by its members.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees revealed that the agreement encompasses an impressive over 18 percent salary increase spread across three years, along with new remuneration for ground-related tasks. The contract stipulates a 13 percent pay raise in October, followed by incremental increases of 2.75 percent in January and 2.5 percent in early 2028.
Following months of discussions starting in January, the agreement settles disputes between WestJet and the CUPE WestJet Component regarding wage adjustments and the acknowledgment of unpaid ground duties performed by cabin crews. The union had persistently highlighted the issue of uncompensated work during non-flight hours, contrasting with WestJet’s stance that all responsibilities are accounted for through a credit hour system rather than hourly wages.
Effective from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2028, the newly agreed three-year deal reflects the culmination of challenging negotiations, especially concerning boarding compensation, which led to a brief strike by approximately 4,400 cabin crew members earlier in the month. WestJet gradually restored its flight operations post more than 900 cancellations during the peak summer travel season.
The aviation sector has endured a wave of labor disputes in recent years, with strikes by Air Canada flight attendants and WestJet mechanics causing disruptions at the country’s major airlines. WestJet, known for operating over 600 daily flights and transporting more than 70,000 passengers on certain days, navigated through the negotiations to reach this collective agreement successfully.