WestJet flight attendants have approved a new collective agreement with an overwhelming 90.2 percent vote in favor of the deal. The President of CUPE 8125, Alia Hussain, stated that the high approval rate reflects the significant progress made during negotiations. This marks only the second contract for the flight attendants, with notable advancements ensuring fair compensation for their work.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees disclosed that the agreement encompasses an increase in wages by over 18 percent across a three-year period, along with additional compensation for ground duties. The new contract entails a 13 percent pay raise in October, followed by increments of 2.75 percent in January and 2.5 percent at the beginning of 2028.
Following months of discussions starting in January, the agreement resolves disputes between WestJet and the CUPE WestJet Component, primarily concerning salary raises and claims of uncompensated ground tasks. The union had persistently raised concerns regarding unpaid work during off-aircraft hours. In contrast, WestJet contended that all responsibilities were adequately 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 comes after intense negotiations, notably regarding boarding pay, which led to a brief strike by approximately 4,400 cabin crew members earlier this month. WestJet’s flight operations gradually resumed after experiencing over 900 cancellations during the peak summer travel period.
The aviation sector has witnessed a string of labor disputes in recent years, with strikes by Air Canada flight attendants and WestJet mechanics causing temporary disruptions at the country’s major airlines. WestJet, known for operating more than 600 daily flights and serving over 70,000 passengers on busy days, did not provide immediate comments on the ratified agreement.