WestJet’s flight attendants have officially approved a new collective agreement with an overwhelming 90.2 percent vote in favor. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a significant endorsement of the improvements achieved during negotiations. This marks the union’s second contract, with notable advancements in ensuring fair compensation for the employees’ efforts.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees disclosed that the ratified agreement encompasses an impressive wage increase exceeding 18 percent spread over three years, along with additional remuneration for ground duties. The terms entail a 13 percent salary boost in October, followed by increments of 2.75 percent in January and 2.5 percent at the beginning of 2028.
Following months of discussions since January, WestJet and the CUPE WestJet Component have resolved disputes regarding salary adjustments and the compensation for ground responsibilities. The union had persistently raised concerns about unpaid tasks performed while not airborne, contrasting WestJet’s stance that all duties are accounted for through a credit hour system rather than hourly wages.
Effective from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2028, the new three-year agreement signifies a positive outcome after intense negotiations, notably concerning boarding pay, which resulted in a one-day strike by approximately 4,400 cabin crew members earlier this month. WestJet’s flight operations gradually resumed following over 900 cancellations during the peak summer travel period.
The aviation sector has experienced turbulence due to labor disputes in recent years, with both Air Canada and WestJet facing strikes that briefly disrupted services. WestJet, a carrier operating over 600 daily flights and serving more than 70,000 passengers on busy days, has navigated through challenges to reach this agreement with its flight attendants.