WestJet flight attendants have approved a new collective agreement with an overwhelming 90.2 percent vote in favor. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, expressed satisfaction with the strong support received from members and highlighted the significant progress made during negotiations. The agreement, the second of its kind, secures improved compensation for the additional work performed by members.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees disclosed that the deal encompasses an 18 percent wage increase spread over three years and introduces new payment structures for ground duties. The ratified contract outlines a 13 percent salary raise in October, followed by 2.75 percent in January and 2.5 percent at the beginning of 2028.
Despite a request for comment, WestJet has yet to provide a response. Contract discussions, which began in January, were characterized by disputes between WestJet and the CUPE WestJet Component regarding salary increments and claims of unremunerated ground tasks by cabin crews. The union has consistently raised concerns over unpaid work conducted when members are not airborne, while WestJet argued that all duties are 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 culminated from intense negotiations, particularly concerning boarding pay, which led to a brief strike by around 4,400 cabin crew members earlier this month. WestJet’s flight operations gradually normalized following over 900 flight cancellations during the peak summer travel season.
The aviation sector has experienced several labor disputes in recent years, with strikes by Air Canada flight attendants and WestJet mechanics causing temporary halts in operations at the country’s major airlines. WestJet, a carrier handling over 600 daily flights and transporting more than 70,000 passengers on certain days, has been navigating through these industry challenges.