WestJet and CUPE Reach Tentative Agreement
WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 have reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to the airline’s flight attendants’ strike that disrupted travel over the August long weekend. The agreement still requires ratification by union members, but flight attendants are returning to work while that process takes place.
What Happened?
- The strike involved approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants.
- The walkout resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights, affecting roughly 250,000 passengers across Canada during one of the busiest travel weekends of the summer.
What Was the Dispute About?
The main issue was compensation for work performed on the ground, including:
- Boarding passengers
- Pre-flight safety checks
- Other duties before takeoff
CUPE argued that flight attendants should be paid for all hours worked, not just time spent in the air. The tentative agreement reportedly:
- Improves compensation for ground duties.
- Includes general wage increases.
- Enhances the airline’s flight-credit pay system and benefits. Specific contract details have not yet been released publicly.
What It Means for Travelers
WestJet has begun restoring its schedule, but the airline says it may take several days for operations to fully return to normal as aircraft and crews are repositioned. Travelers are encouraged to:
- Check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Watch for updates if their flight was cancelled or delayed.