WestJet’s flight attendants have approved a new collective contract with an overwhelming 90.2 percent vote in favor. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the agreement reflects significant progress and fair compensation adjustments for the members. The Canadian Union of Public Employees revealed that the deal entails an 18 percent pay raise spread across three years, along with additional payment for ground duties.
Under the new contract, employees will receive a 13 percent salary increase in October, followed by a 2.75 percent raise in January and another 2.5 percent bump at the beginning of 2028. The negotiations, which began in January, primarily revolved around wage increments and disputes concerning uncompensated ground tasks. The union had persistently raised concerns about unpaid non-flight duties, while WestJet contended that all responsibilities were appropriately compensated through a credit hour system rather than an hourly wage.
Effective from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2028, the three-year agreement was finalized after intense discussions, particularly focusing on boarding pay, which led to a brief strike by approximately 4,400 cabin crew members earlier this month. Following the labor action, WestJet’s flight operations gradually normalized after experiencing over 900 cancellations during the peak summer travel season.
The aviation sector has witnessed a series 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 more than 600 daily flights and accommodating over 70,000 passengers on certain days, did not provide an immediate response to requests for comments.