The labor union representing WestJet’s flight attendants has disclosed the specifics of the tentative agreement reached with the Calgary-headquartered airline following a brief strike. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that the agreement entails an increase of over 18% in wages spread across three years, along with the introduction of a new “duty period premium” that provides additional compensation for on-ground duties. Moreover, the deal encompasses enhanced leave duration, augmented allowances for food and uniforms, and various other provisions.
As the strike deadline approached, grounding all WestJet flights across a significant part of Canada during an extended holiday weekend, 4,400 flight attendants initiated a work stoppage early on a Sunday. However, a tentative resolution was reached between the airline and the union in the early hours of Monday, leading to a gradual restoration of WestJet’s regular operations.
The cabin crew members are scheduled to vote on the agreement in the upcoming weeks.