WestJet flight attendants have approved a new collective agreement with the airline, with a resounding 90.2% vote in favor of the deal. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the positive vote signifies the significant progress achieved during negotiations.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees disclosed that the agreement entails an over 18% salary increase spread across three years and introduces compensation for ground-related work. Employees are set to receive a 13% wage boost in October, followed by increments of 2.75% in January and 2.5% at the beginning of 2028.
Despite requests for comment, the airline has not yet responded. Contract discussions, ongoing since January, were marked by disagreements between WestJet and the CUPE WestJet Component regarding wage adjustments and the compensation for ground tasks performed by cabin crews.
The newly ratified three-year agreement, effective from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2028, concluded after challenging negotiations, notably surrounding boarding pay, which led to a brief strike by approximately 4,400 cabin crew members earlier this month. Subsequently, WestJet’s flight operations gradually normalized following more than 900 flight cancellations during the peak summer travel period.
Labor disputes have impacted the aviation sector 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 over 600 daily flights and transporting upwards of 70,000 passengers on certain days, continues to navigate through these industry challenges.