WestJet flight attendants have approved a new collective agreement with the airline, with a 90.2% vote in favor of the deal. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, stated that the strong support from members reflects the significant progress achieved during negotiations. The agreement, which marks the second contract for the union, includes substantial improvements such as increased compensation for existing duties.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees announced that the deal entails an 18% wage increase spread over three years, along with additional payment for ground-related tasks. The contract outlines a 13% salary raise effective this October, followed by increments of 2.75% in January and 2.5% at the beginning of 2028. WestJet has not yet provided a comment on the ratified agreement.
Negotiations had been ongoing since January, focusing on wage adjustments and disputes regarding unpaid ground responsibilities. The union had raised concerns about uncompensated work during non-flight hours, while WestJet had maintained that all tasks are remunerated through a credit hour system rather than hourly wages. The newly approved three-year deal is valid from January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2028.
Following intense discussions, particularly concerning boarding compensation, a brief strike involving approximately 4,400 cabin crew members occurred earlier this month. WestJet’s flight operations gradually resumed after a period of over 900 flight cancellations during peak summer travel. The aviation sector has experienced labor disruptions in recent years, with strikes by Air Canada flight attendants and WestJet mechanics causing temporary halts in operations at Canada’s major airlines.
On average, WestJet operates more than 600 daily flights, serving over 70,000 passengers on select days.