The union representing WestJet flight attendants has disclosed the specifics of the tentative agreement reached with the Calgary-based airline following a one-day strike. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that the deal entails an increase in wages exceeding 18% over a three-year period, along with the introduction of a new “duty period premium” to compensate for ground duties. Additionally, the agreement includes extended time off, enhanced food and uniform allowances, and various other benefits.
The strike led to the grounding of all WestJet flights across a significant portion of Canada during a prolonged holiday weekend, as approximately 4,400 flight attendants were poised to strike and subsequently walked off the job early on a Sunday. However, a tentative agreement was reached between the airline and the union in the early hours of Monday, gradually restoring WestJet operations to normal.
Cabin crew members are scheduled to vote on the agreement in the upcoming weeks to finalize the deal.