In a significant development for aviation workers in Canada, WestJet flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement that promises substantial pay increases and a shift towards better compensation for preboarding duties. This agreement follows a one-day strike by over 4,000 members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) last weekend, aiming for improved working conditions with the Calgary-based airline.
Details of the Agreement
The newly negotiated contract, struck on August 3 and disclosed on Thursday, includes an 18.25 per cent wage increase over the next three years. This increase will be retroactively applied from January 1, 2026. Notably, the agreement introduces a “duty pay premium,” which compensates flight attendants for work performed before takeoff and after landing—a long-standing issue that has seen increasing attention in recent negotiations across the industry.
By the conclusion of this contract in December 2028, flight attendants will receive full payment for all “uncredited time,” defined as hours of work that currently go unpaid. Steven Tufts, an associate professor of labour studies at York University, noted the significance of this step, highlighting that it reflects a gradual shift towards equitable compensation akin to recent improvements achieved by Air Canada flight attendants.
Comparison with Air Canada’s Agreement
Last summer, Air Canada flight attendants, also represented by CUPE, secured a partial compensation framework for preboarding work. Their agreement began with 50 per cent of the hourly wage for hours worked before departure, with a gradual increase that could reach 70 per cent. This was hailed as a pivotal moment for cabin crew compensation structures.
However, experts like Adam King, an assistant professor of labour studies at the University of Manitoba, caution against direct comparisons between the two agreements due to differing pay structures. WestJet traditionally operates under a “credit hours” system, which has been criticized for inadequately compensating flight attendants for their preboarding duties. The introduction of the duty pay premium in the new agreement aims to bridge this gap.
Voting on the Tentative Deal
The tentative agreement is set to be voted on by CUPE 8125 members in early September. The local union, which represents approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, has detailed how the financial outlook for flight attendants will improve should the deal be ratified. For instance, a junior flight attendant working a four-day block with 12 flight legs would see their compensation rise from $750.80 to $1,039.29, eventually increasing to $1,226.37 by the end of 2028, factoring in the new duty pay and scheduled wage hikes.
Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, described the agreement as “meaningful progress that evolves the flight credit system by recognising more of the work cabin crew do.” The union is optimistic that members will support the deal, especially in light of the challenges faced by Air Canada flight attendants, who previously rejected an agreement they deemed insufficient after years of rising inflation.
Why it Matters
This agreement not only marks a pivotal moment for WestJet flight attendants but also sets a potential benchmark for labour negotiations within the airline industry across Canada. As the fight for fair compensation continues, the improvements secured by CUPE may inspire similar movements among other airline employees, reinforcing the importance of collective bargaining in achieving equitable working conditions. The outcome of the upcoming vote will be closely monitored, as it could influence future negotiations and the broader landscape of labour relations in aviation.
