In a significant development for the aviation sector, WestJet flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement that promises substantial increases in their overall compensation. This agreement, which includes payment for previously unpaid preboarding work, is poised to set a new benchmark for the airline industry in Canada. The move follows a one-day strike by over 4,000 flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) last weekend, aimed at securing better working conditions and remuneration from their employer based in Calgary.
Key Terms of the Agreement
On August 3, a breakthrough was achieved, and on Thursday, CUPE provided details of the tentative deal. It outlines a remarkable wage increase of 18.25 per cent for all flight attendants over the next three years. This includes a retroactive pay rise effective from January 1, 2026. A notable feature of this agreement is the introduction of a “duty pay premium,” a compensation mechanism that recognises the work cabin crew perform before takeoff and after landing.
By the conclusion of the contract in December 2028, flight attendants will receive full payment for what the union terms “uncredited time,” which encompasses hours worked that currently go uncompensated. “The union has made commendable strides towards ensuring full remuneration for unpaid work, adopting a phased approach that aligns with the compensation structure achieved by Air Canada flight attendants last year,” remarked Steven Tufts, an associate professor of labour studies at York University, who has closely monitored these negotiations.
Comparing WestJet and Air Canada Agreements
Last summer, Air Canada flight attendants, also represented by CUPE, achieved a partial compensation model for ground pay, starting at 50 per cent of their hourly wage for preboarding work, with escalations leading to a maximum of 70 per cent. This agreement was hailed as a transformative step in recognising and rewarding the efforts of cabin crew during preboarding activities. However, Tufts advised caution in drawing direct comparisons between the WestJet and Air Canada agreements due to differing pay structures within the airlines.
WestJet’s flight attendants operate under a system of “credit hours.” This system involves a negotiated hourly rate, often inflated, purportedly to account for pre-flight work. CUPE has long contended that this system does not adequately compensate cabin crew for their efforts before boarding and after landing. The newly introduced “duty pay premium” aims to bridge this gap, offering a more robust compensation framework for all hours worked.
Adam King, an assistant professor of labour studies at the University of Manitoba, expressed optimism about the WestJet agreement, suggesting it represents a significant advancement: “It appears to go further than the Air Canada deal because WestJet flight attendants will receive some compensation for all hours of unpaid work.”
Ratification Process and Future Implications
The tentative agreement is set to be voted on by CUPE members in early September. CUPE 8125, the local representing approximately 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, has detailed the potential improvements to flight attendants’ salaries should the deal be ratified. For instance, the pay for a junior flight attendant working a four-day block comprising 12 flights would increase from $750.80 to $1,039.29, with a final target of $1,226.37 by the end of 2028.
Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, described the agreement as “meaningful progress” that updates the flight credit system to better acknowledge the work performed by cabin crew. There is hope within the union that members will endorse this deal, particularly in light of the challenges faced in previous negotiations.
In contrast, Air Canada flight attendants previously rejected a tentative agreement that proposed a 20.25 per cent wage increase over four years, citing that it fell short of addressing a decade’s worth of inflationary pressures. The prior agreement, a decade-long contract initiated in 2015, is due to expire in March 2025.
Why it Matters
The tentative agreement between WestJet and its flight attendants signals a pivotal moment for the airline industry in Canada, potentially reshaping compensation standards across the board. As unions continue to advocate for fair remuneration and recognition of essential preboarding work, the outcome of this agreement could inspire similar movements within other airlines. This deal not only addresses longstanding compensation issues but also highlights the growing influence of unions in securing fair working conditions, a trend that could resonate across various sectors in the coming years.
