WestJet flight attendants are pushing for a new agreement that includes compensation for alleged unpaid work, following a similar dispute between their union and Air Canada. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has announced its intention to negotiate a fresh collective contract for WestJet flight attendants. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, emphasized the importance of paying flight attendants for all their job-related time, from safety checks before boarding to post-flight responsibilities. The union is determined to engage in constructive negotiations and has called on WestJet to ensure fair compensation for all work hours. WestJet’s current collective agreement is set to expire on December 31.
Meanwhile, Air Canada faced flight cancellations nationwide last month due to a potential strike by its 10,000 flight attendants, also represented by CUPE, over issues of unpaid work. CUPE alleged that cabin crew members were not adequately compensated for their time on duty when flights were grounded. Despite Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoking Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to mandate the attendants back to work, the union resisted. A federal mediator aided in resolving the three-day strike on August 19, leading to a tentative agreement that was ultimately rejected by the flight attendants, prompting a return to mediation on wage matters.
The union representing Air Canada’s flight attendants has requested the cancellation of mediation, as reported on Tuesday. Minister Hajdu initiated an investigation into unpaid work within the airline industry in August and announced upcoming roundtable discussions with stakeholders, scheduled for September 23-24 and October 2-3.