WestJet Flight Attendants Wage Agreement
On Monday, WestJet flight attendants voted to accept a tentative collective bargaining agreement that will raise their wages by more than 18% over a three‑year period. The agreement, negotiated by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents roughly 4,400 cabin crew members, also introduces a duty‑pay premium that compensates attendants for the entire duration of their work shifts—from check‑in to clock‑out—rather than only for flying time. This premium addresses previously unpaid ground‑time hours.
The vote follows a strike earlier in the month that resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations across WestJet’s network. CUPE had originally sought full‑shift compensation, and the inclusion of the duty‑pay premium reflects a broader shift in North American airline compensation practices.
The article notes that several major carriers—Air Canada (TSX:AC), American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL), Alaska Air (NYSE:ALK), Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) and United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL)—have already moved to pay for boarding or other designated ground‑time activities, thereby increasing pressure on other airlines, including WestJet, to adopt similar models.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor.