Flight attendants at WestJet have approved a preliminary labor agreement that includes an 18% wage increase over three years, according to a statement from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
The vote concluded on Monday, following a strike earlier this month that led to hundreds of flight cancellations. The agreement covers approximately 4,400 WestJet cabin crew members and addresses longstanding demands for revised pay structures.
Traditional compensation models at WestJet, as in many airlines, have historically accounted for flight time only, excluding ground duties such as boarding, deplaning, and pre-flight preparations. The union had sought full compensation for the entire duration of shifts, from check-in to shift wrap-up. The preliminary deal introduces an additional service-time compensation component, providing pay for previously uncompensated ground activities.
The agreement aligns with broader industry trends. Major carriers including Air Canada, American Airlines, Alaska Air, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have similarly adjusted compensation models to include pay for boarding and other ground periods. The preliminary pact at WestJet now awaits ratification by the airline’s management before taking effect.
The strike earlier this month underscored tensions over compensation and working conditions, highlighting the operational and financial pressures facing airlines amid ongoing labor negotiations across the sector.
