The union representing WestJet’s cabin crew has disclosed details of the recent tentative agreement with the Calgary-based airline following a one-day strike. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that the deal encompasses an increase of more than 18% in wages over a three-year period and introduces a new “duty period premium” providing additional compensation for ground work. Additionally, the agreement entails extended time off, enhanced food and uniform allowances, and various other benefits.
Over the long holiday weekend, WestJet flights across a significant part of Canada were temporarily suspended as approximately 4,400 flight attendants were on the brink of a strike, which commenced early on Sunday. Fortunately, a tentative agreement was reached between the airline and the union in the early hours of Monday, leading to a gradual restoration of WestJet’s operations to normalcy.
The cabin crew members are scheduled to vote on the agreement in the upcoming weeks to finalize the deal.