WestJet, CUPE remain at bargaining table ahead of strike deadline

WestJet and the union representing its flight attendants remain in negotiations with a potential strike deadline days away, reports the Toronto Star.

About 4,400 WestJet flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 could be in a legal strike position as of Sunday at 2:01 a.m. EDT.

A CUPE spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday (July 28) that the two sides were still bargaining.

“We want to continue bargaining, but it’s up to WestJet to make the meaningful progress needed to avoid a strike. Our members don’t want to go on strike, but we are prepared to if necessary,” Alia Hussain, president of CUPE Local 8125, told the Star in an emailed statement.

“Flight attendants should be paid for all the work they do, and we can no longer remain amongst the lowest paid in Canada.”

WestJet also confirmed that negotiations were continuing and expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached before the deadline.

“WestJet remains actively engaged in negotiations and is fully prepared to make meaningful improvements that work for cabin crew members while balancing the future sustainability of WestJet. We are optimistic we can arrive at an agreement,” the airline said.

As previously reported, CUPE members voted 99.4 per cent in favour of strike action earlier this month. 

The union would still be required to give WestJet 72 hours’ notice before beginning a walkout. 

Key issues include wages and compensation for duties performed while aircraft are on the ground.

CUPE says WestJet flight attendants perform as many as 35 hours of unpaid work each month. 

WestJet disputes that characterization, pointing to the credit-hour compensation system used for its cabin crew.

“Rather than paying a lower hourly wage for every hour on duty, the credit hour system combines flight time, ground duties, delays, and other required work into a single, higher rate of pay. That rate is then ‘credited’ across the full duty day,” WestJet states on its website.

Industry and labour experts interviewed by the Star said a strike remains possible but is unlikely.

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