WestJet Encore flight attendants seek conciliation in contract talks

WestJet Encore flight attendants represented by CUPE 8125 have filed a notice of dispute with the federal government, seeking a conciliator’s help to resolve stalled contract negotiations.

The union announced the filing on Nov. 9, saying its priorities include ending unpaid work, securing compensation in line with WestJet’s mainline flight attendants and improving working conditions.

In a separate bargaining update, the union said negotiations had made some progress over seven months, but key issues remained unresolved. It emphasized that filing a notice of dispute does not mean flight attendants are going on strike.

“Many of the issues we’re working to resolve at Encore were already addressed in the Mainline agreement ratified this summer,” Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, said in a release.

“Encore cabin crew remain among the lowest-paid flight attendants in Canada. They deserve a fair agreement that delivers meaningful improvements to their compensation and working conditions.”

According to CUPE, Encore flight attendants perform essential safety and service duties before, during and after flights, but much of their work on the ground remains unpaid.

“The ball is in WestJet’s court,” Hussain said. “It’s time for the company to show our Encore cabin crew the respect and fair deal they deserve so they can get back to focusing on what they do best: keeping WestJet passengers safe in the air and on the ground.”

Federal conciliation provides a process for the parties to continue bargaining with government assistance. A conciliator normally has a 60-day mandate, which can be extended by mutual agreement.

A 21-day cooling-off period follows the end of conciliation. A legal strike or lockout also requires 72 hours’ notice and compliance with other requirements under the Canada Labour Code, including a successful strike vote before union job action.

CUPE 8125 represents approximately 4,700 WestJet flight attendants, including 360 at WestJet Encore, according to the union.

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