WestJet's flight attendants ratify tentative agreement

This story was updated on Monday, August 24, at 6:48 p.m. EST

WestJet’s mainline flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying a tentative agreement reached with the airline earlier this month. 

According to the group's union, CUPE 8125, 92.7 per cent of members cast a ballot, with 90.2 per cent voting in favour.

“This is a strong mandate from our members and recognition of the meaningful gains we made at the bargaining table,” said Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, in a press release. “This is only our second contract, and we made important progress, including making sure our members are compensated for more of the work they already do.”

The agreement delivers "important gains" for close to 4,400 flight attendants, including new compensation for work cabin crew previously did without pay.

“Our bargaining committee worked hard to make these gains possible, and our members stood together throughout this process,” added Hussain. “That solidarity made a difference. We know there’s still more work to do over the life of this agreement and when we bargain again, and we will keep building on the gains our members have fought for and continue pushing for better wages and working conditions for WestJet flight attendants.”

The new three-year agreement is in effect from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, and also includes wage increases and other improvements to wages and working conditions.

The CUPE 8125 executive and bargaining committee thanked all members "for their solidarity throughout negotiations and the ratification process." 

The union also thanked WestJet passengers, unions and others who supported flight attendants throughout the bargaining process. 

The vote follows a labour dispute earlier this month involving WestJet's flight attendants.

The group took strike action on Aug. 2 after the union issued a 72-hour strike notice and WestJet responded with a lockout notice.

The airline subsequently suspended much of its Boeing 737 and 787 flying as it wound down operations.

A tentative agreement was then reached early Aug. 3, ending the disruption and allowing WestJet to begin restoring its network.

According to information previously released by the union, the three-year agreement includes wage increases of more than 18 per cent, along with a new Duty Period Premium addressing ground duty.

Other improvements include increased time off, enhanced allowances, greater flexibility for shift trades, increased rest, reduced maximum flight segments, stronger reserve protections and improvements to sick leave banking.

CUPE had previously described the agreement as “meaningful progress,” saying it improves upon WestJet’s legacy flight credit system by recognizing more of the work cabin crew are required to perform.

Modernizing how crew are compensated

In a press release, WestJet acknowledged the positive news. 

"We are pleased our cabin crew voted to ratify this agreement, one that modernizes how cabin crew are compensated," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group, in a statement. "The ratified agreement reflects the collaborative efforts of both parties and provides a foundation for WestJet's continued success." 

The airline added that it "appreciates the patience and loyalty of guests who were impacted during this disruption," noting that it "remains focused on delivering safe and reliable service to its guests." 

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