The labor union representing WestJet’s cabin crew has disclosed specifics of the recent tentative agreement struck with the Calgary-headquartered airline after a brief one-day strike. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that the deal entails an increase of more than 18% in wages spread over three years and introduces a new “duty period premium” to compensate for ground duties. Additionally, the agreement encompasses extended time off, heightened allowances for food and uniforms, and various other provisions.
Amid a long holiday weekend, WestJet was forced to ground all flights across a significant portion of Canada as approximately 4,400 flight attendants prepared to go on strike. However, a tentative agreement was reached between the airline and the union in the early hours of Monday, leading to a gradual return to normal operations for WestJet.
The cabin crew members are scheduled to vote on the proposed deal in the upcoming weeks.
