WestJet flight attendants have approved a new collective agreement with a 90.2% vote, ending months of bargaining that included a strike threat.
Union members back the deal
Represented by CUPE 8125, the cabin crew cast ballots in late August. The vote covered nearly 4,400 workers who will see compensation for duties that were previously unpaid. Alia Hussain, president of the union, said the result “is a strong mandate from our members and recognition of the meaningful gains we made at the bargaining table.” She added that this is only the second contract the group has secured, noting progress on pay for existing tasks.
The contract runs from Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2028. It includes wage hikes and other improvements to working conditions. The bargaining committee’s effort, according to Hussain, “made these gains possible, and our members stood together throughout this process.” She warned that more work remains over the life of the pact and in future negotiations.
WestJet’s response
WestJet issued a statement saying it was pleased the second collective agreement with CUPE was ratified. CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech called the vote “a sign that the cabin crew voted to ratify this agreement, one that modernizes how cabin crew are compensated.” He said the deal reflects collaborative effort and provides a foundation for the airline’s continued success.
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The carrier also thanked passengers, unions and other supporters for their patience during the disruption. It emphasized a focus on safe, reliable service for guests, noting that the airline values loyalty shown amid the bargaining period.
In practical terms, the added pay could help crew members afford more stable schedules and reduce reliance on overtime. The new provisions may also give them clearer guidelines on duties that were previously done without compensation, which could improve morale on long-haul routes.
Crew morale is expected to improve.
The three‑year contract introduces salary steps that rise each year. It also formalizes compensation for tasks such as cabin checks and safety briefings that were previously unpaid. The pact includes provisions for better rest periods, though the exact language was not disclosed in the public filing.
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Both sides noted that the pact does not close all gaps. The union’s executive thanked members for solidarity and said it is a stepping stone toward better wages and conditions in the next bargaining round. WestJet’s statement echoed that sentiment, saying the airline will keep building on the gains.
External observers can read more about the airline’s labor history on the WestJet Wikipedia page. For a broader view of Canadian labor unions, the CUPE website offers additional context.
The ratification marks the end of a tense period that saw flight attendants walk off the job for a short time. While the strike was brief, it highlighted the importance of the issues at stake. The union’s thank‑you note mentioned passengers who endured delays, reflecting the broader impact of the dispute.
Overall, the deal signals a shift toward more structured compensation for cabin staff, a change that could influence future negotiations across the industry.