WestJet Flight Attendants Push for Pay for Unpaid Work in New Agreement

Union Initiates Bargaining

WestJet flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have formally announced their intention to negotiate a new collective agreement. The union aims to secure compensation for alleged unpaid work, similar to recent disputes at Air Canada. CUPE served notice Tuesday that talks would begin ahead of the expiration of WestJet’s current agreement on December 31, 2025.

Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, emphasized the importance of fair pay. “WestJet flight attendants are professionals who deserve to be compensated for every minute on duty, from pre-boarding safety checks to post-flight tasks,” she said. “Unpaid work is unacceptable, and it is time for that to end.” Hussain added that the union intends to negotiate in good faith.

Background: Air Canada Dispute

Last month, Air Canada flight attendants, also represented by CUPE, raised similar unpaid-work claims. Anticipating a strike, Air Canada cancelled multiple flights nationwide. Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to mandate employees return to work. Despite this, CUPE members initially continued their strike, which concluded on August 19 following federal mediation. The tentative agreement reached was later rejected by attendants, sending negotiations back to the table.

Air Canada’s union has now requested to cancel the ongoing mediation process, moving the wage dispute toward arbitration.

Government Investigation

In August, Labour Minister Hajdu announced a federal investigation into unpaid work within Canada’s airline industry. The government plans to consult both employers and employees and hold roundtable discussions to address these labor concerns.
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