WestJet flight attendants walk off as contract talks collapse
The 4,400 striking workers cite unpaid work and inadequate compensation as negotiations break down.
TL;DR
- WestJet strike begins as airline-union talks collapse, affecting 4,400 flight attendants over unpaid work dispute.
- Airline has cancelled 86 flights with more disruptions expected during peak summer travel season.
Business and economy
WestJet strike begins after contract talks break down
The airline and union failed to resolve disputes over unpaid work and compensation, leading to immediate flight cancellations and disruption for thousands of summer travellers.
WestJet flight attendants began their strike on August 2 after the airline and their union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, failed to reach a contract agreement by the midnight deadline. The 4,400 unionized crew members, represented by CUPE Local 8125, voted 99.4 per cent in favour of strike action earlier this week (via Global News).
Core dispute centers on unpaid work. The central issue in negotiations remains the credit hour system under which flight attendants are paid, which the union says constitutes unpaid work for flight preparation and other duties. WestJet proposed duty premium payments before and after flights, claiming the offer amounts to a 36 per cent cumulative wage increase over four years. The union rejected this as insufficient compensation (via CBC News).
Hundreds of flights cancelled. The airline has already cancelled 86 flights and begun parking Boeing 737 aircraft. WestJet issued its own lockout notice and warned travellers to expect further disruptions. Federal mediators, including Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu, remain available to assist with negotiations, though no immediate breakthrough appears likely (via Global News).
