WestJet’s mainline flight attendants have reached a tentative collective agreement with the airline, bringing an end to the strike that had disrupted the carrier’s Boeing 737 and 787 operations.
With the work stoppage now over, cabin crew will begin returning to work as WestJet works to restore its flight schedule. The tentative deal must still be reviewed and ratified by members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 before it officially takes effect.
According to the union, the proposed agreement introduces changes to WestJet’s long-standing flight credit pay system by adding a duty period premium that recognizes a broader range of work performed by flight attendants beyond time spent in the air. The agreement also includes general increases in compensation tied to those duties.
CUPE Local 8125 President Alia Hussain described the deal as a significant step forward for cabin crew.
“This tentative agreement represents meaningful progress. It evolves the flight credit system by recognizing more of the work cabin crew are required to perform and with general increases to compensation for that work. Most importantly, this agreement was achieved through collective bargaining at the negotiating table. We will now present the agreement to our members for their review and ratification vote.”
The union said the full details of the proposed agreement will be shared directly with members before they cast their ratification vote.
The strike, which halted WestJet’s mainline operations, affected thousands of travellers across the airline’s network. During the labour dispute, WestJet cancelled scheduled flights and offered affected passengers refunds or alternative travel arrangements while negotiations continued.
The airline and the union have not yet released additional details about wage increases or other contract provisions, pending the membership ratification process.
If approved by members, the new collective agreement would mark the first negotiated contract between WestJet and its unionized mainline flight attendants following months of bargaining.
The end of the strike is expected to allow WestJet to gradually resume normal operations, although travellers may continue to experience some delays as flight attendants return to duty and the airline restores its schedule.
“WestJet has begun restoring its schedule following a tentative agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing WestJet Cabin Crew, ” a statement reads on WestJet’s website.
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