Muhammad Amanullah | August 25, 2026
The True Post (Web News) — Flight attendants at Canadian airline WestJet have approved a new collective agreement with the company, with an overwhelming majority of union members voting in favour of the deal.
The agreement is expected to bring an end to a lengthy labour dispute and provide significant improvements in wages and compensation for ground duties.
More Than 90% Vote in Favour
According to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), 90.2% of members voted to approve the new agreement.
Aaliya Hussain, president of CUPE Local 8125, said the result represents a strong mandate from members and confirms the gains achieved during negotiations.
She noted that although this is only the union’s second collective agreement, it includes significant improvements for flight attendants.
Wages to Increase by More Than 18%
Under the new agreement, flight attendants will receive a total wage increase of more than 18% over three years.
According to the agreement, base wages will increase by 13% in October 2026, followed by an additional 2.75% in January 2027 and another 2.5% at the beginning of 2028.
The union says the increases represent a significant improvement in overall compensation for its members.
Compensation for Ground Duties
One of the key features of the new agreement is compensation for certain duties performed by flight attendants while they are on the ground.
The union had argued that cabin crew members perform a range of responsibilities before and after flights but were not adequately compensated for some of that work.
The new agreement introduces additional compensation provisions aimed at addressing that concern.
Negotiations Continued Since January
WestJet and CUPE had been negotiating the new agreement since January 2026.
Key issues included wage increases and compensation for duties performed outside the actual flight.
WestJet has maintained that employees’ responsibilities are compensated through its “credit hours” system rather than a traditional hourly wage structure. The union, however, had raised concerns about the system.
Strike Disrupted Operations
The dispute escalated earlier this month when approximately 4,400 cabin crew members took part in a one-day strike.
The strike caused significant disruption during the busy summer travel season, forcing WestJet to cancel more than 900 flights.
The airline subsequently began restoring its flight schedule in stages.
Agreement Runs Through 2028
The new collective agreement is considered effective from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028.
During this period, employees will receive phased wage increases as well as improved compensation for certain ground-related responsibilities.
Labour Disputes Continue to Affect Canadian Airlines
Canada’s aviation industry has experienced several labour disputes in recent years.
Work stoppages involving Air Canada flight attendants and WestJet mechanics have also affected air travel at different times.
These disputes have highlighted ongoing disagreements between airlines and employees over wages, working conditions, hours and compensation for additional responsibilities.
WestJet Operates More Than 600 Flights a Day
WestJet operates more than 600 flights per day and can carry more than 70,000 passengers on some days.
With the new agreement now approved, the deal is expected to ease tensions between flight attendants and the airline’s management and allow WestJet to focus more fully on maintaining normal operations.
