It’s not WestJet pilots, who are in a position to strike later this month, but the 350 members of Unifor Local 531 have reached their first tentative deal with WestJet at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. The members unit are primarily customer service agents and baggage agents at YYZ.

“A first contract sets the base from which we bargain in the future and WestJet members have worked hard to reach this tentative agreement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “By joining Unifor, WestJet members have gained a strong voice to improve their working conditions and can now do so through collective bargaining.”

Bargaining first began Oct. 24, 2022, after the Canada Industrial Relations Board certified Unifor’s application for the WestJet workers in Toronto to join the union last July last July.

Among the key issues include wages, job security and seniority rights.

This agreement represents a step forward for the local and its members, said Karen Berry, President of Local 531.

“We have implemented scope work language which guarantees job protection, created a wage grid which prevents the stagnation of our pay, and established a grievance procedure,” said Berry.

“WestJet is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that recognizes the important contributions of our valued airport employees at YYZ,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet Executive VP and COO. “Our airport employees play an integral role in supporting our operations and this settlement reflects WestJet’s commitment to supporting them as they continue to provide the friendly, reliable service our guests know and expect of the WestJet Group.”

The ratification meeting will be held May 3 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Unifor represents 16,000 members across Canada in the aviation sector, including approximately 1,300 at WestJet in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.