Now it’s their turn: The union representing WestJet flight attendants says it has given the airline notice to begin contract talks with a key issue being compensation for unpaid work. CUPE 8125 said it has served notice to bargain a new collective agreement with its current contract set to expire on Dec. 31. The union says WestJet flight attendants are seeking better treatment.
Earlier this month, Air Canada flight attendants rejected their employer’s latest wage offer in a new contract vote after striking in August over similar concerns.
The WestJet union’s statement came the same day (Tuesday) that dozens of Air Canada flight attendants represented by CUPE rallied on Parliament Hill.
“WestJet flight attendants are professionals who deserve to be paid for every minute they’re on the job, from pre-boarding safety checks to post-flight duties,” said Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125. “Unpaid work is unacceptable, and it’s time for that to end.”
“WestJet looks forward to engaging at the table to reach an agreement,” the WestJet spokesperson said.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said Monday that a federal government probe into allegations about unpaid work in Canada’s airline sector should wrap up by early December. She first announced the review in August, after the Air Canada labour dispute grounded hundreds of flights.
Other North American airlines don’t compensate flight attendants for time spent on the ground before and after flights under their collective agreements. Attendants with United Airlines and others have recently sought to renegotiate their contracts to include ground pay.
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