Nearly two-thirds of Canadians support WestJet flight attendants in their job dispute with WestJet, according to a new Abacus Data survey commissioned as flight attendants represented by CUPE 8125 prepare for potential strike action.
In the survey, conducted July 17 to 19 among 1,500 Canadian adults aged 18 and over, 64e% of respondents said they support flight attendants in the dispute, compared with just 11% who support WestJet. The survey also shows overwhelming public support for ending unpaid work with more than eight in 10 (84%) agreeing that flight attendants should be paid for all work-related duties, including boarding, deplaning, delays and safety checks.
Poll respondents also largely believe WestJet can afford to do more with nearly two-thirds (65%) saying that WestJet can afford to pay its flight attendants more, while only 14% believe the company’s current offer is as much as it can reasonably afford.
Support for strike action is particularly strong among WestJet customers: 83% say they would support flight attendants taking strike action to achieve their bargaining goals.
Between 71% and 85% of respondents said each of the key priorities tested is reasonable, including:
- 85% say flight attendants should be paid for all work performed;
- 81% support keeping wages in line with inflation;
- 82% support improving scheduling and fatigue protections; and
- 76% support raising pay to reflect the safety role of flight attendants.
“The public understands what this fight is about: basic fairness,” said Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125. “Flight attendants are asking to be paid for all of the work they do. Canadians know that if you work, you should be paid for that work. It’s that simple.”
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