WestJet flight attendants represented by CUPE 8125 have ratified their new collective agreement, with a 90.2% vote in favour of ratification.
“This is a strong mandate from our members and recognition of the meaningful gains we made at the bargaining table,” said Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125. “This is only our second contract, and we made important progress, including making sure our members are compensated for more of the work they already do.”
The Canadian Union of Public Employees said the agreement includes a more than 18% wage hike over three years as well as new compensation for work done on the ground.
The contract will give workers a 13% wage increase this October, followed by a 2.75% hike in January and a 2.5% raise at the start of 2028.
“We are pleased our cabin crew voted to ratify this agreement, one that modernizes how cabin crew are compensated,” WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a news release. “The ratified agreement reflects the collaborative efforts of both parties and provides a foundation for WestJet’s continued success.”
The agreement, reached after months of negotiations that ultimately forced workers to strike, delivers gains for close to 4,400 flight attendants, including new compensation for work cabin crew previously did without pay.
Contract talks had been ongoing since January, with WestJet and the CUPE WestJet Component at odds over wage increases and the cabin crews’ claim of unpaid ground work.
“Our bargaining committee worked hard to make these gains possible, and our members stood together throughout this process,” said Hussain. “That solidarity made a difference. We know there’s still more work to do over the life of this agreement and when we bargain again, and we will keep building on the gains our members have fought for and continue pushing for better wages and working conditions for WestJet flight attendants.”
The new three-year agreement is in effect from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2028, and also includes wage increases and other improvements to wages and working conditions.
If you enjoyed or found this story useful, we’d appreciate if you would forward it to a colleague or friend who may also enjoy it. If, on the other hand, a friend shared it with you, welcome! You can get all the latest travel news and reviews from Travel Industry by simply clicking HERE.