WestJet flight attendants seek to address alleged unpaid work in new agreement
Posted on: Sep 17, 2025 00:45 IST | Posted by: Cbc
WestJet flight of stairs attendants ar seeking a young sell that includes compensation for alleged volunteer(a) work, as Air Canada and the union representing its flight attendants remain at odds over similar demands.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) served notice Tuesday that it intends to bargain a new collective agreement for its WestJet flight attendants.
"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," Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, said in a statement. "Unpaid work is unacceptable, and it's time for that to end."
Hussain said the union is committed to negotiating in good faith.
"Our message to WestJet is plain and simple. Pay us fairly. Pay us for all our time," she said.
WestJet's current collective agreement expires on Dec. 31.
WestJet confirmed Tuesday that it had received the notice from CUPE.
Air Canada cancelled flights across the country last month in anticipation of a strike by its 10,000 flight attendants, also represented by CUPE, with allegations of unpaid work being a central point of negotiations.
Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to order the attendants back to work, which the union defied.
The three-day strike ended Aug. 19 with the help of a federal mediator, and the two sides reached a tentative agreement. But the flight attendants overwhelmingly voted to reject that deal earlier this month, sending the wage issue back to mediation.
The union representing Air Canada's flight attendants requested a cancellation of mediation, a spokesperson said Tuesday.
CUPE says the cabin crew members it represents are not being paid fairly and are not properly compensated for time they spend on the job when planes are not in the air.
Hajdu announced an investigation into unpaid work in the airline industry in August, saying the federal government will consult with both employees and employers and hold two roundtable discussions with stakeholders.
On Monday, Employment and Social Development Canada announced that roundtables will be held on Sept. 23-24 and Oct. 2-3.
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