WestJet flight attendants are pushing for a new agreement that includes compensation for alleged unpaid work, following a dispute between their union and Air Canada over similar issues.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has notified its intention to negotiate a fresh collective agreement for WestJet flight attendants. Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125, emphasized the importance of compensating the professionals for all their work hours, from pre-boarding checks to post-flight duties, stating that unpaid work is unacceptable and must cease.
Hussain reiterated the union’s commitment to engaging in fair negotiations, urging WestJet to pay the flight attendants fairly for all their time. The current collective agreement with WestJet is set to expire on December 31.
Air Canada faced flight cancellations nationwide last month in anticipation of a strike by its 10,000 flight attendants, also represented by CUPE, with disputes over unpaid work at the core of the negotiations. The union alleged that cabin crew members were not adequately compensated for their time while planes were grounded.
Labour Minister Patty Hajdu intervened using Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to order the attendants back to work, despite the union’s defiance. The strike was resolved with the assistance of a federal mediator after three days, leading to a tentative agreement. However, the flight attendants voted against the deal, prompting a return to mediation on the wage issue.
The union representing Air Canada’s flight attendants has requested the cancellation of mediation, as reported by a spokesperson. Minister Hajdu initiated an investigation into unpaid work in the airline industry in August, planning to engage with employees, employers, and stakeholders through roundtable discussions scheduled for September and October.