WestJet Cabin Crew Strike Over Pay Dispute, Over 300 Flights Canceled

Staff at WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline, have initiated a strike, disrupting over 300 flights. The walkout by 4,400 cabin crew members, represented by the Canadian Public Service Union, centers on a dispute over compensation for ground duties.

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We put forward a proposal that would set a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, making WestJet the only airline that offers an hourly wage covering all pre- and post-flight duties, with a wage increase of more than 10 percent in the first year, as well as meeting other priorities the union has highlighted.

The union argues that some of this work remains unpaid, while WestJet maintains that employees are compensated through a "credit hour" system rather than an hourly wage. The airline's CEO, Alexis von Hensbroek, stated that the company presented a proposal offering a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, including a wage increase of over 10% in the first year and addressing other union priorities. However, this proposal was unfortunately not accepted.

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Our negotiators worked until the last moment to reach a fair agreement that recognizes the value of the cabin crew's work.

Aliya Hussein, president of the union's cabin crew branch, expressed that negotiators worked until the last moment to secure a fair agreement that recognizes the cabin crew's contributions. She felt WestJet's offer was insufficient. Despite the strike, both parties have indicated their readiness to resume negotiations to find a resolution.

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WestJet's offer was not enough.