Flight attendants will begin voting today on the tentative agreement between WestJet and CUPE Local 8125, representing about 4,400 WestJet cabin personnel.
The big issue, called a Duty Period Premium, is part of the agreement and would see WestJet cabin crew paid for their time not in the air, such as ground time, boarding and delays, says CUPE 8125.
The union appears to be pushing for a positive outcome.
“The Bargaining Committee unanimously recommends ratification of this Tentative Agreement," union brass wrote on the local's website.
The vote begins 17AUG at 2 p.m. MT and runs until 2 p.m. MT, 24AUG.
Aside from the duty pay premium, there were several other updates to the union contract, including a 13% wage increase this fall with retroactive back pay to January. There's also things like a $300 health spending account, extended maternity top-ups, expanded sick leave banking, fewer flight segments per day, more rest at base and on layovers, meal per diems increase, a $100 annual shoe allowance and commitments around roller bags.
Flight attendants have also been offered better workplace protections with stronger language around harassment, discrimination, pregnancy accommodation and cybersecurity.
Some 4,400 WestJet flight attendants went on strike 02AUG. While the work stoppage lasted only 28 hours, the resulting chaos took several days to untangle as travellers and advisors scrambled to make alternative arrangements.
