WestJet, union reach tentative deal to end strike by flight attendants

WestJet, union reach tentative deal to end strike by flight attendants

Hundreds of flights were cancelled, leaving travellers in limbo

WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have reached a tentative deal, ending a strike ​that has led to the cancellation ‌of hundreds of flights, both sides said early Monday.

CUPE, which represents 4,400 flight attendants with the Calgary-based airline, sought pay for its members from ⁠the time they check in until they clock out, instead of ‌mostly just for time when their aircraft is in motion.

The deal ends the work stoppage — which had left passengers stranded and in limbo — during the busy summer travel season after flight attendants walked off the job Sunday.

WestJet didn't disclose ​details of the tentative agreement, which will be presented to ⁠cabin crew for a ratification ⁠vote.

Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu confirmed the tentative pact on X, saying "the federal government and Canadians welcome the news that the parties have reached a deal together, at the bargaining table."

It isn't immediately known when flights will resume fully.

But John Gradek, faculty lecturer in aviation management at McGill University in Montreal, said it will likely take a few days.

"It's about time," Gradek said of the tentative deal, noting that some 225,000 Canadians were affected by WestJet flight cancellations this weekend.

Gradek said the August long weekend — and particularly the holiday Monday — represents the busiest time in the summer for WestJet.

"Today is shot. Things are going to need to get fixed up."

Canadians who've been affected should remain "on guard" and keep checking the latest status of their flights, said Shalene Dudley, a Toronto-based travel agent and CEO of Latitude Concierge Travel.

"It's a scary place to be, especially when you're celebrating something like a wedding."

Some insight into the tentative pact

In a statement Monday, the union said that the deal, if ratified, would "improve upon the legacy flight credit system by introducing a duty period premium that recognizes more of the work cabin crew are required to perform," and also increases compensation for that work.

Travellers in limbo as WestJet flight attendants go on strike

"This tentative agreement represents meaningful progress," CUPE Local 8125 president Alia Hussain said in a statement. "It evolves the flight credit system by recognizing more of the work cabin crew are required to perform and with general increases to compensation for that work.

"To our members, thank you for your solidarity throughout this process. We also want to thank the public, labour organizations and everyone who supported cabin crew as we worked toward a fair resolution."