WestJet cabin crew approve proposed deal after strike (updated)

Onex

24/08/2026 21:37

 (Adds details and background throughout)
    Aug 24 (Reuters) - WestJet flight attendants on Monday voted
to accept a tentative agreement that would boost wages by more
than 18% over three years, their union said, after they held a
strike that caused hundreds of cancellations earlier this month.
    The airline's flight attendants also secured duty pay
premium as part of a broader shift in North America, where cabin
crews are challenging compensation structures built mainly
around flying time rather than every hour at work.
    The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents
about 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, had sought compensation
from the time members check in for work until they clock out. A
premium offered in the tentative agreement would provide
additional compensation for previously unpaid time. 
    Air Canada  AC.TO , American Airlines  AAL.O , Alaska Air
 ALK.N , Delta Air Lines  DAL.N  and United Airlines  UAL.O  
have introduced pay for boarding or other specified ground time,
increasing pressure on other carriers to recognize more of the
hours attendants spend on duty.
    The union announced a tentative deal with Canada's
second-largest carrier, which is majority-owned by Onex Corp
 ONEX.TO , on August 3.
    

 (Reporting By Allison Lampert; Editing by Leroy Leo)
 ((Allison.Lampert@thomsonreuters.com; 514-796-4212; Reuters
Messaging: allison.lampert.reuters.com@reuters.net))