Monday, August 24, 2026
ADVT 
National

WestJet flight attendants wrap up vote on tentative deal

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Aug, 2026 08:54 AM
  • WestJet flight attendants wrap up vote on tentative deal

WestJet flight attendants are wrapping up a week-long vote this afternoon on whether to accept a contract deal struck between their union and the airline.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says the tentative agreement includes a more than 18 per cent wage hike over three years as well as new compensation for work done on the ground.

The deal followed tough negotiations, particularly around boarding pay, that culminated in a one-day strike by some 4,400 cabin crew earlier this month.

WestJet's flight schedule gradually ramped up after more than 900 flight cancellations at the peak of the summer travel period.

If greenlit, the contract will give workers a 13 per cent wage increase this October, followed by a 2.75 per cent hike in January and a 2.5 per cent raise at the start of 2028.

The aviation industry has been rattled by a series of labour actions over the past several years, with strikes by Air Canada flight attendants and WestJet mechanics briefly bringing operations at the country’s two biggest airlines to a halt.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C., federal governments announce $106.5 million investment for new fisheries fund

B.C., federal governments announce $106.5 million investment for new fisheries fund
The British Columbia and federal governments have announced a joint investment of $106.5 million over five years to help restore salmon habitat and to support the province's fish and seafood sectors.

B.C., federal governments announce $106.5 million investment for new fisheries fund

'It's not life back to normal,' even as B.C. wildfire evacuees return home

'It's not life back to normal,' even as B.C. wildfire evacuees return home
An AirTag that stayed online as a wildfire roared into the outskirts of her neighbourhood in Summerland, B.C., gave Harpreet Sidhu some hope that the home she shares with her husband was still standing.

'It's not life back to normal,' even as B.C. wildfire evacuees return home

B.C. court ruling reveals drug suspects sought by U.S. could seek trial in Canada

B.C. court ruling reveals drug suspects sought by U.S. could seek trial in Canada
Three men facing extradition to the United States over their alleged involvement in transnational drug trafficking may seek to be tried in Canada, but the British Columbia Supreme Court says the prospect is "speculative at this point." 

B.C. court ruling reveals drug suspects sought by U.S. could seek trial in Canada

Poilievre invites Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi to visit Canada

Poilievre invites Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi to visit Canada
The former crown prince of Iran, who is pitching himself as the best option to lead Iran back to democracy, has accepted an invitation from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to visit Canada.

Poilievre invites Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi to visit Canada

Vance weighs in on Jivani trade advocacy and how Carney tried to 'out-tough' Trump

Vance weighs in on Jivani trade advocacy and how Carney tried to 'out-tough' Trump
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance weighed in on the latest trade deal with Canada at a fundraising event Wednesday, saying Prime Minister Mark Carney tried to "out-tough" President Donald Trump while crediting his longtime friend Conservative MP Jamil Jivani as a helpful advocate for Canada.

Vance weighs in on Jivani trade advocacy and how Carney tried to 'out-tough' Trump

National monument marking LGBTQ+ persecution opens this morning in Ottawa

National monument marking LGBTQ+ persecution opens this morning in Ottawa
Victims of state prosecution hope Canada's new national monument for LGBTQ+ people will be a place to learn, grieve and celebrate.

National monument marking LGBTQ+ persecution opens this morning in Ottawa