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WestJet flight attendants go on strike
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- WestJet flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, went on strike Sunday over pay disputes, leading to the cancellation of more than 300 flights during a busy three-day weekend in Canada.
- The core disagreement centers on compensation for duties performed on the ground, with the union claiming some work is unpaid, while WestJet argues staff are paid through a "credit hour" system rather than an hourly wage.
- WestJet's CEO stated the airline offered a proposal including an hourly rate covering all pre- and post-flight time and a significant wage increase, but the union rejected it, seeking better recognition of cabin crew work.
- Both sides expressed willingness to resume negotiations, but the strike has disrupted operations on Boeing 737 and 787 flights, while regional and code-share flights remain unaffected.
- The strike echoes a similar labor dispute last summer when Air Canada flight attendants struck over groundwork pay, causing significant travel disruptions before reaching a deal after three days.
