WestJet flight attendants push for better wages in strike vote

A strike vote by WestJet flight attendants is expected to wrap up on Wednesday as the union continues to negotiate wages, scheduling and work-life balance.

“Our goal remains the same as it has been from the beginning: to reach a fair, negotiated, collective agreement,” said Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125.

“A strong strike mandate demonstrates that our members are united behind their bargaining committee and committed to achieving meaningful improvements.”

A strike vote does not guarantee a walkout. Instead, it provides the bargaining committee with leverage and allows members to pre-approve a strike if talks break down later.

“We believe the best outcome is one achieved at the bargaining table, and we remain focused on securing an agreement that recognizes the value of the work WestJet flight attendants perform every day,” Hussain says.

If the flight attendants approve a strike mandate, the union says the earliest date a legal strike or employer lockout could happen is Aug. 2.

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