WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech reaches tentative agreement with flight attendants to end strike and restore service.
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech and the Canadian Union of Public Employees reached a tentative agreement to end a strike that disrupted travel for 250,000 passengers over a holiday weekend. The dispute centered on how flight attendants are compensated for duties performed while the aircraft is on the ground, a key issue that also affected Air Canada last year. WestJet offered a 13% wage increase this year, followed by 2.5% annual increases through 2029, along with additional pay for all hours worked to address the union's complaints regarding unpaid groundwork. Alia Hussain, president of the union, noted that the deal recognizes more of the work cabin crew perform. While the airline apologized for the frustration caused by hundreds of flight cancellations, the union expressed hope that the government would not interfere in the bargaining process. The agreement now faces a ratification vote by the 4,400 cabin crew members.