WestJet and union reach tentative deal to end strike
· Toronto Sun
See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source
WestJet and the union representing its cabin crew have reached a tentative agreement, ending a strike that began Sunday.
Visit afsport.lat for more information.
“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the hard work and professionalism our cabin crew,” WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a release. “We know this disruption has been frustrating for our guests and WestJetters and we’re sorry for that.
“Our teams are working hard to restore service and get our guests on their way to their destinations as quickly as possible and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we get back to normal.”
The agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees will now go to the 4,400 flight attendants for a ratification vote.
Calgary-based WestJet said it would share details on the return to operations as they become available.
What CUPE wanted
The union authorized the job action in July over a compensation model members said was out of touch with the shifting realities of flight work.
The bone of the union’s contention was a wage model called credit hour pay in which the employer offered a higher rate for the duration of the flight to make up for the preparation before the plane takes off. As a result, staff were only paid for when they’re flying.
In a news release, CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain said, “This tentative agreement represents meaningful progress. It evolves the flight credit system by recognizing more of the work cabin crew are required to perform and with general increases to compensation for that work.
“Most importantly, this agreement was achieved through collective bargaining at the negotiating table. We will now present the agreement to our members for their review and ratification vote.
“To our members, thank you for your solidarity throughout this process. We also want to thank the public, labour organizations, and everyone who supported cabin crew as we worked toward a fair resolution.”