WestJet and Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Agreement, Ending Operational Disruption
Canadian carrier WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)—the labor organization representing the airline’s cabin crew—have reached a tentative agreement, bringing an immediate end to the work stoppage and widespread operational disruptions across its network.
As part of the understanding reached between executive management and labor representatives, both the union’s strike notices and the company’s lockout notices have been formally withdrawn. The final text of the collective agreement will soon be submitted to a ratification vote by CUPE-represented cabin crew members.
WestJet Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech welcomed the breakthrough agreement and acknowledged the impact the labor dispute had on both passengers and airline personnel:
“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that recognizes the hard work and professionalism of our cabin crew members. We recognize that this disruption has been frustrating for our guests and WestJet team members, and we sincerely apologize. Our teams are working tirelessly to restore operations and get our passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we return to normal operations.”
Next Steps Toward Full Service Restoration
With the withdrawal of both industrial action and lockout measures, WestJet’s operational and logistics planning teams have initiated the recovery process to restore regular flight schedules.
The airline stated that further updates regarding its operational recovery plan will be provided as network data and flight scheduling technicalities are finalized.
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