Over 4,000 WestJet flight attendants are expressing their frustration with the Calgary-based airline after several months of failed negotiations, a notice Monday says.
In a release, the group representing the mainline flight attendants, CUPE 8125, issued a formal notice of dispute, saying the groups met “multiple times” each month to reach a collective agreement, but nothing tangible has surfaced.
CUPE spokesperson Erin Rolfson says they have met with WestJet four times per week for three weeks a month since September 2025.
They say the biggest issue is that flight attendants are “required to perform” work on average 35 hours each month, unpaid. Accordingly, WestJet’s system for measuring work and compensation is outdated.
“This job used to be well-compensated relative to its responsibilities,” Rolfson tells CityNews in an email.
“Over time, that has changed, and the current system no longer reflects the fair value of the work being done. Schedules have become increasingly demanding. Reliable rest conditions, including confirmed hotel accommodations, are essential to perform the job safely.”
Rolfson says they are “multiple steps away from any strike position.”
“Our focus is on securing a fair and sustainable agreement that reflects the realities of the job and the value of the work being done every day,” she said.
The union is also seeking improvements to scheduling and basic working conditions that “support a safe and sustainable operation.”
The union is calling on the Calgary-based airline to engage meaningfully at the bargaining table to address these concerns by reaching an agreement and minimizing any impact on travellers.
A spokesperson with WestJet provided a statement on the ongoing discussion, confirming the ongoing bargaining process and saying it’s committed to a “meaningful collective agreement.”
“WestJet recognizes and values the critical role cabin crew play in ensuring the safety, comfort, and care of our guests on every flight and remains committed to a meaningful collective agreement that is also sustainable for WestJet’s future,” the statement reads.
“While we were surprised by the timing, given the continuing progress at the table, conciliation is a common step in the labour negotiation process.”
The next session is from May 4-7 in Calgary.
A timeline of the bargaining process provided by WestJet can be found here.