Canada’s WestJet Flight Attendants Strike After Talks Fail

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Or sign-in if you have an account.(Bloomberg) — Flight attendants at WestJet Airlines walked off the job on Sunday after failing to reach an agreement with Canada’s second-largest carrier over wages and scheduling.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account“We tried until the very last minute to get a fair deal that recognizes the value of the work cabin crews do,” Alia Hussain, head of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 8125’s union, said in a statement. “WestJet’s offer did not go far enough.”The union is “ready to go back to the table to settle,” she said. “We would not be here if they had taken our concerns seriously for almost eleven months of bargaining.”WestJet began grounding part of its fleet on Friday afternoon in preparation for a potential work stoppage. Flight attendants had served their 72-hour strike notice on Thursday, with WestJet filing a lockout notice in response.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againUnpaid groundwork was a major stumbling block in the negotiations. WestJet uses one method to pay flight attendants when the aircraft is in motion, and another to compensate for groundwork. Flight attendants argued the system is unfair, saying it results in as many as 35 hours a month of unpaid work. “We’re disappointed to be here,” the airline said in a statement on Sunday. “Our focus remains on staying available for the union to reach an agreement.”All impacted guests will be refunded or re-accommodated, as applicable, it said. Competitor Air Canada’s flight attendants walked out for three days last summer in a dispute over wages and compensation for time worked before and after flights. The airline now pays for some ground duties. In 2022, Delta Air Lines Inc. became the first US airline to pay attendants during the boarding period. (Updates with WestJet comment in sixth paragraph)This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.