- Around 4,440 members of CUPE’s WestJet component could walk off the job as soon as Aug. 2 after members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike mandate, citing demands to end unpaid work.
- A new Abacus Data poll shows Canadians overwhelmingly support the flight attendants, with more than 85,000 people writing letters asking the government to stay out of the bargaining process.
- Hajdu assigned a special mediator for the dispute earlier this month, and the minister has already met with CUPE and WestJet.
- The federal government shouldn’t interfere in a prospective work stoppage at WestJet because it would undermine negotiations between the airliner and its flight attendants.
- Kyle Seeback emphasized that WestJet must end its policy of refusing to pay flight attendants for work done prior to takeoff.
- Alia Hussain, president of CUPE’s WestJet component, stated, “The consensus against government interference in our collective bargaining process is clear.”
- Hajdu’s office stated that it expects the parties to “come to an agreement at the bargaining table,” with federal mediators helping to facilitate talks.
WestJet and its flight attendants' union are in critical negotiations as a strike deadline looms, with a potential walkout authorized by 4,440 members if no agreement is reached by August 2.1
Conservative labour critic Kyle Seeback emphasized the importance of allowing the collective bargaining process to unfold without government interference, referencing past interventions that disrupted negotiations.5
“I’d like them to let the collective bargaining process work its way out, and not to intervene early like they did with the Air Canada flight attendants,” Seeback stated, highlighting the issue of unpaid work that flight attendants face.
CUPE has reported that a new poll indicates strong public support for the flight attendants, with over 85,000 letters sent to the government urging non-intervention.2
“The consensus against government interference in our collective bargaining process is clear,” said Alia Hussain, president of CUPE’s WestJet component.
The federal government, through Hajdu’s office, has expressed hope that the parties will reach an agreement at the bargaining table, with federal mediators assigned to facilitate discussions.
Hajdu assigned a special mediator for the dispute earlier this month, and the minister has already met with CUPE and WestJet.
“Around 4,440 CUPE members could strike as soon as Aug. 2, demanding an end to unpaid work. A recent Abacus Data poll shows over 85,000 Canadians support the flight attendants, urging the government to refrain from interfering in the bargaining process.”
