Calgary

WestJet reaches agreement with union that represents 650 cabin crew on regional carrier

The Calgary-based WestJet Airlines Ltd. says it has reached a tentative agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 650 cabin crew on the airline's regional carrier known as WestJet Encore.

Airline previously finalized agreement for jet fleet, which represents more than 3,100 cabin crew

The Canadian Union of Public Employees and WestJet say they have reached a tentative agreement covering the 650 cabin crew at WestJet Encore, the airline's regional carrier. (WestJet)

The Calgary-based WestJet Airlines Ltd. says it has reached a tentative agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents 650 cabin crew on the airline's regional carrier known as WestJet Encore.

In a statement, CUPE Local 4070 vice-president Jamie Loiselle said he was pleased with the deal, adding that the union would recommend acceptance.

"It's been a difficult year in the airline sector due to the pandemic, but we are starting to see things turn around," Loiselle said.

"Our flights are filling up, more staff are coming back from layoff, and we are hopeful that we will soon have collective agreements covering all our members at the three WestJet companies."

The union represents approximately 4,000 flight attendants and cabin crew members at Encore, the WestJet mainline carrier and the low-cost airline Swoop.

In March, WestJet ratified an agreement with CUPE for the airline's jet fleet, representing more than 3,100 cabin crew.

In a statement, Ed Sims, WestJet's president and CEO, said he was pleased to come to terms on an agreement for those crew members who work on the airline's turboprop fleet.

"Our Inflight team members … are an important and valued part of our operation," Sims said. "We intend to continue supporting them as they continue the safe, caring service our guests expect of the WestJet Group."