WestJet cabin crew compensation and negotiations explained

What is a Notice of Dispute? 

In the future, conciliation meetings between CUPE and WestJet will be supported by a federal conciliator to find solutions to outstanding topics at the bargaining table. 

What happens following the Notice of Dispute? 

• Within 15 days, the Minister will appoint a conciliation officer to assist with the negotiations. 
• The conciliation officer has a 60-day mandate from the day they are appointed with the option to extend should both parties mutually agree. 
• Following the 60-day period, a 21-day cooling off period begins. During this process, the parties may acquire the legal right to strike or lockout. However, a legal work stoppage cannot take place until the 21-days have expired.
• A 72-hour notice to the other party and to the applicable Minister is needed in order to declare a strike or lockout. 

How are WestJet cabin crew paid? 

• WestJet cabin crew are paid using a credit hour system, which is the standard pay model for cabin crew across North America.
• Block hours start when the aircraft leaves the gate and end when it arrives at the gate.

Will there be changes to the credit-hour or pay system?

• We've heard clearly that many of our crew feel this system requires improvements. We also know their current compensation requires adjustments in the context of inflation, and we take that seriously. We're prepared to make meaningful improvements in both regards.

Cabin crew voted in favour of a strike, does this mean there will be flight disruption?

• We are in active, constructive talks with the union and are confident an agreement can be reached.

What is a "credit hour"?

• A credit hour (equal to one flight time hour) is a unit of pay used in the airline industry to compensate cabin crew for a full range of duties, not just time spent in the air.
• Rather than paying a lower hourly wage for every hour on duty, the credit hour system combines flight time, ground duties, delays, and other required work into a single, higher rate of pay. That rate is then “credited” across the full duty day.
• This is why credit hour rates are higher than a standard hourly wage — they are designed to cover more than one hour of work.
• The credit hour pay system allows cabin crew to: 
  • Reach the maximum scheduled hours and overtime threshold faster.
  • Enjoy more days off compared to an employee working a standard work week.
  • Provides minimum monthly guarantees and pay protections during irregular operations.

Do WestJet cabin crew work unpaid?

• No, the credit hour system provides wages on a basis other than duty time worked. Credit hours are calculated and paid as outlined in the collective agreement. 
• All duty time — on the ground and in the air — is compensated according to the collective agreement.
• WestJet’s pay system includes minimum guarantees and additional protections that increase compensation when duty days run longer than planned.

Do WestJet cabin crew get paid for preflight and post-flight work?

• Yes. 
• Block hours start when the aircraft leaves the gate and end when it arrives at the gate.
• The credit hour rate is designed to compensate for both flight time and ground duties. 
• Additional pay protections may apply for extended delays or duty periods, as outlined in the collective agreement.

How are WestJet cabin crew compensated in the event of flight delays?

• When a day includes delays or extra time away from home, the collective agreement provides protections that may increase compensation. 
• Delays may trigger: 
  • Additional pay for extended duty time.
  • Minimum pay guarantees (“RIGS”) based on duty length. 
• These provisions ensure cabin crew are not compensated based on flight time alone during irregular operations.

How many work hours are WestJet cabin crew guaranteed each month?

• Full-time: Minimum 80 hours/month.
• Part-time: Minimum 50 hours/month.
• Guaranteed pay even if scheduled hours fall below these minimums.
• Minimum days off: 
  • Full-time: 12 per month.
  • Part-time: 16 per month.
• One credit hour accounts for approximately 1.5 duty hours. Based on this, Cabin Crew working approximately 1,440 duty hours per year would receive 960 credit hours per year. For comparison, a full-time employee on a standard work schedule works approximately 2,080 hours a year.

What are the current pay rates for WestJet cabin crew?

• Cabin crew: $28.45 – $53.61 per credit hour. 
• Cabin managers (Widebody): $37.54 – $69.69 per credit hour.
• WestJet is committed to meaningful wage improvements in ongoing negotiations.