WestJet Bargaining Committee Update – Building Momentum Together
Dear Members,
Your WestJet Mainline Bargaining Committee has been actively engaged in planning, research, and consultation as we prepare for the upcoming round of bargaining. Our recent meetings have focused on reviewing member feedback, analyzing the current Collective Agreement (CA), consulting with industry experts, and developing tools to better inform and engage you—our membership.
Below is our update on the key areas of focus this past month:
CA1 Unpacked – Building a Baseline Together
One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we received from member surveys and member interactions was that many Cabin Personnel find the current collective agreement (CA1) difficult to navigate or fully understand. This challenge is even more pronounced among new hires and those who joined through the Swoop or Sunwing integrations. With that in mind, your Bargaining Committee is launching CA1 Unpacked—a quick-reference learning series designed to give all members a stronger foundation before we head into CA2.
Each edition of CA1 Unpacked will focus on one section or concept within the current collective agreement, broken down into plain language, with real-life examples of how it applies to your work. These will be sent out every two weeks and archived on our website so that members can access them at any time. When timely or urgent topics arise, we’ll release additional editions to ensure members are equipped with clear, accessible information.
This initiative is part of our broader strategic plan to ensure every member has a shared baseline understanding of their rights and entitlements under CA1—so that when it comes time to consider CA2, we’re all able to participate with confidence and clarity.
Seniority Review – Complex but Critical
Seniority plays a central role in how Cabin Personnel experience their work life—whether it's bidding for pairings, vacation, reserve, or career progression opportunities. With the purchase of Sunwing, the integration of Swoop, and the historic and continued movement of Encore/Swoop Cabin Personnel into Mainline, and interdepartmental transfers - our Master Seniority List (MSL) has become increasingly complicated. The Seniority Task force began this work and the Bargaining Committee has been tasked with carrying the work forward as it falls to the scope of the Committee under Article 15.
We’ve begun the process of developing a seniority survey, but this work requires more time than anticipated. The reason is simple: each of the four airlines involved—WestJet, WestJet Encore, Swoop, and Sunwing—has different historical practices and record-keeping systems across all aspects of personnel records. In order to put forward meaningful survey questions, we need a full and accurate understanding of what data exists, how it’s been tracked, and what differences may impact fairness across groups.
We have re-engaged the Company on this issue and are actively reviewing available data sources. Our commitment is to only bring forward survey options that are based in fact, fair treatment, and consistency—not assumptions or incomplete information.
We’ve heard from many members that reviewing the seniority list is a top priority. We agree—but it must be done properly. We also want to remind members that this topic is sensitive. We ask everyone to remain respectful and mindful in conversations, both online and onboard. Discussions must remain professional and are governed by the Company’s Business Code of Conduct.
When the time comes, your participation in the seniority survey will be vital. Unions operate on democratic principles, and strong, informed participation will guide how we move forward. Until then, we remain focused on ensuring that the process is grounded in fact, fairness, and transparency for all Cabin Personnel—no matter how they arrived at WestJet.
Benefits Review – Reflecting Your Priorities
The Bargaining Committee has launched a focused review of our benefits plan, using feedback from the bargaining priorities survey to identify areas members value most—such as mental health support, dental care, and out-of-country coverage. To strengthen our approach, we’ve also engaged external benefits consultants and industry resources to help us assess how our current plan compares to those at other Canadian airlines.
This review is part of our strategic preparation for CA2. By aligning member priorities with industry standards and expert advice, we aim to develop proposals that are both meaningful and achievable. As the work continues, we’ll keep you informed and may follow up with more targeted questions to guide the next steps.
Fall Roadshows – Connecting Before We Bargain
Before we serve notice to bargain, the Mainline Bargaining Committee will be holding a series of in-person roadshows at all permanent bases this fall. These roadshows will give members the chance to connect face-to-face with the Bargaining Committee and gain insight into the path ahead.
At each session, we’ll present:
The major themes and goals for CA2
A summary of how member feedback has been incorporated into our preparation
Timelines and key stages in the bargaining process
Time for member questions, discussion, and engagement
Roadshows are a key part of our democratic process. Collective bargaining is built on the collective will of the membership, and the roadshows are how we ensure that everyone has the chance to be heard, informed, and united before we reach the table.
We encourage every member to attend, bring your questions, and stay involved. Details on dates, times, and locations will be shared in the coming weeks. Much more on this to come before September bids close.
Airline Division Bargaining – Solidarity Across Canada
CUPE Local 8125 is proud to be part of the CUPE Airline Division, a growing network of over 19,500 unionized airline workers across the country. Right now, several airline locals are actively engaged in bargaining or conciliation:
WestJet Encore - CA1 Expires One Year Today (July 31, 2026)
Air Canada Component has completed conciliation and is currently conducting a strike vote.
PASCAN Aviation has filed for conciliation and is in early stages of the process.
Calm Air is expected to issue notice to bargain in the fall.
PAL Airlines is a few months into bargaining process.
Canadian North will also be up for bargaining shortly.
Porter Airlines is undergoing a CIRB review for certification and then it will move directly into bargaining.
We ask our members to show support and solidarity for our union siblings across the industry. What happens at other tables impacts the entire sector, and showing a united front across airlines strengthens our collective voice. Please follow us @WestJetComponent on Instagram and WestJet Component on Facebook.
We will continue to share updates from our partners in the Airline Division and encourage you to stand with them, as they will stand with us.
Looking Ahead
Your Bargaining Committee remains committed to building a strong, informed, and united foundation as we head into CA2. Through continued education, data review, direct member outreach, and industry analysis, we’re preparing to bargain from a place of strength.
There will be more to come—more updates, more opportunities to engage, and more chances to shape the direction of our next agreement.
Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay united.
In Unity,
WestJet Bargaining Committee
Alia Hussain - President
Bryan Hansraj - WestJet Unit VP
Jean-Francois Laframboise - YVR/YEG Rep
Shane Campbell - YYC Rep
Justin Patterson - YYZ Rep
Cailey Millard - YWG/YUL Rep
Alex Grigoriev - Local Executive (Alternate)
Cameron Jones - Local Executive (Alternate)