WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Bargaining CA2: Your Voice, Our Strength

Welcome to the central hub for all information regarding the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations for your next agreement with WestJet Encore. We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way as we work towards securing a fair and equitable contract that reflects the hard work and dedication of our WestJet Component (CUPE 8125) members.

This page will be your go-to resource for updates, important documents, and opportunities to engage in the bargaining process. We believe in transparency and member involvement, and we encourage you to check back regularly for the latest news.

Get Involved

Your participation is crucial! As we move closer to and through negotiations, there will be opportunities for you to get involved and show your support. Stay tuned to this page and the bargaining blog for information on how you can contribute to achieving a strong collective agreement.

We are stronger together. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stand with your Bargaining Committee.

CUPE National Bargaining Policy
Negotiations Tracker

The WestJet Encore Collective Agreement expires in:

UNDERSTANDING THE BARGAINING PROCESS

We are currently in the NEGOTIATIONS stage of bargaining.
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1. Preparations & Notice

Your committee reviews member surveys to build core demands. Once Notice to Bargain is served, a "Statutory Freeze" locks your contract terms so the company cannot make unilateral changes.

2. Negotiations

Face-to-face table talks where proposals pass back and forth. If progress stalls on key priorities like scheduling or compensation, the process moves to the legal dispute framework.

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3. Conciliation

Government assigned conciliation officers steps in to help bring the Union and Company closer to a deal This phase has a strict 60-day mandate unless it is mutually agreed to be extended. No strike or lockout action can legally take place during this window.

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4. 21-Day Cooling-Off

A 3-week buffer period after conciliation ends. It is a final window under the Canada Labour Code once conciliation has ended. Note: the Company and Union can continue to negotiate if mutually agreed during this period. Members continue to fly under normal terms here.

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5. Job Action

At any point the Union can ask the membership for a job action vote. The result is valid for 60 days. The Union must give 72-hours' notice prior to Job Action and this can be issued in the last 72-hours of the Cooling Off Period. This is a procedural tool to show collective strength and apply pressure to the company.

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6. Ratification Vote

The ultimate destination is a strong Tentative Agreement. The membership reviews the full package and votes. If the majority votes 'Yes', the new collective agreement officially takes effect. If the membership votes no, we may end up back at the table or in Arbitration (pending various circumstances). 

In the Jumpseat Podcast

The In the Jumpseat Podcast is a new and valuable resource available on popular platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. This podcast is dedicated to providing our membership and other listeners with clear, concise, and informative discussions about what is happening in the bargaining room, along with other important topics and educational content. Specifically designed for WestJet Cabin Crew Members, it offers timely updates on negotiation progress, union initiatives, and critical workplace issues. By keeping members well-informed and connected, the podcast fosters active engagement throughout every stage of the bargaining process.

Your Bargaining Committee:
Advocating for You!

Your elected Bargaining Committee is comprised of dedicated union members who will represent your interests at the negotiating table. They have volunteered their time and expertise to advocate for the best possible outcome for all of us. Get to know the individuals who will be working tirelessly on your behalf:

  • Alia Hussain

    President

  • Jennifer Wielohorski-Kuhnert

    Encore Unit VP

  • Natasha Selby

    Encore Bargaining Rep

  • Maria Gaw

    Encore Bargaining Rep

Missed Our "Bargaining Learning Series"?

If you were unable to attend our recent "Encore Bargaining Process Webinar" event, you can now watch the recording here. This informative session provided valuable insights into the bargaining process, answered frequently asked questions, and offered an opportunity to learn more about how your collective agreement is negotiated. We encourage all members to watch this recording to gain a better understanding of what lies ahead.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Unit Vice President!

Bargaining Blog: Stay Up-to-Date

Go to Bargaining Blog

Every official update, proposal, and membership announcement regarding our encore negotiations is archived below in chronological order. Instead of digging through your email inbox or worrying if you missed a critical notification, use this central repository to instantly track table progress, review federal conciliation timelines, and verify official communications.

Most Recent Communications:

Featured
Encore Bargaining Update #10: Week 4 Summary Update
Encore Bargaining Update #9: Week 3 Summary Update
Encore Bargaining Update #8: Week 2 Summary Update
Encore Bargaining Update #7 - Completion of Week 1 at the Table