Encore Bargaining Update #8: Week 2 Summary Update

Dear Members,

Your WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee has concluded the second week of negotiations with the Company.  

We are pleased to share that we reached agreement in principle on 8 articles:

• Article 1 - Preamble

• Article 3 - Management Rights

• Article 4 - Union Recognition

• Article 5 - Workplace Violence, Discrimination & Harassment

• Article 10 – Deduction Of Dues

• Article 13 – Union Communication

• Article 23 – Compassionate Transfers

• Article 51 – Publishing of the Agreement

Beyond these tentatively agreed-to articles, we have made substantial progress on several areas of your Collective Agreement. These reside with either the Bargaining Committee or the Employer for further discussion.  

• Article 14 – Probation

• Article 26 – Aircraft & Company-Assigned Equipment

• Article 27 – Passport/Visa

• Article 33 – Hostage, Internment, or Death

This week we also welcomed Jill Husby – WestJet Labour Relations Advisor to the table for introductions and discussions, further reinforcing WestJet’s recognition of WestJet Encore Cabin Crew Members.  

Your Bargaining Committee has also met with the Mainline Bargaining Committee to discuss key shared issues affecting both Bargaining units.  These discussions are essential to keep a unified and coordinated approach when engaging with WestJet and WestJet Encore.  

As bargaining continues, your engagement is critical. Staying informed, united, and visible in your support makes our position stronger at the table.

Our next scheduled bargaining date is set for June.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to follow, like, and share our posts on Facebook and Instagram. Members are also encouraged to wear their Union pin. This helps increase our visibility and brings attention to the issues we are fighting for. Ultimately, extending our reach beyond the bargaining table.

For real live updates and to follow the progress of each article, please visit the Article Tracker at:  

https://wjcomponent.ca/encore-negotiation-tracker

Thank you for your continued solidarity. Your strength and support motivate us as we work together toward an agreement that recognizes your value and professionalism.

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Natasha Selby - natasha.selby@wjcomponent.ca
Maria Gaw - maria.gaw@wjcomponent.ca
Alia Hussain - alia.hussain@wjcomponent.ca
Jennifer Kuhnert - jennifer.kuhnert@wjcomponent.ca

Encore Bargaining Update #7 - Completion of Week 1 at the Table

Dear WestJet Encore Members,

Your WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee has wrapped up our first official week at the table.  The conversations were respectful, focused, and productive on both sides, and we are happy to share that we’ve already made some early progress.  

In our first week, we reached agreements in principle on two articles:

• Article 8 Amendments to the Agreement

• Article 9 Strike/Lockout

We are also actively talking through six more articles, which are currently with either the Committee or the Company for review.  These include important items like recognition, preamble, and discrimination. Nothing is finalized on these yet, but the discussions are moving, and the work is underway.

On day two, WestJet President Diederik Pen joined us at the table.  He shared his commitment to reaching an agreement that works for both the Company and WestJet Encore Cabin Crew Members and acknowledged the important role we play in the success of the operation.

Looking ahead, we have more bargaining days scheduled in May, and we are ready to keep building on this momentum.

Your support really matters during this process. The Company notices when members are informed, engaged, and united. Staying involved, wearing your union pin, and showing visible support for your Bargaining Committee helps strengthen our voice at the table.

Simply put, we’re only as strong as the members behind us.  Your unity is what keeps us pushing for an agreement that truly reflects your value and professionalism.

For real-time updates and to follow the progress of each article, check out the Article Tracker at wjcomponent.ca/encore-negotiation-tracker

We’ll continue to keep you updated after each bargaining session.  We thank you for standing with us.

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Elected Representatives:
Natasha Selby - natasha.selby@wjcomponent.ca
Maria Gaw - maria.gaw@wjcomponent.ca

Executive:
Jennifer Kuhnert - jennifer.kuhnert@wjcomponent.ca
Alia Hussain - alia.hussain@wjcomponent.ca

Encore Bargaining Update # 6 - Day 1 at the Table

Dear Members,

Yesterday, your WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee met with the Company for the first day of bargaining. Opening statements were exchanged, including remarks from our President, Alia Hussain, outlining the bargaining priorities for this round of negotiations

CLICK HERE TO READ THE OPENING STATEMENT

From the outset, we have been unequivocal that meaningful change is not optional and cannot be delayed. WestJet Encore employees are facing real and ongoing challenges, and the current working conditions and compensation have never been sustainable. Our members deserve substantive and tangible improvements in this round of negotiations, and anything less fails to meet the urgency of their reality.  

Both parties reviewed several important protocol items, including a commitment to maintain respect and professionalism throughout the bargaining process from both the Company and the Union.  Work is underway to finalize additional bargaining dates in May and June to keep negotiations moving forward.

To help keep members informed, we have launched our Negotiations Tracker:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEGOTIATIONS TRACKER

This resource will:

• Indicate which Articles are currently active and have negotiations in progress.

• Indicate which Articles have been Agreed to in Principle.

  • Important note: Articles that have been Agreed to in Principle do not mean they are finalized. It means that the Union and the Company have reached agreement; however, the entire Collective Agreement will be brought together as one ‘package’. All changes agreed to will be presented to the membership at the end of bargaining for a ratification vote.  

• Be updated as often as possible (generally at the end of a bargaining week), though not always in real time during critical stages of bargaining.

• Be used as a means to understand the progress being made at the table.  

It is standard practice that negotiations begin with non-monetary issues before moving on to monetary matters.  This ensures that language can be agreed on other articles prior to starting negotiations on bigger articles with financial aspects.  

It is important to remember that the negotiated language in all articles carries importance as they all impact our working conditions.  

We will continue to provide updates regularly, and it is important that members carefully read email communications to stay informed.  Your continued support and determination give the Bargaining Committee the collective strength to negotiate on your behalf.

Together, we are moving forward with strength and determination to achieve the change our members deserve.

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Elected Representatives:
Natasha Selby - natasha.selby@wjcomponent.ca
Maria Gaw - maria.gaw@wjcomponent.ca

Executive:
Jennifer Kuhnert - jennifer.kuhnert@wjcomponent.ca
Alia Hussain - alia.hussain@wjcomponent.ca

Encore Bargaining Update #5 - Notice to Bargain Served

Dear Encore Members,

We would like to share an important update as we move into the next stage of our journey. Your WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee has formally served Notice to Bargain with the Company. This is the required first step under the Canada Labour Code and marks the official beginning of the collective bargaining process for our next agreement.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NOTICE TO BARGAIN

Our first bargaining dates with the Company are scheduled for April 21–23 in Calgary. These meetings will begin a meaningful round of negotiations focused on improving the working conditions, compensation, and overall experience of our Cabin Crew Members.

Over the past several months, your feedback, conversations, and engagement have helped shape a clear and united direction. Issues such as unpaid work, fair compensation, and recognition of the essential role Cabin Crew plays in Encore’s success have been consistently reflected in the feedback and conversations we have had with members across the network. Your voices have guided our preparations, and they will continue to guide us at the table.

As we move forward, staying connected and supporting one another will be incredibly important. Bargaining can bring challenges, but when we stand united together, we bring a strong, and unified voice to the table. Your involvement, whether through questions, conversations, or simply staying informed, will continue to play an important role throughout the process.

We will continue to share regular updates and create opportunities for engagement as bargaining moves forward. Thank you for your ongoing support, your participation, and the trust you place in your Bargaining Committee, and know that your engagement will make the difference at the table.

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Encore Bargaining Update #4 - Upcoming Bargaining Priorities Townhall

Dear Encore Members,

As we move through the final stages of preparation, this week marks an important moment in our path toward formal bargaining. We want to share a brief update outlining what to expect over the coming days and how you can stay connected and informed.

Town Hall – Monday, March 30, 2026

A reminder that our in-person Town Hall will take place Monday, March 30 at 2:00 PM MST at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North. This session will focus on:

• Key themes and priorities emerging from member feedback

• How your input has shaped our bargaining preparations

• Timelines, next steps, and what to expect as we enter negotiations

• Space for member questions, discussion, and meaningful engagement

Your participation is crucial, and we encourage all members to attend. Please find the link to register in your email.

Serving Notice to Bargain – Thursday, April 2

On Thursday April 2, the Encore Bargaining Committee will officially serve notice to bargain. This marks the formal start of the Collective Bargaining process. Over the past several months, your feedback, survey responses, and engagement have helped shape a strong, informed, and unified foundation. As we move into the next phase, our focus remains on transparency, preparedness, and representing the full membership with clarity and respect.

Ongoing Work This Month

Throughout March, the Committee has continued refining our proposals and preparing for formal negotiations. This includes:

• Finalizing priority areas identified by members

• Reviewing scheduling, reserve, and other targeted contract articles

• Continuing comparison work across industry standards

• Strengthening communication plans in partnership with the MESC team

We also did additional training on pensions, including what future improvements could look like for Encore members.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the bargaining phase, staying connected will be more important than ever. We’ll continue to provide regular updates, resources, and opportunities for you to participate. Your engagement, whether through get‑togethers, questions, or ongoing dialogue, plays a vital role in ensuring we bring a strong, unified voice to the table.

Thank you for your continued support, your involvement, and your trust. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at the Town Hall next week.

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Encore Bargaining Update #3 - Preparations for Bargaining

Dear Encore Members,

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the recent survey. Your participation is deeply appreciated and continues to guide the direction of our work. Over the past several weeks, the Bargaining Committee has carefully reviewed the feedback, identifying shared priorities as well as areas where viewpoints differ. This member‑driven information helps us better understand what matters most as we approach the next steps in bargaining.

We are now in the final stages of preparing for formal negotiations. As a reminder, the earliest date we are permitted to serve notice to bargain is March 31, 2026. Until then, our focus remains on preparation, research, and ensuring we enter the bargaining process with a strong, informed, and unified position while also recognizing that members may hold a range of expectations and concerns. Our commitment is to move forward in a way that is steady, transparent, and supportive of the entire membership.

Additional Bargaining Preparation Updates

Our committee has completed major contract comparisons, reviewing not only our agreement but also broader industry standards. These comparisons have helped identify areas where adjustments may be appropriate and where members have expressed recurring concerns. As we continue this work, we will begin deeper reviews of the scheduling and reserve articles which were topics frequently raised in member feedback. Our approach will prioritize clarity and fairness, recognizing that these issues can create tension and differing expectations.

We also want to thank everyone who attended our Bargaining Process Webinar. Your participation, whether through questions, comments, or thoughtful engagement helps strengthen our process. A link to the recording is available for those who could not attend.

Link to recorded Webinar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyA2awzGXyU&t=3s

Connecting Before We Bargain

Before we officially serve notice, the Encore Bargaining Committee will be hosting an in‑person town hall. This gathering provides members with a constructive opportunity to connect directly with the Committee, learn more about the work accomplished so far, and understand what lies ahead.

The town hall is designed to promote open communication, clarity, and thoughtful discussion.

Whether you are new to Encore or have participated in bargaining cycles before, your presence matters. We understand that members may approach these conversations with strong feelings or differing viewpoints, and this town hall offers a structured and supportive space to express those perspectives productively.

During the Town Hall, we’ll be presenting:

• The major themes and goals for CA2

  • An overview of the core priorities that emerged from the survey and comparison work.

• How member feedback has shaped our preparation

  • Examples of how input from the membership has informed our approach to upcoming negotiations.

• Timelines and key stages in the bargaining process

  • A clear outline of the steps ahead, so everyone understands the process and expectations remain consistent.

• Time for member questions, discussion, and engagement

  • A dedicated space for members to share questions and concerns in a respectful and constructive environment.

Town halls continue to be a valuable part of our democratic process. We recognize that in a high‑conflict environment, clarity and communication are especially important. These sessions help ensure that members feel informed, heard, and grounded as we prepare to move into formal bargaining.

In Person Town Hall Details

• March 30, 2026

• 2:00 PM MST

• Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North

Please watch your email for the registration link, which will be sent soon. We encourage all members to attend, bring questions, and stay engaged in a way that supports open dialogue and shared understanding.

Member Engagement and Looking Ahead

To close the month, the Bargaining Committee met with the Member Engagement and Strike Committee (MESC) to explore new ways to enhance engagement and communication. In groups where conflict dynamics can be heightened, ongoing and clear communication becomes especially important. Our goal is to support a steady, well‑informed membership throughout the entire bargaining cycle and not just during negotiations.

As we move forward, we will continue providing updates, sharing resources, and creating opportunities for involvement. Your commitment, your questions, and your willingness to stay informed help strengthen our collective path forward. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Encore Bargaining Update #1 - Preparations for Bargaining

Dear Encore Members,

This week, your Encore Bargaining Committee has been hard at work preparing for the initial Bargaining Priorities Survey. We expect to distribute the survey between late January and February 2026. This is your opportunity to let us know what matters most to you. More details will follow as we get closer to the release date.

The information collected from the survey will be used to shape the direction of bargaining and will be referenced regularly by your Bargaining Committee. We were fortunate to have the support of our CUPE National Researcher, who supports all airlines within the Airline Division of CUPE. Their expertise assisted us in formulating the survey and identifying overarching themes that will be explored.

The survey's responses will remain anonymous, and only the consolidated data will be used. To protect the integrity of our bargaining proposals, please note that we will not immediately be publishing or openly sharing the data that comes out of the survey responses. This would give the Company insight into our Bargaining Priorities. It is integral that we protect our position at the table, and the Bargaining Committee is committed to sharing as much information as possible when appropriate.

The Bargaining Committee began formulating a strategic plan and general timelines for bargaining. Our strategic plan is a dynamic guiding document. It includes a communication and a member education plan, a process for determining our priorities, and approaches for responding to the constantly evolving environment we face. This plan will interface with the Member Engagement and Strike (MESC) Committee’s activities for member engagement and mobilization. In bargaining 30% of the power comes from the committee; the remaining 70% comes from the unity of the membership supporting our bargaining efforts.

Looking ahead to early next year, we will launch a bargaining-related learning series as part of our member education initiatives, including a live webinar explaining the bargaining process.

In the above graphic, you will see an overview of the Bargaining Process. We are currently in the Preparation Phase. These will complement other resources already available on our union website. Link Here to the Encore Bargaining HQ Website: wjcomponent.ca/encore-bargaining-hq

You can also explore the Local’s podcast (In the Jumpseat) for more insights.

As we draw closer to the expiry of our collective agreement, we will be meeting more frequently to prepare for bargaining. You can expect regular updates, starting with the Bargaining Priorities Survey. We are also planning a Town Hall to answer your other bargaining-related questions and keep you informed. The details will follow soon.

Finally, from all of us on your Encore Bargaining Committee: your support, engagement, and commitment will ultimately make our workplace better for all of us at Encore.  We wish you happy holidays, safe skies, and see you in the new year!

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Jennifer Wielohorski-Kuhnert - Encore Unit VP
Mary Ann Lee - Encore Rep
Maria Gaw - Encore Rep
Alia Hussain - President
Alex Grigoriev - Local Executive (Alternate)
Cameron Jones - Local Executive (Alternate)

Welcome to the Encore Bargaining Blog

Hello Members,

This space will serve as the central hub for all official updates, announcements, and information related to our upcoming Encore collective bargaining negotiations. We understand the importance of staying informed throughout this process, and this blog is designed to keep you in the loop every step of the way.

Here, you'll find regular posts detailing the progress of negotiations, key developments, answers to frequently asked questions, and any important documents we need to share. Consider this your one-stop shop for all bargaining-related communications.

We encourage you to check back frequently for the latest news and to stay engaged as we work towards securing a strong and fair collective agreement for all encore members of the WestJet Component (CUPE 8125).

Your Bargaining Committee