Encore Bargaining Update #12: Week 6 Summary Update
Dear Members,
Your Encore Bargaining Committee has now concluded the sixth week of both in-person and virtual negotiations.
This week saw a slower pace at the bargaining table, with both the Union and the Employer exchanging article pass-backs for further review and consideration.
We also met with Tara Ikeda, Senior Manager, Group Benefits, and Jennifer Mena-Yiukay, Director, Group Benefits, who provided a detailed overview of our current benefits program and introduced an alternative benefits option for the Committee's consideration.
The remainder of the week was spent working through counter-proposals, preparing responses to the Employer's positions, and developing multiple articles to present at our next bargaining session.
The following articles remain either with the Company or with the Union to discuss further:
With the Company
Article 16 – Non-Bargaining Unit Employees and Inflight Duties
Article 22 – Ad-Hoc Assignments
Article 28 – Uniforms
Article 40 – Charter Operations and Special Purpose Flights
With the Union:
Article 19 – Travel Privileges & Jumpseat Access
Article 24 – Filling of Vacancies
We recognize that this has been a significant and busy week, with our Mainline counterparts receiving an overwhelming mandate from their membership to vote YES in favour of job action.
Your Encore Bargaining Committee continues to stand in solidarity with Mainline as they navigate the next steps in their bargaining process. Members can expect to see additional communications and updates in the coming weeks as more information becomes available.
What does this mean for Encore?
It is important to understand that Encore and Mainline are separate bargaining units and are currently at different stages of the bargaining process. As a result, Encore is not included in any job action at this time.
For Encore members, negotiations continue as usual. We recognize that many members have questions and concerns about what Mainline's job action mandate could mean for Encore. As information becomes available and any potential impacts on our group becomes clearer, we are committed to providing timely updates to our members.
In the meantime, we encourage all members to continue referring to communications from the WestJet Component for the most current and accurate information regarding Mainline bargaining developments
Encore members can continue to show their support by sharing social media content issued by the WestJet Component and by wearing the red bracelets available through the Union Office at the airport or from a MESC member.
However, Encore members must not participate in the Red Lanyard Campaign or wear the Red Buttons while on duty. Participating in these activities could be viewed by management as unsanctioned collective action and may result in discipline.
We understand the desire to support Mainline and show solidarity. However, protecting our members from unnecessary disciplinary action remains our top priority. Our time to stand up and make our voices heard will come, but it is essential that we continue to follow the legal framework of our own bargaining process.
If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to follow, like, and share our posts on Facebook and Instagram. This increases visibility and brings attention to what we are working to achieve, expanding awareness beyond the bargaining table.
The Local’s Podcast, in the Jumpseat also has information around negotiations and activities within the Local. Members are encouraged to listen on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify.
For live updates and to track the status of each article, please visit the Article Tracker at: https://wjcomponent.ca/encore-negotiation-tracker
We will meet with the Company again on August 19, 2026, and will continue advancing meaningful proposals focused on improving working conditions and strengthening our Collective Agreement
Thank you for your continued solidarity. Your strength and support motivate us as we work together towards an agreement that recognizes your value and professionalism.
In Unity,
WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee
Alia Hussain - alia.hussain@wjcomponent.ca
Jennifer Kuhnert - jennifer.kuhnert@wjcomponent.ca
Natasha Selby - natasha.selby@wjcomponent.ca
Maria Gaw - maria.gaw@wjcomponent.ca