WestJet Airlines (TSX:WJA) has ratified its first collective agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents more than 3,100 cabin crew.
CUPE has represented cabin crew at Calgary-based WestJet Airlines since 2018 and has engaged the company in collective bargaining toward a union contract since April 2019.
A total of 1,663 of CUPE members (66.8% of those who voted) were in favour of the agreement, which is effective retroactive to March 1 and will remain in effect until the end of 2025.
In a statement, Ed Sims, WestJet's Chief Executive, said he was pleased with the historic agreement.
"The resulting agreement is a reflection of the interest-based bargaining required to achieve this positive outcome and it is a strong example of how we can work together, respectfully with dedication and professionalism, to benefit our employees and our guests during these challenging times."
The new collective agreement comes during a period of ongoing uncertainty for airlines. In February of this year, WestJet announced it would lay off 120 cabin crew members, saying a lack of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean contributed to the cuts. It also said it would lay of an undisclosed number of pilots.
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