TORONTO, ON – The Blue Jays’ bats may have been quiet on Tuesday night, but luckily dozens of WestJet flight attendants represented by CUPE 8125 were on site bringing the noise and raising awareness about unpaid work and low wages at WestJet, one of the Blue Jays’ signature sponsors.
Members of CUPE 8125 held an information picket outside the Skydome to talk with fans about the reality that flight attendants are expected to work without pay up to 35 hours per month at WestJet. Then, during the 7th inning stretch, flight attendants also unveiled signage reading “UNPAID WORK WON’T FLY”, occupying four rows in the stands, bringing their message to thousands of baseball fans.
Their message was clear: it’s not the 9th inning yet, but it’s time for WestJet to step up to the plate with a fair deal. Over ninety-nine percent of WestJet flight attendants recently authorized strike action if necessary to end unpaid work at the bargaining table, and they could be forced on strike if no resolution is reached by August 2.
The action is part of a growing national campaign by CUPE’s flight attendants to end the abuse of unpaid labour across Canada’s airline industry. Visit endunpaidwork.ca to learn more.