CALGARY, AB – Flight attendants with WestJet, represented by CUPE 8125, have issued 72-hour strike notice. WestJet then issued a 72-hour lockout notice.
From the beginning, flight attendants have been clear about what they are fighting for. Unfortunately, the parties are still too far apart on some key issues.
“We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal,” said Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125.
The strike notice does not mean flight attendants want to go on strike. CUPE 8125 has been clear throughout negotiations that its goal is to reach a fair agreement without disrupting passengers or the travelling public.
CUPE 8125 is also calling on the federal government to respect the collective bargaining process and allow the parties to reach a fair, negotiated agreement without government intervention.
“There’s still time to avoid a strike,” said Hussain. “We will continue to bargain around the clock until this is resolved. We want a fair contract for our members that recognizes the value of flight attendants’ work and recognizes our position as employees of the second-largest carrier in Canada. We look forward to further discussions with WestJet at the table so we can resolve this before August 2nd.”