MORE WESTJET STAFF JOIN CUPE
The Canadian Union of Public Employees has filed an application at the Canada Industrial Relations Board to represent flight attendants at WestJet. The union said Tuesday a majority of WestJet flight attendants have signed cards supporting unionization with CUPE, including WestJet’s mainline carrier and low-cost carrier Swoop. “We’re hopeful that this is just the first of many victories ahead ... as we work together to improve working conditions for inflight staff,” CUPE national president Mark Hancock said in a statement. CUPE’s move follows the unionization of the airline’s pilots who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association. A threat of a strike by the pilots was averted earlier this year when the airline and union agreed to a settlement process or final and binding arbitration. WestJet said it respects the rights of staff to choose their representation.