Full Breakdown
Recent Developments in Airline Labor Disputes: Air Canada and WestJet
2/19/2026, 4:04:14 AM
Air Canada Flight Attendants' Wage Arbitration Concludes
An arbitrator has finalized wage rates for Air Canada flight attendants, effectively resolving a labor dispute that disrupted travel for thousands last summer. The arbitration followed a strike initiated by over 10,000 flight attendants in August 2022, which prompted the Canadian government to intervene under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, leading to binding arbitration. The Canada Industrial Relations Board subsequently ordered the flight attendants to return to work, a directive that was initially defied by union officials.
The arbitration outcome maintained the wage rates from a tentative agreement but increased the first-year salary hike for Rouge flight attendants from 12% to 13%. The finalized contract stipulates a 12% salary increase for most junior Air Canada flight attendants and an 8% increase for more senior members in the first year. Additionally, the contract includes incremental raises of 3% in the second year, 2.5% in the third year, and 2.75% in the fourth year, extending until March 2029.
Addressing Ground Pay and Compensation Practices
The agreement also tackled the contentious issue of unpaid work during ground time. Flight attendants will receive half their hourly wage for 60 minutes of ground time on narrow-body aircraft and 70 minutes on wide-body planes, with increases planned to 60% in April 2024, 65% in 2027, and 70% in 2028. Earlier investigations by the federal government into compensation practices for flight attendants did not find evidence of violations of the federal minimum wage but flagged concerns regarding the compensation of part-time and entry-level staff.
WestJet's Settlement Over Harassment Allegations
In a separate but related issue, WestJet is facing a proposed $4.5 million settlement concerning allegations of inadequate anti-harassment measures for female flight attendants. The lawsuit, initiated by former flight attendant Mandalena Lewis, claims that the airline failed to support employees after incidents of harassment, including sexual assault. The case, certified as a class action in 2022, alleges that WestJet breached employment contracts by not maintaining effective harassment reporting and response systems.
The settlement would compensate 3,458 affected class members, but some former employees have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed payout, which could amount to between $700 and $1,000 per person after legal fees. Critics, including Andréa Zimmerman, argue that the settlement is inadequate compared to other settlements in similar cases and call for WestJet to take greater responsibility in ensuring a safe workplace for women.
Criticism and Opposition to Settlements
Opponents of the WestJet settlement have raised concerns about the lack of measures to ensure a safe working environment for female employees. They argue that the settlement does not address the systemic issues that led to the harassment allegations. Zimmerman emphasized the need for WestJet to implement a better reporting system and provide therapy for affected employees, stating, “I still think a lot of women will still be afraid to report harassment. It’s very disappointing.”
Conclusion
Both Air Canada and WestJet are navigating significant labor disputes that highlight ongoing challenges within the airline industry regarding employee compensation and workplace safety. As these cases unfold, they underscore the importance of addressing employee concerns and ensuring fair treatment in the aviation sector.
