WestJet flight attendants are now on strike across Canada as the union and the airline were unable to make a deal.
Local flight attendants and representatives from the Canadian Union of Public Employees hit the picket line Sunday morning at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.
Dozens of workers could be seen carrying signs and marching outside the WestJet terminal as travellers arrived for their flights.
Gina McKay with CUPE Manitoba said more than 200 workers in Winnipeg are taking part in the strike, noting wages and work done on the ground before takeoff remain the biggest issues between the two sides.
“Unpaid work is a huge portion of their duties,” McKay said. “So, what we’re trying to say here too is to recognize that there’s no job in this country that should be unpaid when you’re putting in the hours.”
Ground work payment prompted a similar strike one year ago from Air Canada flight attendants.
WestJet has cancelled its flights due to the work stoppage and said it is willing to negotiate with the union.
“WestJet remains at the table and committed to achieving a negotiated tentative agreement that recognizes the important contributions and professionalism of WestJet’s Cabin Crew,” the airline said in a news release.
Travel troubles
Several passengers at Winnipeg’s airport spoke about how the strike has caused changes to their travel plans
Mohammed Saleem was in Winnipeg for a wedding and was having trouble getting a return flight to Houston. He said he was hoping to be on a flight home by Tuesday.
“I think the most important thing is that the WestJet people, the higher-ups, whoever they are, need to find a solution to help the customers,” he said.
Sydney Handel, who was travelling to Alaska for a wedding, was also disappointed at missing flights but also understands the feelings the workers have as they walk the picket line.
“I think selfishly, it’s like yeah, I want to go on this fun trip, but at the same time, it’s their livelihood,” she said. “If they really feel strong enough to go on strike, it must be serious.”
Editor’s note: If your travel plans have been impacted by the strike, we want to hear from you. Email winnipegnews@ctv.ca if you are willing to share your story.
-with files from The Canadian Press
