CUPE files to represent WestJet Encore flight attendants

Majority have signed union cards

CUPE files to represent WestJet Encore flight attendants
In July 2018, CUPE was certified to represent about 3,000 flight attendants at WestJet’s mainline carrier. SHUTTERSTOCK

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) filed an application at the Canada Industrial Relations Board on April 12 to represent flight attendants at WestJet Encore.

A majority of WestJet Encore flight attendants have signed cards supporting unionization with CUPE, after citing the need for better schedules and better opportunities for career advancement among their reasons for seeking to unionize, said the union.

“CUPE has industry-leading experience and expertise in improving the working conditions and the lives of our flight attendant members,” said Mark Hancock, CUPE national president. “We look forward to adding Encore flight attendants to our airline family.”

“Most definitely, my life is a lot better after joining CUPE,” said Kruti Sutaria, who is now the secretary-treasurer of CUPE, Local 4070, representing WestJet mainline flight attendants.

In July 2018, CUPE was certified to represent about 3,000 flight attendants at WestJet’s mainline carrier. CUPE is Canada’s flight-attendant union, representing 15,000 flight attendants at ten different airlines nationwide.

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