File photo of a WestJet plane at the Lethbridge Airport. Workers at the Calgary and Vancouver airports have ratified an agreement with the airline. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Calgary and Vancouver airport workers ratify agreement with WestJet

Jul 29, 2022 | 9:56 AM

CALGARY, AB – A new agreement between WestJet and newly-unionized employees at the Calgary and Vancouver airports has been ratified.

On Sunday, July 24, 2022, both the airline and Unifor Local 531 announced the deal following talks of a potential strike last week.

READ MORE: Strike averted after WestJet reaches tentative agreement with Unifor service workers

On Friday, July 29, 2022, it was announced that a historic first contract had been ratified. It gives union members at least a 13% wage increase, their first increase in five years.

In a news release, Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to the National President and lead on the airline sector, said, “After nine months of challenging bargaining, the Local 531 bargaining committee achieved a long overdue and significant wage increases, improved benefits and better working conditions.”

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He said, “Members starting out in the wage grid will see their wages rise as much as 40% and members at the top of the scale will see increases between 13% and 17% over the life of the agreement.”

The agreement will come into effect September 1, 2022 and will be in place until December 31, 2026.

Unifor Local 531 represents nearly 800 baggage service agents, customer service agents (CSAs) and priority service agents (PSAs) in Calgary and Vancouver airports after being certified in May of 2021.

It was noted in the news release that steps have merged, condensing the time workers progress and ensuring faster wage increases. A 5% premium over CSAs/PSAs wage scale replaces the $1 per hour premium that was previously in place. An extra step at the top of the grid gives members an additional increase after eight years of service.

Other gains as part of the agreement include a $100 yearly uniform allowance, paid breaks, 100 hour stat holiday credit, continuation of the WestJet Savings Plan, seniority rights, 12 sick days for full-time and 10 for part-time employees, minimum rest periods, and improved scheduling.

It was also agreed that casual employees will not exceed 10% of the workforce.

Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer said in a news release, “This settlement demonstrates WestJet’s commitment to its employees, the long-term success of the airline and the communities we serve.”

“This agreement will provide our guests, who rely on our critical investments for their air travel needs, with well-deserved confidence in their long-awaited travel plans,” Avery stated.

Bargaining began in October of 2021 and Unifor Local 531 filed for conciliation with the Government of Canada on April 26, 2022.