WestJet flight attendants vote to strike

The union representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants says its members have voted 'overwhelmingly' in favour of strike action.

The union representing 4,400 WestJet flight attendants says its members have voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of strike action. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125 said the vote was 99.4 per cent for a strike. CUPE says 97.

3 per cent of its membership cast ballots. Now, the company and union will undertake a 21-day cooling-off period before talks can resume.

This means that a strike could take place as early as Aug. 2. In a statement, the union says its end goal has always been “a negotiated agreement” that would “minimize any impact on travellers.” The strike vote materialized when it was clear negotiations had stalled., the union said.

“The members of CUPE 8125 are united and determined,” said CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain. “They voted to strike because they stand behind the bargaining priorities that they have identified, especially pay for all hours of work performed. WestJet should do the right thing and prevent travel disruptions for their passengers.”

This is a breaking news update, more details to follow...