WestJet flight attendants ratified a new collective agreement following a strike that grounded hundreds of flights in Canada earlier this month. The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents about 4,400 flight attendants, said Monday about 90% voted in favor of ratifying the new agreement. The agreement, set to take effect Jan. 1, includes wage increases of more than 18% over three years as well as new compensation for work that cabin crew previously did without pay, the union said. The flight attendants had been seeking compensation for the work they do on the ground before and after flights take off and land, known as boarding pay and ground pay. A number of other carriers including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have started paying their crews for their boarding-time work in recent years. The ratification comes after the WestJet flight attendants went on strike earlier this month, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations before they reached a tentative agreement with the company. WestJet is Canada's second-largest airline, and flies to more than 100 destinations around the world. The strike prevented the carrier from flying its Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft during a busy holiday weekend in much of the country. The vote to ratify the agreement "is a strong mandate from our members and recognition of the meaningful gains we made at the bargaining table," said Alia Hussain, president of CUPE 8125. "This is only our second contract, and we made important progress, including making sure our members are compensated for more of the work they already do."

WestJet said the agreement provides a foundation for its continued success. "We are pleased our cabin crew voted to ratify this agreement, one that modernizes how cabin crew are compensated," Chief Executive Alexis von Hoensbroech said.

The strike and subsequent agreement mark a significant moment for labor relations in Canada's aviation sector, as flight attendants secured compensation for duties long performed without pay. With 90% voter turnout in favor, the deal reflects strong member support for the negotiated terms, including the 18% wage increase over three years.

Write to Kelly Cloonan at [email protected]