Canadians overwhelmingly support WestJet flight attendants and their right to strike

CALGARY, AB--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canadians overwhelmingly support WestJet flight attendants in their fight for fair wages and an end to unpaid work, according to a new Abacus Data survey commissioned as flight attendants represented by CUPE 8125 prepare for potential strike action.

The survey, conducted July 17 to 19 among 1,500 Canadian adults aged 18 and over, found that the public is firmly on the side of flight attendants in their dispute with WestJet.

“The public understands what this fight is about: basic fairness,” said Alia Hussain, President of CUPE 8125. “Flight attendants are asking to be paid for all of the work they do. Canadians know that if you work, you should be paid for that work. It’s that simple.”

Nearly two-thirds of Canadians (64%) say they support flight attendants in the dispute, compared with just 11% who support WestJet. The survey also shows overwhelming public support for ending unpaid work. More than 8 in 10 Canadians (84%) agree that flight attendants should be paid for all work-related duties, including boarding, deplaning, delays and safety checks.

Canadians also believe WestJet can afford to do more. Nearly two-thirds (65%) say WestJet can afford to pay its flight attendants more, while only 14% believe the company's current offer is as much as it can reasonably afford.

Support for strike action is particularly strong among WestJet customers. A staggering 83% say they would support flight attendants taking strike action to achieve their bargaining goals.

The survey also found that Canadians view flight attendants' bargaining priorities as reasonable. Between 71% and 85% of Canadians say each of the key priorities tested is reasonable, including:

• 85% say flight attendants should be paid for all work performed;
• 81% support keeping wages in line with inflation;
• 82% support improving scheduling and fatigue protections; and
• 76% support raising pay to reflect the safety role of flight attendants.

“WestJet has a choice,” said Hussain. “It can continue asking flight attendants to work for free, or it can do the right thing and negotiate a fair agreement that recognizes the essential safety work flight attendants do every day. Canadians have made it clear where they stand. We hope WestJet and the federal government are listening.”

CUPE 8125 remains committed to reaching a fair agreement at the bargaining table. Flight attendants do not want to strike, but they are prepared to take action as early as tomorrow morning to achieve a fair deal and end unpaid work.

The union is calling on WestJet to return to the bargaining table with a serious commitment to resolving the outstanding issues and reaching an agreement that flight attendants can accept.

ER/clc/cope 491