WestJet cabin crew approve proposed deal after strike

Aug 24 (Reuters) - WestJet ‌flight attendants ​on ​Monday voted to accept a tentative agreement that would boost wages ‌by more than 18% over three years, ⁠their union said, after they held a strike ‌that caused hundreds of ‌cancellations earlier this month.

The airline's flight attendants also secured duty pay premium as ​part of a broader shift in North America, where cabin crews are challenging ⁠compensation structures built mainly around flying time rather than every ​hour at work.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents about 4,400 ​WestJet flight attendants, had sought ‌compensation from the time members check in for work until they ⁠clock out. A premium offered in the tentative agreement would provide additional compensation for previously ⁠unpaid time. Air Canada, American Airlines, Alaska Air, Delta ​Air Lines and United Airlines have introduced pay for boarding or other specified ground time, increasing pressure on ‌other carriers to recognize more of the hours attendants spend on ‌duty. The union announced a tentative deal with ⁠Canada's second-largest carrier, ‌which is majority-owned ​by Onex Corp, on August 3.

(Reporting By Allison Lampert; Editing by Leroy ‌Leo)

You May Also Be Interested In

• US stock indexes open lower as high yields, oil prices dent sentiment
• Brazil's economic growth slows in Q2 but beats forecasts
• Fervo signs 396-MW geothermal power supply deal with Google; shares jump