WestJet CEO Refutes Unpaid Work Allegations Amid Tense Union Negotiations
WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech has publicly countered claims from the flight attendants' union that cabin crew work unpaid hours. The union asserts that duties like boarding, deplaning, and managing ground delays are not compensated. Von Hoensbroech fired back, stating the airline's pay structure is comprehensive and that flight attendants are paid for 'every single hour' through their overall compensation model. This public dispute comes during heated contract negotiations between the airline and CUPE, which represents the cabin crew. The core conflict revolves around the definition of paid work time, with the union pushing for a model that covers all on-duty hours.
Official Source: https://openjaw.com/newsroom/airline/2026/07/13/westjet-ceo-fires-back-says-flight-attendants-paid-for-every-single-hour/
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