Following the announcement of a tentative collective agreement between WestJet and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) First District (Canada) International Vice President Russ Shewchuk released the following statement in support of collective bargaining and the rights of working Canadians.
“IBEW Canada stands in solidarity with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the WestJet flight attendants as they work toward ratifying a tentative collective agreement.
“Over the past several months, WestJet flight attendants fought for a fair contract that recognizes the significant role they play in Canada’s aviation industry. Their efforts serve as a reminder that workers deserve to be treated with respect and compensated fairly for the work they perform.
“This tentative agreement is the result of workers standing together and allowing the collective bargaining process to do its job. We also recognize WestJet’s decision to return to the table and continue negotiations until common ground was found. This outcome shows that the best agreements are reached through free and fair collective bargaining.
“Strike action is often viewed as disruptive, but Canadians should remember it is a last resort after months of bargaining have failed to produce meaningful progress. CUPE members did not choose this path lightly. They did so to secure fair wages, fair working conditions, and fair compensation for the work they perform.
“Their work begins well before takeoff and continues long after landing. They deserve fair compensation that reflects the responsibilities they carry every day, the value they bring to one of Canada’s most important industries, and the rising cost of living.
“Bill C-58 reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to free and fair collective bargaining by strengthening workers’ ability to negotiate without unnecessary interference. Governments must continue to respect that process and allow employers and unions to reach fair settlements at the bargaining table.
“On behalf of IBEW Canada, I commend CUPE, the WestJet flight attendants, and everyone involved for their commitment to the collective bargaining process. We remain hopeful that the tentative agreement meets the expectations of the members as they prepare to cast their vote.”
 | RUSS SHEWCHUK International Vice President IBEW First District, Canada |
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The IBEW First District (Canada) represents over 70,000 active members in Canada who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.