CUPE 8125 Files Dispute for WestJet Encore Crew
Flight attendants at WestJet Encore have filed a notice of dispute with the federal government as contract talks remain stalled.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Unions
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The Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 8125, filed a notice of dispute with the federal government on behalf of WestJet Encore flight attendants after contract negotiations stalled. The filing initiates the federal conciliation process, which brings in a government-appointed conciliator.
Why it matters
Encore cabin crew are among the lowest-paid flight attendants in Canada, and much of their essential ground work is unpaid, according to the union. The dispute centres on demands for an end to unpaid work, pay in line with WestJet mainline flight attendants, and better working conditions.
CUPE 8125 represents 360 WestJet Encore flight attendants, out of roughly 4,700 WestJet flight attendants the union represents overall. Federal conciliation can run up to 60 days, and any strike or lockout would require 72 hours' notice after a 21-day cooling off period.
The players
CUPE 8125
The Canadian Union of Public Employees local representing WestJet and WestJet Encore flight attendants, which filed the notice of dispute.
WestJet Encore
The regional airline subsidiary of WestJet whose flight attendants are negotiating a first contract with the union.
The details
CUPE 8125 filed the notice of dispute on November 9, 2026, after negotiations with WestJet Encore stalled. Under the federal process, a conciliator will be appointed to assist talks for up to 60 days, and if no deal is reached, a 21-day cooling off period would begin before either party could issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice.
Timeline
Summer 2026: A mainline flight attendant agreement was ratified.
November 9, 2026: CUPE 8125 filed the notice of dispute with the federal government.
Up to 60 days after filing: A federal conciliator assists negotiations.
Legal Context
The filing triggers the federal conciliation process under the Canada Labour Code, a path that applies to federally regulated airlines such as WestJet and its subsidiary. Earlier flight attendant agreements at the parent airline, including the mainline deal ratified in summer 2026, set a reference point for Encore's pay and conditions.
Passengers on WestJet Encore flights could face disruption if the dispute escalates to a strike or lockout after the conciliation and cooling off periods run out. Flight attendants' pay and unpaid ground work are at the centre of the dispute, which could affect how these crews are compensated going forward.
The takeaway
Federal labour conciliation gives both sides a structured window to settle before any work stoppage becomes legal, so the coming weeks will show whether talks can close the gap on pay and unpaid work.
What happens next
If conciliation fails, a 21-day cooling off period would begin, after which either party could issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice.
Further reading
Find more on the Unions section for context on how labour disputes in Canada unfold.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Bay Nugget.
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