A tentative deal has been reached between WestJet Airlines and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4044, which represents approximately 3,000 ramp and baggage handlers at the airline. The agreement, announced on July 29, 2026, comes after months of negotiations between the parties. According to sources, the deal addresses several key issues, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The tentative agreement marks a significant step forward in resolving the labor dispute, which had been ongoing since February 2026. CUPE Local 4044 had been seeking better wages and working conditions for its members, who have been working without a contract for several years. WestJet, which had been facing increased competition from other airlines, had been pressing for concessions and cost savings.
Details of the tentative deal have not been made public, but CUPE Local 4044 President, , has stated that the agreement addresses the key concerns of the union’s members. The deal is subject to ratification by the union’s membership, and a vote is expected to take place in the coming weeks. If ratified, the agreement would be the first collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and CUPE Local 4044 in several years.