Remember when flying WestJet actually felt different? The cozy branding. The undeniable feeling that you were supporting a hometown, Western success story that did things right.
Back then, employees were owners, and you could feel that pride in the cabin.
That airline is gone.
Since handing the reins over to a private equity firm, WestJet has traded its unique entrepreneurial spirit for a ruthless corporate playbook.
Today, the operation is just about cutting corners. You feel it every time you book a ticket: baggage and seat selection fees multiply, perks disappear, and legroom shrinks.
But the people feeling it the most are the ones in the aisle. The crews actually making the airline run are being squeezed to the breaking point. Flight attendants are working grueling, maxed-out schedules to cover staffing gaps - while being unpaid for many work hours!
They are expected to manage boarding chaos and ground delays entirely off the clock.
Management is busy acquiring competitors and boasting about network expansion, all while claiming there isn't enough money to offer its front-line workers a fair, livable contract.
WestJet’s flight attendants are fighting to bring back the airline you deserve. They need public support to stop the race to the bottom.
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Why I'm supporting...
m t
afton station, NS
Dear WestJet Execs, I am sitting in the airport, waiting for my flight to board, and shocked to read that WestJet does not pay flight attendants their entitled proper compensation. I had always considered this airline a respectable one that valued both its customers and its staff and considered WestJet the friendlier Canadian option. Learning about the very unjust compensation that is paid to your flight attendants, I am very much reconsidering that opinion and future flights with the airline as long as this unfair practice is maintained.
leslie m
comox, BC
Your policies amount to slavery. Expected work for no renumeration is outrageous. You USED to be a good company with Canadian values but you have declined significantly. It is never too late to do the right thing.
holly f
saskatoon, SK
I’m supporting because of the old saying “why fix if it ain’t broken” Why are all the changes happening? It’s quite obvious the past few years have not been good for the WestJet members, staff and all kindness has gone out the window ☹️
dawn d
edmonton, AB
This is ridiculous that people show up at work, do work, serve the public (paying passengers) which is mandatory and not get paid. This should be against law. Thousands of dollars in free labour but yet passengers keep paying more. Pay your staff from the minute they start work!!
julie d
gloucester, ON
Because, no one should work for free in Canada (or anywhere else in the world)…..employees should be paid as soon as they are working for Westjet period…..
rose b
regina, SK
I'm supporting because I have personally known several Westjet attendants over the years. I was appalled when I heard they dont get paid until the doors close and the fact that when they're dead heading to other locations to fill positions they are not paid either no per diem, nothing. Free labour is not OK.
christina b
saskatoon, SK
I have very close friends and family in the aviation industry and witness the love they have for their jobs. However, I also witness the hours put in without pay on the ground. I'm not sure how any industry can get away with this. I fully support being paid while working. Not sure how that is even a question!!!
SIGN THE PETITION
WestJet’s flight attendants are fighting to bring back the airline you deserve. They need public support to stop the race to the bottom.
Sign the petitionrosemary r
ottawa, ON
I stand with the flight attendants. Will not book with Westjet until this is properly resolved.
remi h
leduc, AB
I think this is a very unfair practice. I do not think that there is any management working for unpaid time.
austin d
new westminster, BC
I support this petition because flight attendants deserve to be paid for all the time we spend working, not just the time the aircraft is in the air. Our responsibilities begin long before takeoff, including reporting for duty, conducting safety checks, preparing the cabin, assisting passengers during boarding, and managing delays. These are essential duties that ensure the safety and comfort of our guests. Fair compensation for all hours worked recognizes the value of our profession and the dedication we bring to every flight.
gail l
calgary, AB
These people work hard every day & serve the public with pride. They deserve better from Westjet. You need to listen to what they are saying and act NOW!
diana f
calgary, AB
The flight attendants are working while people are boarding so they should be paid. It amazes me that any airline would expect anyone to work but not get paid! Take money from the CEO and other higher up people. Give it to the flight attendants who work hard getting people on the plane and settled.
lucy d
winnipeg, MB
Westjet employees deserve better. Bring us back to the early days of Westjet when employees and travellers were treated well!
grace l
kamloops, BC
I utilize Westjet flights and believe that workers should be paid from the time they check in until the time they check out.
TAKE ACTION NOW
WestJet cut the legroom. Now they’re squeezing the frontline workers. We need your help to bring back the airline you deserve.
Sign the petitionmargaret s
st anns, ON
I used to love flying west jet. No more. You need to pay flight attendants from the moment they arrive until they leave. Our safety depends on good attendants. Proper legroom would be nice, too.
anne g
bothwell, ON
Flying is a privilege and the expense does not match the delivered experience. Flying has become like a cattle drive. WestJet was the exception in the past. Employees should ALWAYS be paid for hours worked, no matter the cause. Do better for paying customers and the employees who are the backbone of the company.
michael s
innisfil, ON
As a pilot, I see firsthand the dedication and professionalism our Flight Attendants bring to work every day. Our Flight Attendants report to work after multiple flight legs, long duty days, minimum rest periods, and extended airport sits between flights, yet they continue to provide a safe, professional, and welcoming experience for our passengers. They are asked to do more with less, often while facing difficult working conditions and, at times, disrespect from the very people they are there to help. Despite this, they consistently show up and put their passengers first. Working 14-hour duty days followed by only 9-10 hours of “rest”, while not being compensated for all time spent on duty, is not acceptable in today's aviation industry. If we want to maintain a world-class airline with safety as its highest priority, that commitment must begin with properly rested and fairly compensated crew members. Our Flight Attendants deserve better.
jessica v
victoria, BC
This is slavery really. Forcing people to work for free, right? Plus gendered, even though more men are attendants now, this is gendered. The Board of Directors of WestJet should hang their heads in shame. The Federal govt should do the same.
elizabeth c
calgary, AB
In no other occupation would unpaid work be acceptable.
bonnie b
edmonton, AB
I used to travel with Westjet every time. But I am using other airlines now because I can't condone the actions of the company. Pay employees for all the time they are helping with preparations and while present on the plane, as well as any other time spent on preparing to fly, just like most other lines of work. Treat staff and passengers right, and you will win trust and loyalty. When profit is the only motivation, you lose both.