CUPE 1521

07/28/2026

See you in an hour! Link has been sent by email.

07/27/2026

See you tomorrow at 1pm!

07/23/2026

This is incredible. ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

WestJet Flight Attendants Play Hardball, Bring Unpaid Work Fight to the Major Leagues

WestJet flight attendants took their contract dispute to Major League Baseball this week, using a Toronto Blue Jays game to shine a spotlight on their fight against unpaid work while targeting one of the airline's most visible sponsorships.

Represented by CUPE 8125, dozens of flight attendants staged an information picket outside the Rogers Centre, home of the Blue Jays, where WestJet is a signature sponsor. Crew members spoke with fans about their claim that flight attendants are expected to perform up to 35 hours of unpaid work each month.

The protest then moved inside the stadium during the seventh-inning stretch, where flight attendants unveiled large signs across four rows of seats reading, "UNPAID WORK WON'T FLY," bringing their message to thousands of baseball fans.

The issue has become part of a growing global debate over how cabin crew are paid. At many airlines, particularly in North America, flight attendants are required to report well before departure to carry out safety checks, prepare the aircraft, assist passengers during boarding, and manage any issues that arise in the cabin. Despite performing these essential duties, many are not paid until the aircraft pushes back from the gate or, in some cases, until the engines are started. Flight attendant unions argue that boarding is one of the busiest and most safety-critical parts of the flight and that all time spent working should be paid.

The demonstration comes after more than 99% of WestJet flight attendants voted in favour of strike action if necessary. Unless a new agreement is reached, cabin crew could legally walk off the job as early as August 2.

According to a news release issued by CUPE 8125 and distributed by Business Wire, the protest is part of a broader national campaign to end unpaid work for flight attendants across Canada's airline industry.

07/23/2026

We’re popping up today! Your Negotiations Committee will be available between 3pm and 7pm.

Stop by for some ice cream, new swag, and a chat with your Negotiations Committee.

07/17/2026

✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

07/13/2026

🎉🎉🎉

07/13/2026

CUPE 1521-01 (the sub local) is back to the bargaining table today!

After a string of one year deals, we’re working towards strong, fair, equitable, and long term growth and language to support staff providing essential community mental health services in Ottawa.

Lunch is on us today! If you’re in the Vanier area, join us to support this incredible Negotiations Committee. Here at 311 McArthur from 12 to 1pm.

Solidarity! ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

07/13/2026

A great way to start our week! We’ve got some exciting updates. Full details were sent by email - not getting our emails? Please reach out!

1) The CA! It's here!

We finally have a signed Collective Agreement! After much back and forth, we have received the final copy of the CA this morning.

2) Grievance updates

We met with the employer to discuss the recent issued memo about the use of vacation to cover last minute sick calls. The employer informed us on Friday that they have heard the union’s arguments. So what does this mean?

-The existing practice remains in effect. The union argued that changing an established practice (i.e. using vacation to cover last minute sick leave) requires a very specific process to be implemented, further that the employer cannot “put the union on notice” outside of bargaining.
-This means that in instances where vacation would have been used/approved to cover last minute sick calls, this will continue.
-We also know this means that the employer will likely serve an estoppel during bargaining to stop this practice. Please keep this in mind!

The employer has stated they will be issuing a memo detailing their response.

3) Bargaining

A few quick updates:

-The union has offered bargaining dates to the employer - we are waiting for a response.
-We continue to meet with our National Rep (Jacynthe) to plan next steps, strategize and mobilize.
-Keep an eye on your phone, we will be reaching out over the next few weeks to chat about bargaining, our current actions, and future steps.

Your Negotiations Team will be hosting a pop up on July 23.

4) General Membership Meeting

Alyssa was asleep at the wheel when prepping the most recent GMM flyer, so the date is wrong! We are meeting on July 28th, virtually. An updated flyer will be coming shortly. You can see the virtual version here.

07/05/2026

We’re in the park for two more hours! We’ve got lots of great food, sweet treats, a bouncy castle, and plain ol’ fun.

Andrew Haydon Park (in the green space near the water fountain, grand stand, and washrooms)
11am to 3pm

Hope you can join us.

07/05/2026

We are looking forward to seeing you today!

We're talking about an afternoon of solidarity, BBQ, popcorn, bouncy house, lawn games, and so much more.

Please join Developmental Services Locals from across Ottawa and eastern Ontario today! Members, friends, family, and community members are welcome to join this FREE event.