YEG and YWG Workers Deserve a Voice at the Bargaining Table

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Billy ONeill
/July 21, 2026

Workers at both bases are actively organizing with Unifor because you want a real voice in the decisions affecting your jobs, working conditions and quality of life.

At YEG, workers came very close to reaching majority support a few months ago. That showed us that YEG workers want to sit across from WestJet as equals and negotiate a collective agreement based on the priorities of their base.

At YWG, the work has recently returned in-house. Some workers previously worked directly for WestJet before their jobs were outsourced. Others have worked for the numerous third-party operators that have come and gone over the past several years.

Where was the AEA when YWG workers needed real protection?

The AEA did nothing to stop the outsourcing or protect these jobs. It could not require WestJet to bargain, negotiate enforceable job-security language or challenge the company through a binding grievance and arbitration process. When workers lost their jobs, the AEA offered no meaningful protection.

YWG workers have lived through the consequences and know better than to trust the AEA to protect them this time. An employer-controlled association is not a substitute for an independent union and a legally enforceable collective agreement.

Now that the work has returned to WestJet, YWG workers are wasting no time. They are organizing with Unifor to gain their own seat at the bargaining table and negotiate strong protections against contracting out, job loss and future corporate changes.

Workers have been given another opportunity but this time, they are determined to secure the voice and protection they should have had all along.

Your Bases, Your Priorities

Workers at YVR, YYC and YYZ naturally bring forward the priorities of their own bases. But who will make sure the needs of YEG and YWG are heard if workers at these bases do not have their own seats at the bargaining table?

Imagine the strength of YEG and YWG workers joining Unifor, setting their bargaining objectives and standing together to negotiate fair and reasonable collective agreements.

With Unifor, you can identify your priorities, elect your own representatives and have a direct voice in bargaining. Instead of WestJet making every decision alone, the company would be required to sit down with you as equals and negotiate.

What Does Onex’s Latest Aviation Investment Mean for WestJet?

Onex Partners recently announced that it is acquiring AirSprint, Canada’s largest fractional private-jet operator. AirSprint is planning significant growth, including investments in technology, operations and at least five larger, longer-range business jets.

AirSprint’s current aircraft generally carry between six and nine passengers. The larger aircraft being considered can typically carry approximately 12 to 19 passengers, depending on the model and configuration. This could allow AirSprint to serve larger groups and compete for more corporate and premium travellers.

This raises important questions for WestJet workers.

Is Onex making a long-term investment in another aviation company that could compete more directly for business travellers? Or is Onex preparing to move on to its next aviation project and eventually sell WestJet, as it previously indicated it intended to do?

We do not yet know the answer. What we do know is that workers should not have to wait for major corporate decisions to be announced before having a voice in how those decisions affect their jobs.

Ownership can change. Corporate strategies can change. Aircraft and routes can change. A collective agreement gives workers enforceable rights and protections through those changes.

It’s Time to Build Our Support

The organizing drives at both YEG and YWG are active.

Some previously signed YEG membership cards have expired or will expire soon because cards are only valid for six months. If your card has expired, it is time to sign a new one to keep your membership valid and your support active.

At YWG, workers are building a new campaign to make sure history does not repeat itself. If you have not signed a card, now is the time to join your coworkers and organize for a voice, job security and a fair collective agreement.

Sign your Unifor membership card today:

YEG came close before. YWG has an opportunity to secure the protections workers should have had all along. Together, workers at both bases can push these campaigns across the finish line.

 

In solidarity,
Unifor Organizing Team

Billy O'Neill
Unifor National Representative, Organizing
416.605.1443
billy.oneill@unifor.org

Lucy Alessio
Unifor National Representative, Organizing
416.998.3189
lucy.alessio@unifor.org

 

 

 

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