Canadian Union of Public Employees

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is a major labor union in Canada, representing a diverse range of public sector workers. Recently, CUPE has been in the news due to a strike by its members, the 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline. The strike, which began on a Sunday, was prompted by a dispute over pay and concerns regarding unpaid work. This action led to the cancellation of over 300 flights, significantly disrupting travel plans for many Canadians during a busy period. Prior to the full strike, the union had issued a 72-hour strike notice, highlighting the ongoing negotiations and tensions. The situation underscores CUPE's role in advocating for its members' rights and working conditions within the airline industry and the broader public sector.