WestJet flight attendants have reached a new labour deal with the airliner, ending a day-old strike that had grounded flights across the country, their union said Monday.

The agreement, which must still be approved by rank-and-file members, increases pay for work performed prior to take off as well as making more duties eligible for compensation, according to CUPE local 8125.

Work performed prior to take off isn’t paid hourly but counted towards a credit system. It was a major point of contention in negotiations, with the union arguing the airliner wasn’t compensating attendants for many of these duties.

Air Canada flight attendants walked off the job over similar complaints last fall, and the federal government invoked s. 107 of the Canada Labour Code to end the strike. The union defied the order and a deal was eventually reached at the bargaining table.

The strike at WestJet created a similar high-stakes situation for the Liberals — a poll showed Canadians strongly supported the flight attendants and the major opposition parties including the Conservatives urged the government to avoid intervening.

BACKGROUND: Conservatives urge Carney government to not intervene in WestJet dispute

Alia Hussain, president of the WestJet CUPE local, said it was important the two sides were able to reach an agreement “through collective bargaining at the negotiating table” and celebrated the deal as representing “meaningful progress” in the flight credit system.

The tentative deal will now be presented to the membership for review and a ratification vote.