Porter’s flight dispatchers vote 100% in favour of strike

This article was updated on Wednesday, December 10 at 2:12 p.m. EST

Less than a day after Air Transat reached a tentative deal with its pilots’ union—avoiding a strike—a fresh risk of potential flight disruptions has surfaced.

The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) on Wednesday (Dec. 10) announced that flight dispatchers at Porter Airlines have voted overwhelmingly (100 per cent) in favour of strike action, following more than 14 months of negotiations that “have failed to produce a fair first collective agreement.”

In a press release, the organization says that despite its continued efforts and negotiations, Porter has “repeatedly shown a lack of respect for the professional, certified, and highly-trained dispatchers who support their growing domestic, transborder and international operations.”

CALDA is accusing the Toronto-based airline of training a small number of non-unionized personnel as potential substitutes for 35 certified dispatchers, a move it calls “unsafe, irresponsible, and disrespectful to both employees and the traveling public.”

"These are certified aviation professionals whose expertise directly impacts the safety of every flight. They deserve a contract that reflects the value of their work," said Rob King, national president of CALDA, in a statement.

Negotiations are currently in the final stages of conciliation with the support of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

CALDA is accusing Porter of refusing to engage on key issues necessary to secure a fair contract.

"This strike vote reflects the deep frustration and disappointment felt by members," CALDA stated. "Porter's actions leave us no choice but to stand together to protect our profession and ensure the airline meets its obligations to these skilled aviation workers."

Porter responds

In a company statement shared with PAX on Wednesday afternoon, Porter said the following: 

"We understand that reaching a first collective agreement takes significant effort by both parties. In this regard, Porter has made fair and meaningful proposals to CALDA during these negotiations on all key issues."

"The work of our dispatchers is extremely valued as part of the wider Porter team that provides a differentiated flying experience for customers. Conciliation continues between Porter and CALDA, and as a result, there is no risk of an immediate labour disruption."

"We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached and, in the meantime, we will continue ensuring safe operations at all times."

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