Porter Flight Dispatchers Reach Agreement, Avoiding Strike

Porter Airlines and its flight dispatchers have reached a deal, avoiding a strike.

The dispatchers joined the Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) in August 2024 to secure a first collective agreement. After more than 14 months of negotiations, that had not been achieved, and the dispatchers had voted unanimously in favour of strike action late last year.

The union will schedule a ratification vote for its members in the coming days.

“We’re very pleased to have come to a resolution with CALDA,” said Kent Woodside, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Porter Airlines. “Flight dispatchers are an important part of our team. They perform crucial duties and we want them to continue doing so with a contract in place. Coming to terms on a first collective agreement often takes perseverance. We appreciate the commitment of everyone involved in doing so.”

“The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) is pleased to confirm that a tentative agreement has been reached with Porter Airlines following negotiations at the bargaining table. This agreement reflects meaningful progress and a shared commitment to moving forward in a productive and respectful manner. CALDA looks forward to continuing to work with Porter Airlines in the years ahead,” said Mark Yezovich, National President of CALDA.

This tentative agreement was finalized with assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.