Porter Airlines is set to shut down its crew bases in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, by May as part of a significant growth strategy. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4061, representing over 1,200 cabin crew members at Porter, has stated that approximately 60 employees in both cities will be impacted by this decision.
Sarah Seal, the president of CUPE Local 4061, mentioned that the closure will affect 26 flight attendants in Thunder Bay, along with 28 pilots in Thunder Bay and 32 pilots in Halifax, according to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Local Executive Council 272.
Expressing disappointment, Seal stated, “We’ve been deeply disappointed and saddened by this news. We know the flight attendants in Thunder Bay love their jobs and love the work they do, they love living where they live, and this news is really difficult for them and their families.”
In response to the closures, a spokesperson for Porter Airlines informed CBC News via email that the closure of the crew base in Thunder Bay will impact 66 crew members, some of whom are not represented by CUPE. ALPA Local Executive Council 272 represents Porter pilots in Thunder Bay, Halifax, and Vancouver.
The decision to close the crew bases in Thunder Bay and Halifax has raised concerns among union members, with the ALPA branch stating that it disrupts both the professional and personal lives of the employees. The union emphasized that it was not consulted on the decision and is prepared to engage with Porter management to discuss mitigation measures and protect the rights of the pilots.
Porter Airlines explained that the consolidation of crew bases in Toronto and Ottawa is the most effective way to organize crew and operate flights, given changes in its network over time. The Thunder Bay crew base was established in 2018.
According to Seal, cabin crew members are now faced with decisions such as commuting to Toronto or Ottawa at their own expense, relocating, opting for a voluntary layoff, or choosing early retirement. The union is advocating for changes in the airline’s commuting policy to alleviate the financial burden on employees.
As the affected employees receive support from the union, Seal acknowledged the broader impact of the crew base closures on local communities, noting the significant relationships between the staff and the Thunder Bay community. CBC News has contacted the Thunder Bay Airport for comment on the situation.
