Porter Airlines has announced the closure of its crew bases in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in May as part of a significant growth strategy. The move will impact approximately 60 employees in both cities, including 26 flight attendants in Thunder Bay and a total of 60 pilots split between the two locations, according to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4061 and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Local Executive Council 272.
The decision has been met with disappointment and sadness by the affected employees, with Sarah Seal, president of CUPE Local 4061, expressing concern for the well-being of the workers and their families. The closure in Thunder Bay will affect 66 crew members, some of whom are not represented by the union.
The ALPA Local Executive Council 272 emphasized the significant personal and professional impact of the closures on the employees who have been integral to Porter’s growth and success over the years. The union was not consulted before the decision was made, but they are prepared to engage with 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 a strategic move to streamline operations in response to changes in the network. The Thunder Bay crew base, which was established in 2018, will be closed as part of this realignment.
Employees affected by the closures are facing options such as commuting at their own cost, relocating, voluntary layoff, or early retirement. CUPE Local 4061 is advocating for changes to the commuting policy to lessen the financial burden on the workers.
As the union provides support to those impacted, they acknowledge the broader community effects of the closures. Seal highlighted the special relationships that exist between the employees and the local communities, emphasizing the familiarity and comfort that passengers find in seeing familiar faces during their travels.
Efforts to reach out to the Thunder Bay Airport for comments on the situation are ongoing.