TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) today announced that Flight Dispatchers at Porter Airlines have voted overwhelmingly (100%) in favour of strike action, following more than 14 months of negotiations that have failed to produce a fair first collective agreement.

Porter Airlines' Flight Dispatchers joined CALDA in August 2024 with the goal of securing a first contract that recognizes their critical role in aviation operations. Despite continued efforts and negotiations by CALDA, 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 deeply concerned that, in preparation for potential labour disruptions, Porter has begun training a small number of non-unionized personnel as potential substitutes for 35 certified Dispatchers, a move CALDA 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.

Negotiations are currently in the final stages of Conciliation with the support of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service - to date, Porter has continued to refuse to engage on key issues necessary to secure a fair contract for its Dispatchers.

"This strike vote reflects the deep frustration and disappointment felt by members," CALDA added. "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."

CALDA remains dedicated to negotiations and urges Porter Airlines to take immediate steps to resolve the outstanding issues and avoid service disruptions in the new year.

About CALDA

The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) is a professional organization representing certified Flight Dispatchers who share co-authority with the Pilot-In-Command at seven major Canadian airlines: Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Jazz Aviation, PAL Airlines, and Canadian North. We are the national voice for operational control professionals across Canada's commercial aviation industry.

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SOURCE CALDA (Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association)

Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) contact: Rob King, National President, CALDA, Rob.king@calda.ca; 

Mark Yezovich, Incoming National President, CALDA (Jan 1st, 2026), Mark.yezovich@calda.ca

TORONTO, July 29, 2024 /CNW/ - Flight Dispatchers at Porter Airlines have formally requested to join the ranks of the Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA).

A filing with the Canadian Industrial Relation Board was made on July 24th, 2024 – with this filing Dispatchers at Porter Airlines are now a part of the union representing Flight Dispatchers at the majority of Canadian Airlines within Canada.

Porter Airlines Flight Dispatchers will now join the union which represents seven other Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, Jazz, Canadian North (formerly First Air), Air Transat, Sunwing, WestJet, and Provincial Airlines.

"CALDA welcomes Porter into the fold as their newest member and looks forward to representing their best interests, as they fight for the fair and equitable treatment their members deserve" says Rob King, President of CALDA.

About Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA)

As Transport Canada certified Flight Dispatchers, our primary responsibility is to ensure that airline flight operations are conducted to standards that meet or exceed government regulations. Priority is always given to safety above all else.

SOURCE CALDA (Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association)

National President Rob King can be reached at rob.king@calda.ca

MONTRÉAL, April 30, 2024 /CNW/ - Airline Dispatchers at Air Transat represented by the Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) have given their association a resounding 100% strike mandate in their negotiations with Air Transat. The result of the Strike Vote was delivered to Air Transat on April 15th after Conciliation talks with the assistance of the Federal Government failed and Conciliation ended on April 2nd, 2024. The 21 day mandatory cooling off period ended April 23rd, 2024. . The 28 Montreal based Air Transat Flight Dispatchers are very disappointed at the progress of talks. Air Transat Flight Dispatchers Collective Agreement ended on October 31st, 2022.

"We have been very patient in trying to negotiate a new Collective Agreement with Air Transat", said Rob King, National President, Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association. "Our Flight Dispatchers are highly trained professionals who certain deserve a contract that reflects their position of responsibility, accountability and liability as it pertains to their work," said King. The Flight Dispatchers are now in a position to strike.

Flights Dispatchers are licensed by Transport Canada and prepare the Flight Plan, board fuel, monitor aircraft systems, monitor weather, deal with in-flight emergencies along with other very important functions. The Flight Dispatcher at Air Transat shares responsibility with the Pilot-In-Command for Flight Watch and Operational Control. Both the Flight Dispatcher and the Pilot-In-Command share pertinent information with each other to ensure the Flight is operated in the safest manner possible. No Air Transat aircraft can depart without the approval of the Flight Plan by the Flight Dispatcher.

SOURCE CALDA (Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association)

Rob King, National President, Canadian Airline Dispatcher's Association at rob.king@calda.ca