Porter Airlines is set to close its crew bases in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in May as part of what a spokesperson describes as a “significant growth strategy.” The move will impact approximately 60 staff members in both cities, including 26 flight attendants in Thunder Bay and a total of 60 pilots between the two locations, as reported by the Air Line Pilots Association.
The decision has been met with disappointment by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4061, representing over 1,200 cabin crew members at Porter. Sarah Seal, the president of CUPE Local 4061, expressed concern for the affected employees and their families, noting their strong attachment to their work and communities.
According to a statement from Porter Airlines to CBC News, the closure of the Thunder Bay crew base will affect 66 crew members, some of whom are not represented by CUPE. The Air Line Pilots Association Local Executive Council 272, representing Porter pilots in Thunder Bay, Halifax, and Vancouver, emphasized the significant personal and professional impact of the decision.
The union expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation regarding the closures and highlighted the long-standing contributions of Porter pilots to the company’s success. Crew bases will now be consolidated in Toronto and Ottawa, reflecting changes in Porter’s operational needs over time. Staff members at the Thunder Bay maintenance facility will remain unaffected.
Cabin crew members are faced with decisions on commuting to Toronto or Ottawa at their own expense, relocating, opting for voluntary layoff, or early retirement. CUPE Local 4061 is advocating for changes to the airline’s commuting policy to alleviate the financial burden on employees. Despite the changes, Porter Airlines expects most team members to remain in their current communities.
As support is extended to affected employees, the union acknowledges the broader impact of the closures on local communities and the significance of familiar faces in the travel experience. CBC News has contacted the Thunder Bay Airport for comment on the matter.