VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
Could pilots at another major Canadian airline strike? What to know
Porter Airlines pilots have sought federal conciliation after negotiations with the airline reached an impasse, a step that could precede a strike or lockout.
Negotiations between Porter Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), which represents 831 Porter pilots, have broken down. On Sept. 10, the union filed a Notice of Dispute with Canada’s labour minister, seeking federal assistance.
ALPA gave notice to begin bargaining with Porter in September 2025 and says the parties are at an impasse on several key issues. Brian Smith, chair of the Porter ALPA master executive council, said pilots are seeking better work-life balance and dependable, predictable and stable working conditions. He said the airline’s rapid expansion has placed pressure on pilots and that their working conditions have not kept pace with their needs or industry standards.
Seeking government intervention is an early step in the labour process and does not mean a strike will occur. The labour minister has 15 days from Sept. 10 to appoint a conciliation officer, who then has 60 days to work with both sides toward an agreement. The parties may jointly extend conciliation if they do not reach a new contract; otherwise, a 21-day cooling-off period begins.
After that period, either side may take actions permitted under the Canada Labour Code, including a strike or lockout. An ALPA spokesperson did not say whether the union was prepared to strike, but said the available “self-help” options apply to either party once the statutory process reaches that stage. A strike or lockout cannot proceed until a strike vote has been held and 72 hours’ notice has been given.
Porter said substantive bargaining began in early 2026. The airline said ALPA had tabled proposals on key issues, including scheduling rules and wages, only in recent weeks. Porter considers the conciliation request premature but says it wants to finalize a first collective agreement that recognizes pilots’ contributions and supports long-term growth for employees.
Porter launched service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on Feb. 7, 2023. Its YVR operations have since added routes to Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix and Dallas. A strike could delay or cancel numerous flights departing YVR.