Canadian North is laying off some of its pilots because its Boeing 737 aircraft are operating fewer flights, the union representing those pilots says.
The Air Line Pilots Association said managers at Canadian North had confirmed layoffs – the number was unspecified – at the end of the first week of bargaining between the pilots’ union and the airline over a new collective agreement.
According to the union, Canadian North is operating fewer flights because of the winding-down of a liquefied natural gas project and the transfer of Montreal-Kuujjuaq flights to Air Inuit.
(That move was carried out by the airline’s previous owners. Canadian North was sold by Nunavik Inuit corporation Makivvik and the Inuvialuit Development Corporation to new owners Exchange Income Corporation, based in Winnipeg, earlier this year.)
“While some anticipated the news with our decrease in 737 flying, it is still shocking when it finally becomes a reality,” Steven Bard – chair of the Canadian North Master Executive Council, which represents the airline’s pilots – was quoted as saying.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“The responsibility of growing Canadian North’s business strategy and pilot retention rests on the company.
“As we continue our contract negotiations, we need to focus on ensuring that pilots see Canadian North as a career destination.”
The union estimated there are 240 pilots at Canadian North.
Hance Colburne, Canadian North’s communications manager, confirmed the airline was “repositioning our business to solidify our operations and build a more sustainable foundation for our future.”
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
In an emailed statement to Cabin Radio, Colburne said: “By aligning our teams and improving how we work together, we’re building an airline that can respond more quickly to the needs of our markets.”
“We are committed to treating every employee affected by this transformation with dignity and respect. No Inuit or northern employment is affected by these changes,” Colburne added.
“The actions we’re taking through this process will strengthen Canadian North for the long term. Our focus is on continued reliability, improved operational performance, and ensuring that we’ll continue to be there for the communities we serve.”
Related Articles