Porter Pilots Serve Notice to Bargain for Their First Collective Agreement

TORONTO, Ont.—Today, Porter pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), served Porter Airlines a written notice to bargain, marking the first official labour negotiations under the Canada Labour Code.  

“By joining ALPA last month, the Porter pilots now have a collective voice as we formally begin negotiations for our first collective agreement,” said Captain Andrew Axson, chair of the Porter pilots’ Master Executive Council. “We are excited to have access to ALPA resources as we engage with Porter’s management to enhance both the commercial success of the airline and the well-being of our pilots and their families.”

A number of Porter pilots began a grassroots initiative called “Porter Pilots for Change.” Their efforts led to ALPA’s certification as the bargaining agent for Porter pilots by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) on August 11, 2025.

“Our goal is to reach a fair contract that recognizes our pilots’ important role in Porter’s success,” Axson continued. “Porter pilots are proud of our profession and where we work. We remain fully invested in both our company’s growth, as well as our customers’ safety and satisfaction. Our contract should reflect the dedication, value, and skill we bring to the airline.”

Porter Airlines, headquartered in Toronto, is Canada’s fourth-largest major airline, with more than 800 pilots based in Toronto, Vancouver, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Montréal, and Halifax. The carrier operates passenger service across Canada, with routes to the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org