TORONTO — Porter Airlines pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) have filed a notice of dispute with the federal Minister of Labour, seeking conciliation assistance as negotiations continue toward a first collective agreement.

ALPA said the move marks a significant step in the bargaining process. Porter pilots filed their notice to bargain in September 2025.

Under the Canada Labour Code, the Minister of Labour has up to 15 days to appoint a conciliation officer. Once appointed, the parties have 60 days to work toward an agreement, unless both sides agree to an extension.

If no agreement is reached, a 21-day cooling-off period would follow before either side could take further labour action. A mediator may also be appointed during that period.

In a statement Porter said that while it believes the request for conciliation is premature, noting that substantive bargaining began in early 2026 and that ALPA only recently tabled proposals on key issues including wages and scheduling, the airline’s goal “is to finalize a first collective agreement with ALPA that recognizes the contributions of pilots, and supports mutually-beneficial long-term growth for all team members.”

Porter added that it has historically worked directly with its pilots to incorporate industry-standard practices and regulatory requirements into its operations, and said it intends to continue that approach with pilots now represented by ALPA.