The Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA) recently reached an agreement with Nav Canada to extend their collective agreement, providing stability for both parties during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The extension, which was ratified by CATCA members in April 2021, extends the collective agreement until December 31, 2024. The agreement covers approximately 2,900 air traffic controllers and other professionals who work with Nav Canada, a non-profit corporation that provides air traffic control services across the country.
The extension comes after months of negotiations between CATCA and Nav Canada, which were complicated by the impacts of the pandemic on the aviation industry. Air traffic control services have been essential throughout the pandemic, as they ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and people across the country. However, the decrease in air traffic due to travel restrictions and reduced demand for flights has had a significant impact on Nav Canada`s revenue.
The extension of the collective agreement provides stability for air traffic controllers and other professionals, who will see modest wage increases over the three-year period covered by the agreement. It also provides stability for Nav Canada, as it allows the corporation to plan for the future with certainty around labour costs.
In addition to wage increases, the agreement also includes several other provisions, including new language around staffing levels and scheduling. These provisions will help to address some of the challenges faced by air traffic controllers and other professionals in their day-to-day work.
The extension of the collective agreement is good news for everyone involved in Canada`s aviation industry. It provides stability and certainty during a time when both are in short supply, and ensures that the essential work of air traffic control can continue uninterrupted.
