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Canadian ATCO Redundancies Threaten Service and Safety

February 4, 2021 Paul Beard

The Global Air Traffic Controllers Alliance expresses serious concern regarding planned redundancies among air traffic controllers in Canada and the potential impact on aviation safety and service continuity.

Air traffic control is a safety-critical profession requiring years of training and experience. The loss of experienced controllers cannot be quickly or easily replaced, and any reduction in staffing levels poses a direct risk to the safety and efficiency of Canadian airspace.

We stand firmly with CATCA in its efforts to protect the jobs, working conditions, and professional standards of Canadian air traffic controllers.

The Alliance urges the relevant Canadian authorities and air navigation service providers to:

  • Reconsider any redundancies that could compromise aviation safety
  • Engage in genuine and meaningful consultation with controller representatives
  • Ensure any workforce changes are supported by robust, independent safety assessments
  • Protect the expertise that has made Canadian aviation safety a global benchmark

We will continue to monitor this situation and advocate for the workforce that keeps Canada's skies safe.