Workforce Reductions Instituted... 'Looks To Streamline Operations'

Nav Canada, Canada's much-discussed privatized ATC company, has disclosed that it has 'made the difficult decision to eliminate permanent jobs as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant negative impact on global air traffic and on the aviation industry.'

The company is also taking steps to safely streamline operations and will be launching level of service reviews for certain aerodromes.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company reports that it had 5,100 employees nationwide. Including the previous reduction in staffing of temporary employees in the spring and early retirements, the company had reduced more than 720 jobs or 14 per cent of the workforce.

“Undoubtedly, the company is in the midst of the toughest moment in its history. Nav Canada is not immune to the economic downturn and severe financial impacts the aviation industry is experiencing,” said Neil Wilson, President and CEO.

Cost containment strategies commenced as soon as the pandemic was declared. Prior to the current layoffs, Nav Canada had already reduced management compensation, deferred retroactive wage increases with bargaining units and offered a voluntary retirement program. Nav Canada also benefited from the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program.

Nav Canada is working closely with labor unions to adapt the size of its workforce in response to the persisting low air traffic levels. The cuts are across all departments and include most of the current cohort of operational students.

The company will also close its flight information centers in Winnipeg and Halifax. NC claims that pilots and dispatchers will continue to receive the same information they need, including flight-planning services, in-depth interpretive weather information and en-route flight information, which will be provided by the remaining flight information centers. Air traffic services will reportedly not be impacted by this change.

In the coming weeks, aeronautical studies will be launched for multiple aerodromes to assess the level of service required to provide safe and efficient operations for our airline, air cargo and general aviation customers.

“The aviation industry is contracting and faces profound changes. We continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic and will continue to take steps as they are necessary to align service with traffic levels while maintaining the integrity of the air navigation system,” said Neil Wilson, President and CEO.

Nav Canada again claims this action will not have any operational impact on the safe delivery of air navigation services across the country.

Nav Canada is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometers of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

FMI: www.navcanada.ca