OTTAWA—A shortage of air traffic controllers at Pearson airport contributed to the cancellation of dozens of weekend flights and while new trainees are in the pipeline, it will be some time yet before they’re fully qualified to move metal. Peter Duffey, the president of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association, the union representing controllers, said a number of factors combined to hit weekend operations. Last weekend coincided with the end of that period, meaning many controllers were unable to work overtime shifts. “We had controllers who were maxed out on overtime, simply could not work anymore,” Duffey said in an interview. Michelle Bishop, director of government and public affairs for Nav Canada, said the Pearson tower has 42 of its 48 required controllers.

Source: thestar August 15, 2017 22:07 UTC