Most controllers have no doubt heard about the pilot announcement made on a recent Air Canada flight out of Vancouver in which the pilot asserts that the ATC shortage is motivated by overtime protection. That is an outdated urban myth that most people in the industry know to be untrue, including the vast majority of pilots. I speak often with pilots, and they are generally always empathetic and understanding of our staffing situation.
This issue has been addressed with NAV Canada, Air Canada, and ALPA. The pilot has been spoken with and educated. We will not engage or respond to a false narrative that gained traction in the media due to an irresponsible comment. Due attention has been placed where it will be most productive for us.
I have also received a multitude of messages from people in the aviation industry, including many pilots, giving us praise and thanks for the work we do. They recognize that we are on the same team. At the same time, discussions with NAV and the government are ongoing because this crisis is real. As pressure builds towards the summer, hoping for the best is not a viable strategy.
Nick von Schoenbe