Unifor members at Bombardier ratified a new three-year collective agreement today bringing an end to an 18-day strike at the company’s aircraft manufacturing facilities in Mississauga and Waterloo, according to the union.
“Our union’s top priority in these negotiations was to secure an agreement that reflects our members’ skills, hard work and dedication which have made Bombardier’s Global jet program so successful,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “After a highly effective strike I am proud to say that our members ratified a landmark agreement that delivers a substantial economic package at a time when aerospace workers need it most.”
At ratification meetings held today, Unifor Local 112 and 673 members ratified a new agreement that provides workers with general wage increases of 12.5% over the life of the agreement, increased pension contributions and better job security.
“What changed the outcome of these negotiations and brought a fair deal within reach, was the unwavering support from our members on the picket lines,” said Unifor Local 112 President John Turner. “The historic gains we have made in this agreement would never have happened without strike action that showed the company our members would not back down until a fair deal was reached.”
Unifor Local 112 represents approximately 1,200 production and Skilled Trades members at Bombardier. Together with 250 office, professional and technical workers represented by Local 673, workers at Bombardier’s Pearson and Waterloo facilities build the company’s Global series of jets.
The newly ratified agreement also includes work commitments and job ownership for union members over the entire Global fleet, including the forthcoming 8000 series ultra long-range business jet and any derivatives thereof, the union said.
“It was essential that we secured work ownership over the entire Global jet program to protect our members’ jobs today and for the next generation of Bombardier aerospace workers,” said Unifor Local 673 President Maryellen McIlmoyle. “Bombardier members are dedicated and hard-working beyond measure.
We ratified an agreement that delivers higher wages, better pensions and a stronger economic future for all Bombardier workers.”
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy.