TORONTO, July 31, 2021 /CNW/ - Unifor Local 112 and 673
members at Bombardier Aviation's Downsview plant have voted to ratify new
three-year collective agreements.
"These new agreements make significant progress on the key
issues identified by our members, including pensions, and job
security protections against out-sourcing and the use of
contractors," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "As the industry recovers from this
once-in-a-century pandemic and Bombardier prepares to move
production to a new facility at Pearson Airport, these collective
agreements will ensure our highly skilled members will maintain
wages, pension, benefits and other working conditions that are
among the best in the industry."
On June 27, 2021, workers began
strike action against Bombardier Aviation and De Havilland Aircraft
Canada at the Downsview plant,
which manufactures Bombardier's Global series aircraft and, up
until recently, De Havilland's Dash 8 turboprop aircraft.
Seven hundred De Havilland workers remain on strike as
negotiations between Unifor and the company continue with a
dedicated picket line in operation at the De Havilland area of the
facility.
The new collective agreement, which covers approximately 1,500
Bombardier Aviation workers, is in effect from June 23, 2021 to June 23,
2024.
Highlights include:
- Wage increase of 0.5% in year one, 0.75% year two and 1.0% in
year three
- Increased monthly pension benefit
- Strengthened work commitment language
- Protection of bargaining unit work
- Lump sum payments for retirees
- Benefit improvements
- Commitment by the company and the union to raise mental health
awareness
"The bargaining teams worked hard to secure jobs with the
inclusion of new contract language that deals with contracting out
and the erosion of bargaining unit work in a meaningful way," said
Maryellen McIlmoyle, President of
Unifor Local 673.
"This is a forward looking contract that ensures our rights as
the company prepares to relocate and also assists members after
their working life with pension improvements, a lump sum payment
for retirees and an increase in retiree life insurance," said
Scott McIlmoyle, President of Unifor
Local 112.
Unifor is Canada's largest
union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every
major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working
people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in
Canada and abroad, and strives to
create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor