The labor strike at Bombardier’s Toronto business jet manufacturing facility was apparently short-lived, as the airframer announced Friday morning that it has reached a settlement with union leaders. Approximately 1,500 of its employees walked off the job on Wednesday as negotiations continued. A union ratification vote for the new three-year agreement is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, and the details of the deal will be released publicly after acceptance.
“Bombardier is pleased to confirm that its Toronto site leadership team and Unifor Locals 112 and 673 have tentatively renewed the collective bargaining agreements,” the airframer said in a statement released this morning. “Upon ratification, the mutually beneficial agreements will help secure the future of aerospace manufacturing in Toronto.”
The Downsview facility is currently the site of assembly for Bombardier’s Global series of ultra-long-range business jets, and the strike affected approximately three-quarters of the company’s workforce there.
“We would also like to acknowledge and recognize both the Bombardier and Unifor bargaining committee members who worked tirelessly with professionalism, dedication, and patience in pursuit of these agreements,” Bombardier added. “Our united team’s talent and skill are proudly showcased around the world every time a Global aircraft takes off.”
De Havilland Canada manufactures the Dash-8 turboprop regional airliner at the facility, and 700 of its union workers remain on strike.
"Reaching a settlement with Bombardier brings us one step closer to resolving the labor dispute at Downsview," said Jerry Dias, Unifor's national president. "Our union can now focus all of its efforts on reaching an agreement with De Havilland."