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Unifor says its members at Bombardier were left in the dark when the company announced plans to cut 5,000 jobs globally. Bombardier also announced the sales of its Q Series turboprop aircraft program and business aircraft flight and technical training units.
“Today’s announcement came as a complete shock,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor national president. “Bombardier has backtracked on commitments made during bargaining. This sends a troubling message to aerospace workers.”
In the last round of contract negotiations, Bombardier committed to having Unifor members at the Downsview plant continue production of the Global and Q400 when manufacturing operations relocate.
“We have yet to receive the full details of the Q Series sale and impact of what Bombardier’s job cutting measures will mean for workers,” said Scott McIlmoyle, president of Unifor Local 112. “We have requested an immediate meeting with the company.”
Unifor local 112 and local 673 represent 2,100 Bombardier Aerospace production, office and technical workers at Downsview and will be meeting with members to discuss next steps.
“Our members feel betrayed by the company,” said Maryellen McIlmoyle, president of Unifor Local 673. “By failing to consult with us, Bombardier has lost the trust of workers.”
Bombardier employs more than 24,000 people in Canada directly and at supplier facilities, with an estimated 40,000 spin-off jobs created as well.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy.
Unifor represents more than 50,000 skilled trades workers and apprentices in 63 types of skilled across Canada working in over 20 sectors.
