Productive meeting between Bombardier and Canadian and Irish unions, says Unifor

MONTREAL, Dec. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Unions representing Bombardier workers in Canada and Northern Ireland had what is described as a "positive meeting" with Bombardier CEO Alain Bellemare, this morning, to discuss the ongoing trade issue with Boeing involving C Series planes.

"Our meeting focused on job stability for workers in Canada and Northern Ireland and we were reassured that Bombardier will be in a strong position regardless of the decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce next week on the tariffs," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "The goal continues to be to protect good aerospace jobs at Bombardier, now and in the future. Unifor and Unite the union have joined forces to ensure this continues to be the reality."

The meeting took place in advance of the December 19 ruling by the U.S. Department of Commerce on whether the unjust 300 per cent tariff imposed on Bombardier's C Series will be allowed to stand. Attending the meeting at Bombardier's Canadian head office were Unifor President Jerry Dias, Unifor Quebec Director Renaud Gagné and Unite the Union Assistant General Secretary Steve Turner. 

Unifor leadership and aerospace representatives were in Montreal earlier this week to develop a shared strategy with the delegation representing Northern Ireland Bombardier workers, led by Unite Assistant General Secretary Steve Turner.

"Together Unite and Unifor will leave no stone unturned in our bid to safeguard jobs at Bombardier and in the wider supply chain," said Turner. "It is crucial that the threat of these crushing tariffs is removed."

Bombardier is one of Canada's largest employers with more than 24,000 workers across Canada, with an estimated 40,000 spin-off jobs at its suppliers. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 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