Unionized employees at the Airbus assembly facility in Mirabel, Que., have rejected the company’s latest contract offer in a vote earlier today. The rejection comes after talks between Airbus and representatives of the Airbus A220 workers, who had previously rejected the first offer three weeks ago.
According to a statement from Airbus, the dialogue at the bargaining table had been “open and constructive,” leading to a “new improved” offer submitted to members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers on March 29. However, Airbus stated that there is still a gap between the union’s demands and the current financial capacity of the A220, which has not yet reached breakeven.
Despite the rejection, Airbus remains committed to “reconciling the interests of our employees with the economic imperatives of the A220.” The negotiating team is expected to return to the bargaining table as early as Monday.
The union, representing 1,300 of the 3,000 workers at the facility, had previously voted 99.6% against the contract and 98.9% in favor of strike action. Spokesman Eric Rancour cited concerns that the proposed wage increases were below the rate of inflation.
The outcome of the contract vote highlights the ongoing challenges faced by both employers and employees in the aviation industry, particularly in the context of economic pressures and labor negotiations. Airbus and the union will need to find a resolution that balances the needs of the workforce with the financial realities of the company to move forward effectively.