Negotiations to renew a collective agreement are tense at another player in the Quebec aeronautics industry. After rejecting Safran’s offer, the French equipment manufacturer’s approximately 130 union members have just voted, almost unanimously, for a strike.
This walkout must take place “at the appropriate time”, indicated Monday the Confederation of National Unions (CSN), which represents employees of the factory located in Mirabel, in the Laurentians. Negotiations are nevertheless continuing between the union and the employer.
“After our last collective agreement of six years, we have a lot of catching up to do due to inflation,” says Michel Durand, union president at Safran. We must ensure that we attract and retain personnel from our specialized sector. »
The multinational, which specializes in particular in the manufacture of landing gear, counts both Airbus and Boeing among its customers. The union claims that Safran’s offer was “well below what would make it possible” to ensure staff retention. The retirement plan and group insurance seem to be among the points in dispute.
Still in Mirabel, Airbus Canada and its approximately 1,300 union members at its A220 assembly plant, members of the Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (AIMTA), are also in an impasse. On April 21, employees rejected, by 68%, the agreement in principle reached between the IAMAW and the French aircraft manufacturer.
The employment contract provided for salary increases of 22% spread over five years. Airbus Canada and the IAMAW have resumed discussions in the presence of a conciliator. The multinational warned that it would not increase its offer.