Mirabel will ultimately avoid the lockout. On Wednesday, Airbus Canada employees voted in favor of a new version of the agreement in principle by 77.14%, announced the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).
According to the union, approximately 81% of the 1,300 workers at the Mirabel site took part in the vote, the fourth since the start of negotiations, which took place from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. The new employment contract will be valid for a period of five years.
This new agreement includes the modifications proposed by the conciliator of the General Directorate of Labor Relations, who was requested by the union last week.
“Despite the favorable result, this negotiation generated a lot of frustration, scars will remain and the employer will have things to repair in the coming months to restore a good working climate,” wrote Éric Rancourt, the spokesperson. floor at the negotiating table, in a press release.
On April 23, the members of the IAMAW, affiliated with the FTQ, rejected in a proportion of 68% the agreement in principle which had been reached between the parties on April 12. Two other employer offers had previously been rejected.
Several points were in dispute between Airbus and the union members: working hours, job security, outsourcing, salaries and seniority, the union reported.
The new agreement provides salary increases of 8%, 3%, 4%, 4% and 4% per year, which will apply retroactively from December 2, 2023. In addition, it includes an increase in deferred compensation. from $1.35 to $1.45 per hour worked.
Access to coverage will no longer be after 36 months, but after only six months of work. Improvements relating to bonuses, vacations and work pace are also included in the agreement.
The president of local section 712, Christian Bertrand, admitted that “although the contract does not include any reduction in salary levels, our members would have appreciated more openness from the employer on schedules and work-family balance.”
Airbus, for its part, remained concerned by the fact that the A220 aircraft program, built in Mirabel, was not yet profitable.
The employment contract of Airbus Canada employees in Mirabel expired on 1er December 2023.