The workers at Airbus’ Mirabel manufacturing plant near Montreal refuse to accept the offer made by their employer. The five-year contract of the workers, who work on building A220 jets, expired in December 2023. They have been demanding a wage hike along with better insurance coverage, flexible work hours and pension benefits.
However, Airbus offered them a 10.25 per cent increment spread over a three-year contract. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents 1,300 workers from the plant did not accept the hike. Over 82 per cent of the members of the union said ‘no’ to the offer as it did little to combat inflation. These union members include mechanics, toolmakers, welders and technicians.
The single-aisle A220 plane has been struggling to increase production and check costs. Its two facilities at Montreal and Alabama hope to become profitable in two years. In the last two years, it has managed to improve production from six aircraft a month, to 14.
With the increment offer being rejected, production may now be affected. The possibility of a strike cannot be ruled out either, as over 98 per cent of the workers are reportedly in favour of calling a strike if Airbus refuses to negotiate and improve its offer.
