MONTREAL – There was a spontaneous work stoppage today by some members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 712 at Bombardier Aerospace in Montreal, Dorval and Mirabel as the union prepares for a vote on a contract offer from the company on Saturday.

When details of the proposed settlement were circulated in the workplace by shop stewards, some members expressed their disapproval and started a spontaneous walkout.

Vincent Blais, Administrative Assistant to the Canadian Vice President of the IAMAW and the union’s Aerospace Coordinator, said the walkout was “in defiance of union directives and was in no way sanctioned by the union.”

Michel Lauzon, IAM Local 712 President and the chief union negotiator in the Bombardier talks said: “We intend to proceed with an explanation, an orderly debate, and a vote on the proposed terms of settlement from Bombardier at a meeting on Saturday morning. If the Bombardier proposal is rejected we will determine our future course of action at that time.

“In the meantime I am inviting our members to continue to conduct themselves in their usual professional manner, and counsel them not to be intimidated by others who would disrupt an orderly consideration of the proposal from the company. I also urge all members to come to the meeting so that their voice may be heard and their vote counted.”

The vote on the company proposal is scheduled to take place Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Olympic Stadium.


CONTACTS:
Michel Lauzon, President Local 712 – 514-332-1912
Vincent Blais – 613-769-6828 (Cell)
SOURCE: Neville Hamilton – 613-795-1074 (Cell)