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TORONTO–Unifor Local 112 and 673 members ratified new agreements with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada today, ending a three-month long strike at the aircraft manufacturer’s Downsview facility in Toronto.
“I am proud of all Unifor members at De Havilland for standing strong throughout this strike despite very difficult negotiations and extremely tough economic times. Thanks to the work of our bargaining team, union members now have options for a way forward,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Canada’s aerospace sector is still hurting from the devastating economic impact of COVID-19. Our union will not stop fighting for a comprehensive recovery plan that includes the return of every advanced aerospace manufacturing job affected by the pandemic.”
Negotiations centered on the company’s plans to leave its current production location at the Downsview plant, ending production of the Dash 8 aircraft. In the absence of a commitment to resume production, the agreements provide union members with financial compensation, including retirement incentives, restructuring packages, and enhanced severance packages that double the Employment Standards Act minimum. The agreements also include preferential hiring provisions for union members should production of the Dash 8 resume.
“Looking after our members affected by the end of Dash 8 production was our highest priority and I believe we did just that,” said John Turner, Unifor Local 112 President. “We know severance doesn’t replace a good-paying job or help pass on highly valuable skills from one generation to the next. That’s why our union will continue advocating for protecting our advanced manufacturing jobs.”
The newly ratified agreements cover both Unifor Local 112 members who work in production and Unifor Local 673 members working in office, technical and professional positions at the plant. The deal also preserves approximately 50 jobs at a new office location. The agreement will keep the new office location within a radius of eighty kilometers from Downsview.
“Despite the company exiting Downsview, it was crucial that we secured an office space within a reasonable radius of the plant and maintain a presence for our bargaining unit,” said Maryellen McIlmoyle, Unifor Local 673 President. “We know the economy will recover in the future and, when it does, this space will be an important opportunity to rebuild.”
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
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