IAM Plans For Prolonged Strike At Bombardier Learjet
By Kerry Lynch kerry_lynch@aviationweek.com
Source: AWIN First
October 16, 2012
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is preparing for a prolonged strike at Bombardier’s Learjet facility in Wichita, approving increased benefits beginning on the third week of the walkout.
About 825 of Bombardier’s 3,000-plus workers in Wichita went on strike Oct. 8 after IAM members rejected the company’s five-year contract proposal over health benefits and wage increases.
Contract talks have not resumed since the workers went on strike, and none are scheduled. Bombardier says it is “hopeful that the union representing our employees will soon return to the bargaining table” and that the two parties can resolve the impasse.
Union leaders increased the strike fund benefits to $350 per week for members who participate in strike shifts. The union notes that additional benefits are available for six weeks, and the union would “review it at that point.”
In the interim, Bombardier has implemented a contingency plan to minimize disruption. The company has kept quiet on the plan’s specifics, saying only that it is “focused on continuing product development, aircraft deliveries and maintaining service to our customers.”
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Navistar (Indiana) had similar problems in 2005 and in subsequent years. Their HR department went on a recruiting binge looking for people in MI to fill in for the striking union folks but HR points of contact said nothing about that. The jobs I was made aware of were in areas of design engineering (CAD) and other skilled technical types. The project I was recruited for was a new school bus design and those vehicles are currently in service.