Montréal, QC – Boeing Aircraft has dropped its appeal of the United States International Trade Commission decision that the Bombardier C Series sale of 75 aircraft to Delta Airlines did not injure the U.S. aircraft giant.
“It’s about time,” said a jubilant IAM Canadian GVP Stan Pickthall. “IAM members in Québec and across Canada have had enough of this dispute between two corporations.”
“Now that this stage is behind us, Québec aerospace workers will be able to do what they’re internationally known for, building quality aircraft,” explained IAM Québec coordinator David Chartrand. “Despite the pessimistic climate and worry, we all remained upright throughout this fight. Finally, Boeing’s leadership understood common sense. We can put this battle behind us and dedicate our energies to improving to improving the lives of working people.”
Boeing launched its trade case last April arguing the governments of Canada, Québec and the United Kingdom subsidized the plane’s development and allowed Bombardier to sell it at rock bottom prices. The U.S. Commerce department agreed with Boeing and imposed 292.21 per cent tariffs on the C Series aircraft even though Boeing did not bid on the Delta contract. But the USITC ruled in Bombardier’s favour and the tariffs were revoked. “Now that this story is behind us now it is time to roll up our sleeves and make aerospace a social project that will pay off for every Québecer and of which we will be proud,” said Chartrand.
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