Leaders from the IAM Union met with Bombardier today in Montreal to officially launch a new round of negotiations focused on the future of aerospace workers, job security, and long-term growth within the industry.
Representing the IAM Union at the negotiations kickoff meeting were the IAM International President (IP), Brian Bryant, Canadian General Vice-President (GVP), David Chartrand, Chief of Staff to the IP, Vinny Addeo, International Representative, Eric Rancourt, and Communicator, Guillaume Valois. The spokesperson for the negotiating committee, Philippe Comeau, was also present during the meeting.
The negotiations began with opening remarks from International President Brian Bryant, who emphasized the importance of these discussions not only for IAM members, but for the future of the aerospace industry in Canada.
“These negotiations are about the future of this workforce, the future of these facilities, and the continued success of Bombardier in an increasingly competitive global aerospace industry,” said Bryant.
Bryant highlighted the longstanding relationship between IAM Union members and Bombardier, reminding all parties that workers have consistently stood by the company during some of the most challenging periods in the industry’s history.
“IAM Union members stood with Bombardier throughout the years, especially during difficult periods. Through economic downturns, through major industry disruptions after 2001, through a pandemic, through uncertainty surrounding aerospace programs and global competition, and through trade fights and political attacks that threatened jobs and production lines.”
He noted that the union’s history with Bombardier matters when making decisions that will shape the next chapter of the company and its workforce.
Bryant added that these negotiations represent an important opportunity to strengthen the workforce for the future while ensuring workers receive the respect and security they deserve.
Among the key priorities brought forward by the IAM Union are better wages, improved retirement security, stronger workplace protections, and solutions aimed at attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled aerospace workers.
General Vice-President David Chartrand also addressed the importance of recognizing the commitment IAM members have shown to Bombardier over the years.
In his remarks, Chartrand echoed the resilience and dedication demonstrated by union members during periods of uncertainty and industry-wide challenges.
“The union has always worked together to help the company during difficult times.” said Chartrand.
He emphasized that the workforce has continuously delivered through every challenge and that these negotiations are an opportunity to build a stronger future for workers, their families, and the aerospace sector in Canada.
The IAM Union stated that it remains committed to engaging in meaningful negotiations that recognize the contributions of workers while supporting the long-term success and stability of Bombardier’s operations in Montreal.
“We surveyed and spoke with members about their priorities and built our bargaining proposals, and we had everything in place to launch negotiations,” explained Philippe Comeau, Business Representative for District 11 and head of the Bombardier unit. “There was a willingness to begin discussions quickly from both the members and the bargaining committee, and our goal is to present an initial offer by the expiry date of the collective agreement on December 4, 2026,” he added.
Following today’s meeting, the parties agreed to five additional negotiation days before the summer shutdown. These five meetings will allow both sides to address the priority issues identified during the analysis conducted over the past few weeks.
“We look forward to productive negotiations that will help strengthen the future of our members, support the next generation of aerospace workers, and ensure continued success for Bombardier and the aerospace industry in Canada,” stated Chartrand.
