BREAKING – Mirabel to remain centre of A220 program after $1.2 billion investment by Airbus

(Montreal, February 4, 2022) – IAM Canada welcomes the $1.2 billion investment by shareholders of the Airbus Canada Limited Partnership.

“This investment, which guarantees 2,500 jobs, sends a clear message about the future of the Mirabel plant,” said IAM District 11 Business Representative Eric Rancourt, who is responsible for labour relations at Airbus Canada. “That said, there are over 100 of our members who are still on the recall list because of the pandemic, so we will remain vigilant, because our objective is to empty the recall list and then talk about hiring,” he said.

The US$1.2 billion investment will be borne 75% by Airbus ($900 million) and 25% by the Quebec government ($300 million).

“By adding $900 million to the investments already made for the installation of the A220 pre-assembly line in Mirabel, Airbus is demonstrating that its presence in Quebec is for the long term,” notes Rancourt.

“This announcement confirms that there is a real desire to grow the A220 program and that Quebec aerospace workers will benefit from it,” said Christian Bertrand, President of IAM Local 712.

Finally, the agreement reached between the shareholders also provides for an extension of the partnership in the Airbus Canada Limited Partnership for up to four years, until 2030.

Canadian General Vice-President Dave Chartrand said, “We’ve spent a great deal of time and energy to have a real relationship with Airbus, and this investment proves it was all worth it. Our members can now be assured of their jobs in these difficult times for years to come.”

The IAMAW is the world’s largest aerospace union with over 184,000 members in 1,000 collective agreements. Active in the Quebec aerospace industry since 1940, the IAMAW today represents 65% of unionized workers in the sector. Among others, we find members of the Machinists at Bombardier, Airbus, Stelia, Héroux-Devtek, Daher, Tekalia, Abipa, Lauak, Safran Landing, L3-MAS, AJ-Walter, Air Canada, Air Transat.