Canadian union members strike against Bombardier, De Havilland

Canada’s largest private sector union said on Tuesday that a strike is underway by Toronto members working for Bombardier Inc and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) although contract talks continue. Negotiations between the companies and Unifor come during a rebound in U.S. business jet flights, as more wealthy travelers look to fly on private aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bombardier shares were down 2.08% in midday trading. Unifor said it is bargaining for a combined 2,200 workers at the same Toronto manufacturing site for Bombardier’s Global large-cabin business jets and De Havilland’s Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft. “We will remain at the bargaining table with both companies as the strike action is ongoing,” said Unifor national President Jerry Dias. De Havilland announced in February it would no longer make Dash 8-400 aircraft at the Downsview site beyond confirmed orders due to weaker demand because of COVID-19.<br/>