Bombardier could face strikes in both of its business units as workers at its rail plant in La Pocatiere, Que., have taken a step toward joining Learjet employees in the U.S. on separate picket lines. The strike in Wichita, Kansas, has reached four weeks, the longest in the business aircraft unit's history, surpassing a three-week strike in 2006. Quebec rail workers decided almost 96 per cent in favour of giving their leaders authority to call a strike in a vote held Saturday, ahead of conciliation talks set to get underway this morning.
Workers have been without a contract since Sept. 30, 2011, and so far no deal has been reached despite 37 negotiating sessions.
Outsourcing, pension plans and wages are among key issues, says the Confederation of National Trade Unions manufacturing federation.
