Production Continues As 1,100 Workers Walk Out

Bombardier Aerospace reports the line is still moving at its LearJet production plant in Wichita, KS, two days after workers walked out on their jobs over a bitter contract dispute.

The Associated Press reports the Montreal-based company has struggled to keep its production line and service center open, following the walkout of approximately 1,100 machinists represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).

On Wednesday, Bombardier won a court injunction to keep the striking workers from blocking access to the plant... but that's one of the few battles won by either side lately.

As Aero-News reported, members of Machinists Local 639 rejected the company's offer of a new three-year labor contract, with a surprising 80 percent of voting members approving the strike -- in spite of recommendations from the company and union that they accept the deal.

As of now, no date has been set for the two sides to return to the bargaining table. It is the first strike to hit the Wichita facility, which produces the LearJet 40, 40XR, 45, and 45XR bizjets.

FMI: www.bombardier.com, www.goiam.org