Statement By FMCS Director George H. Cohen On Bombardier Learjet, IAMAW Local 639 Labor Talks

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director George H. Cohen issued the following statement Friday regarding the current work stoppage involving Bombardier Learjet and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 639 in Wichita, Kansas:

"In response to a request by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Bombardier Learjet and IAMAW Local 639 have agreed to return to negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement under the auspices of FMCS mediators.

"Because of the sensitivity of these negotiations, in keeping with our past custom and practice, and the agreement between the parties, the FMCS and the parties will refrain from any public comment until further notice."

Workers walked off the job October 8th at Bombardier after 79 percent of its members voted in favor of a strike. The union says that 95 percent of its membership participated in the strike vote. In a news release at the time, Bombardier Learjet said it had put forward a fair and reasonable contract renewal offer to its unionized employees. "While the company is disappointed that the offer was rejected with a vote in favour of a strike, the negotiations team is available to continue negotiations and is hopeful that the Union representing Bombardier Learjet employees will soon return to the bargaining table and, by working together, the two parties can resolve all outstanding issues," the statement said.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and 67 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.

FMI: www.fmcs.gov