American duties threaten Canadian aerospace

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - The U.S. Department of Commerce's decision today to impose additional duties against a Canadian-made jet is a direct threat to the aerospace industry in Canada, and to the government's ability to build the sector in the country, Unifor says.

"Aerospace is a source of highly skilled jobs and innovation across Canada, and this is a sector that we need to see prosper and grow if we are to have a stable future for our communities and our young people," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

In an announcement today, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed duties of 79.82 per cent against Bombardier's C-Series jets, alleged that Bombardier engaged in product dumping in its sale of the C100 to Delta Airlines.

It is the second time in a week that the Trump administration, which came to office on a pledge to put US jobs first, has imposed duties on the C-Series. On September 26, the department brought down preliminary countervailing duties of 220 per cent, alleging that government subsidies cut the price of the jets.

Dias said the two decisions by the US Commerce Department, if allowed to stand, will hamper all level of governments as they attempt to encourage aerospace development in Canada.

"This isn't about one company or another, but about the rights of government to pursue an industrial policy that spurs innovation and helps Canadians get good jobs," Dias said.

Unifor Aerospace Director Ken Stuart said governments around the world support aerospace companies in their countries as part of a strategy for economic growth and technological innovation.

"It is vital that as workers we continue speak out in favour of the government's right to encourage good jobs in this country," Stuart said.

Dias warned that the US duties are not the only trade threat to the Canadian industry, noting that the World Trade Organization is currently investigating a complaint by Brazil about the C-Series.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy, including more than 11,000 aerospace workers across Canada. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor