Take your rights to new heights.

Join the union for aerospace workers.

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01. Introduction 02. Unifor, the aerospace union 03. Why join the union ? 04. Unionization Process 05. Down with the Myths 06. Your rights 07. Choose Unifor 08. Reminder 09. Take action now!

/ Introduction

Everything to gain, nothing to lose.

Have you ever wondered what more you could gain by being unionized?

What would your salary be?
What benefits could you get?

Let’s find out together!

In the aerospace sector, you need a union that knows the industry inside and out, speaks your language, and understands your reality both on the ground and in the hangars.
Unifor is the aerospace union. Our expertise allows us to negotiate working conditions that match your skills, fair and competitive wages, and, above all, to defend your rights. That same expertise also allows us to tell you if you’re truly aligned with everything the industry has to offer today.

We represent giants like Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, CAE, and CMC Electronics, as well as more specialized companies that contribute to every link in the chain, from the cockpit to the avionics systems. We cover the entire industry—from simulators to landing gear, and the most technical components in between.

We fight to secure the future of the sector. Whether it’s through our aerospace policy, our participation in CAMAQ, or our political advocacy at all levels of government, you can count on us to make the aerospace industry’s voice heard and to keep workers at the center of the conversation.

We’re here for you. With you. To improve your conditions, ensure a salary that reflects your expertise, and protect your rights. Together.
Ready to get on board?

/ Unifor, the aerospace union

Unifor, the aerospace union

Wages are just one of the benefits of unionizing, but one that is worth mentioning. Did you know that an assembler, machinist or composite worker at Pratt & Whitney can earn up to $49.73 per hour, that a cabinetmaker at Bombardier can make $43.78 per hour, and that an aircraft maintenance technician there can reach $52.41 per hour? And that is before premiums.

But unionizing is about much more than competitive wages.

Here are some concrete examples of gains from collective agreements negotiated by Unifor in aerospace:

A solid pension plan and phased retirement options to help you plan your future with confidence
Comprehensive group insurance covering health, life, disability and even specialized care
Flexible work schedules like CAE’s four day workweek pilot project and concrete work life balance measures to better manage your days
Enhanced leave for illness, family obligations, bereavement or maternity
Various premiums and professional development programs to help you keep advancing in your career
Proactive health and safety committees that work to protect every member, on every shift

Want to learn more? Check out the collective agreements negotiated by Unifor below…

Why join the union ?

In aerospace, you have everything to gain by unionizing and nothing to lose!
Here are a few examples of what the aerospace union can offer you…

Better wages

Some examples of wages negotiated by Unifor:

Machinist
Bombardier CFLB: 43,78 $/h
CAE: 45,68 $/h
Pratt & Whitney: 49,73 $/h
CMC Électronique: 40,80 $/h
Héroux-Devtek: 41,30 $/h

Electrical Assembler
Bombardier CFLB: 43,78 $/h
CAE: 40,19 $/h
CMC Électronique: 40,80 $/h

Upholsterer, Cabinetmaker and Cabinet Finisher
Bombardier CFLB: 43,78 $/h

Composite Technician
Bombardier CFLB: 43,78 $/h
CAE: 41,30 $/h
Pratt & Whitney: 49,73 $/h

Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Bombardier CFLB: 52,41 $/h
CAE:: 44,23 $/h
Héroux-Devtek: 45,21$/h
Pratt & Whitney: 49,73 $/h

Painter
Bombardier CFLB: 43,78 $/h
CAE: 39,00 $/h
Héroux-Devtek: 37,80 $/h

The end of favoritism

With a union, no more special treatment or arbitrary decisions! The rules are the same for everyone, and the employer’s preferences no longer hold sway.

Respect from the employer

With a union, the employer can no longer impose rules as they see fit or disrespect workers without consequences. Together, we negotiate clear conditions and ensure they are respected—end of story

Your future in your hands

Tired of the employer’s unilateral decisions? Unionizing allows workers to take control of their working conditions and wages. Together, they can establish clear and fair standards, and refuse to accept conditions imposed without consultation.

/ Unionization Process

How it works

Don’t worry, we’re here with you, for you, and for the entire union accreditation process, which, let us remind you, is completely, entirely, and absolutely confidential.

Signing Unifor Membership Cards
It all starts with your signature – confidential and protected by law. You can sign a physical card with a recruiter or do so online by yourself.
When signing your membership card, a $2 payment is required. This is normal and typical for any unionization process in Quebec, regardless of the union. This symbolic amount formalizes your commitment to the union.
Submission of Cards by Unifor to the Administrative Labour Tribunal (TAT)
A quick verification of the signed cards to ensure their validity.
Freezing of Working Conditions
Once the membership cards are validated, your current working conditions are protected throughout the negotiations.
General Assembly and Election
Participate in electing representatives who will defend your interests.
Beginning of Negotiations with your employer
Now we get down to business – let’s claim what you deserve!
Vote on the Agreement
You decide whether to accept the negotiated terms.
Implementation of the Collective Agreement
A new era begins for you and your colleagues!

We invite you to keep the unionization process confidential.

If the rumor of unionization spreads, expect your employer to try to entice you with some sudden benefits. These are usually temporary and represent strategic moves to shake you, make you doubt.

Down with the Myths

« Union dues will reduce my salary. »

No ! Union dues are more than offset by the better wages and benefits negotiated by the union. The improvements in your pay, job security, and working conditions usually far exceed the cost of dues, making it a worthwhile investment in your future.

« Unions cause conflicts between employees and employers. »

No. Unions create a constructive dialogue to improve working conditions for everyone. They work to ensure that both employees and employers have clear expectations, and they help resolve issues in a fair and organized manner. The goal is to create a positive, cooperative environment where both sides can thrive.

« The union is a big outside machine that doesn’t understand our reality. »

False. Unifor representatives are not outsiders coming in—they are there to help you defend your interests. They are part of your community, dedicated to working with you and ensuring your voice is heard. Their role is to represent you and support you in achieving better working conditions, not to impose anything from the outside.

« Collective bargaining takes too long and blocks everything. »

While negotiations can take time, they are a crucial investment in giving workers a real voice and securing their rights. By negotiating, we establish true workplace democracy.

Moreover, in Quebec, the law provides mechanisms to prevent discussions from getting stuck. The Administrative Labour Tribunal (Tribunal administratif du travail) can intervene to help move the negotiation forward if necessary, ensuring that the process remains on track and fair for everyone involved.

« Unionizing could lead to the loss of benefits. »

It is illegal for your employer to remove benefits in retaliation for unionization. Unionizing empowers workers to collectively negotiate for better wages and benefits. The goal is to strengthen workers’ rights and improve their conditions, not to lose what they already have. The union ensures that workers have a fair, collective voice in securing and enhancing their benefits.

« Union negotiators are not reliable. »

No ! As members, you will elect your own representatives for the negotiations. These representatives, supported by Unifor experts, will receive specialized and proper training to effectively defend your interests. They are there to ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met, working with you to achieve the best possible outcomes.

« Conversations about salaries should remain private. »

Salary transparency ensures that all workers are fairly compensated for their work. When salary information is shared openly, it helps identify pay gaps and ensures that everyone is being paid equitably for the same work. Transparency empowers workers to demand fair wages and hold employers accountable, ultimately leading to better pay and working conditions for all.

« We have no power to make things change. »

Together, you really can make a difference. Your employer would much rather negotiate than face a strike or other collective actions. When workers unite, they become a strong force, and employers know they need to come to the table to reach a fair agreement. Collective action gives you leverage, and the power to negotiate for better conditions, ensuring that your voice is heard and respected.

/ Your rights

The law protects you.

You have the right to join a union and fight for better working conditions, without fearing any repercussions at your workplace – whether from your employer or your colleagues. Union membership is 100% confidential; did you know that? This means that your employer has no way of knowing who has signed a membership card. The law protects you at every step of the process.

Both Canadian and Quebec laws recognize your right to belong to a union, as well as to participate in its formation and activities. Furthermore, they prohibit any intimidation, threats, or retaliation against an employee who decides to unionize. From the moment a group of workers requests to unionize, the employer cannot change wages or working conditions.

The right to unionize is a fundamental right in our society. Thus, our labor laws are in place to ensure you can exercise this right in peace, freedom, and confidentiality. Here are some of these provisions:

Free en voluntary membership	Confidentiality of the process	Protection of working conditions
It is prohibited to use intimidation or threats to force someone to become a member, refrain from becoming a member, or cease being a member of a union. This applies equally to your employer as well as to the union.	The unionization process is completely confidential. Your decision to join the union and your membership status cannot be disclosed to your employer. The law protects your privacy at every step, ensuring that your participation remains secure and shielded from any potential retaliation or pressure.	As soon as the union accreditation application is filed, the employer is not allowed to change your working conditions (wages, hours, benefits, etc.) without the written consent of the union.

/ Choose Unifor

Why Unifor

A Union for Everyone

In a few words, Unifor is 320,000 members, making it the largest private-sector union in Canada. Across the country, we defend all workers, whether they are active or unemployed.

And the role of a union isn’t just about handling grievances and negotiating! A union is dedicated to supporting its members, protecting their jobs, and fostering solidarity in the workplace. These are the tasks of a REAL union.

By joining Unifor, you increase your bargaining power and equip yourself with:

Wage increases
A better pension plan (FTQ Solidarity Fund)
More social leave (vacation, sick leave, etc.)
Recognition of seniority
Improved health and safety at work
Shift and department premiums

About Union Dues

No surprises: union dues are only deducted after the signing of a collective agreement.

Additionally, they:

Are deducted only on hours worked
Are not deducted from premiums or overtime
Are not deducted from the salary of those on sick leave (work-related or not) or unpaid leave
Are only deducted on hours worked for members in early retirement.

/ Reminder

Vos avantages en un coup d’oeil

Better Wages

On average, unionized workers earn higher wages than their non-unionized counterparts.

Respect from the Employer

Your employers will be required to negotiate with the union and take you seriously!

Full Transparency on Salaries and Promotions

No more mysteries! You’ll know exactly when and how raises will be given.

Less Pressure, More Support

Reduction in workload overload and hiring additional staff to balance the load.

Work-Life Balance

Priority is given to creating a work environment that respects your personal needs.

/ Take action now!

Join Unifor

It’s time to take action and demand the respect, transparency, and fairness you deserve.

By unionizing with Unifor, you are making the decision to improve not only your own working conditions but also those of all your colleagues. The power to make change is in your hands.

Michel Bélanger – National Recruitment Representative

michel.belanger@unifor.org
514 258-9792