Bombardier is the world's third largest manufacturer of civil aircraft and the largest for rail transportation equipment. This is the first strike at the Quebec plants in 25 years.

The bosses' second contract offer, which was rejected by 60 percent of voting members, included a 3.25 percent a year wage increase over a four-year contract and a $1,000 signing bonus. The union is demanding a 5 percent yearly wage increase over a three-year contract, as well as an improved pension plan.

Previous to the latest vote, the workers held a one-day strike April 1 and carried out an overtime ban for between three weeks and two months depending on departments. On April 11, the day the second offer was handed out, workers at all plants walked off the job in protest.

Some workers going into the meeting carried signs saying "Stop contracting out," reflecting concerns over recent job losses. The last contract, a five-year pact, expired at the end of November 2001.

Sylvie Charbin is a garment worker and a member of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees in Montreal. Joanna Holowchak, a striking member of IAM Local 712, contributed to this article.  
 
 
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