Boeing's Winnipeg plant to resume production

OTTAWA, Aug. 16, 1996 - George Capern, Boeing's Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs - Canada said today that operations at Boeing's Winnipeg plant will resume early next week. The announcement followed a vote by members of Canadian Auto Workers, Local 2169 to accept a new contract. The settlement was announced after a 36-day strike by 870 members of the union.

"We are pleased we have been able to reach an agreement and now it is time to put aside our differences and focus on our first priority, service to our global airline customers," Capern said.

As in all negotiations between the company and employee organizations, Boeing will not disclose contract details.

Boeing's main fabrication centre in Auburn, Washington is now coordinating with managers at the Winnipeg Division to develop a schedule to resume operations. All temporarily transferred Winnipeg work programs are under review to ensure continuity of supply to assembly lines. This review process will require a minimum of five to six days.

Capern stated that no production delays were experienced at assembly plants in Renton and Everett, Washington due to the work stoppage at Winnipeg.

Certain tooling removed from Winnipeg has been assigned to other Boeing facilities in the Seattle area and to suppliers elsewhere, some on a permanent basis. Tooling to be returned must first be used to build inventories to ensure deliveries to assembly lines during the time required to relocate the equipment and resume operations at Winnipeg.

Commenting on events at Winnipeg over the past few days, Capern expressed appreciation for the efforts of representatives of the federal, provincial and municipal governments who contributed to a settlement. "We wish particularly to thank Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and MP for Winnipeg South Centre who coordinated discussions with all levels of government. The direct participation of Premier Gary Filmon, Ministers Jim Downey and Vic Toews and Winnipeg Mayor Susan Thompson was essential and typical of the local spirit of cooperation and involvement we have enjoyed over the past 25 years in Manitoba.

"Boeing is very grateful for the efforts extended and proud to remain part of the Winnipeg community," Capern added.