Engineers who develop Canada’s space robotics are on strike
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO – On June 21, for the first time in its 28 year history, the SPATEA (SPAR Professional and Allied Technical Employee’s Association) has gone on strike. SPATEA is a professional association of engineers, scientists, technologists, contract administrators, and allied technical staff employed by MDA Space Missions of Brampton, Ontario. The previous collective agreement expired on December 31, 2005 and negotiations have been ongoing since January 12, 2006.
Formed in 1977, the Association membership has designed Canadian icons like the Canadarm and the Mobile Servicing System used on the International Space Station (including the Canadarm II and Dextre). In addition to its normal duties, the Canadarm is used to inspect the heatshield system of the Space Shuttle to ensure the safe return of the spacecraft and its crew of astronauts. Currently SPATEA members are involved in the design and development of robotic manipulators for nuclear facilities, neurosurgical equipment, scientific instruments for Mars missions, and 3D vision systems.
A key issue in the dispute is base salary, with SPATEA members’ salaries steadily losing ground to both market and inflation over the last five years. SPATEA’s projections place salaries 5 to 10% below market levels. In the same time period, MDA has posted substantial profits. In the past year MDA’s share prices have risen from approximately $30.00 to a high of $52.00 earlier this year.
SPATEA’s main objective during the collective bargaining process has been to raise the salaries of the membership to be in line with the provincial average. The membership feels that these demands are not unreasonable and would still allow MDA to remain competitive in the marketplace. While MDA management acknowledges the value of this goal, the company has also clearly stated that it is not prepared to bridges this gap within the coming term of this collective agreement.
The final offer tabled by the company on June 16th, was rejected by 87% of the membership. It is regrettable that SPATEA has been forced into this situation, however, it is hoped that a resolution can be found in a timely manner.
Contact Aldo Campitelli SPATEA Media Relations: 905-453-4952
