The union representing workers at Airbus Canada in a factory in Mirabel, QC, where the company assembles A220 aircraft, said that employees overwhelmingly rejected the company's latest offer.

 The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued a press release stating that about 82 percent of the 712 local members voted on the proposal.

The union says that the subsequent strike vote was supported by 98.9 percent of the members present, which means, it says, that the negotiating committee now has the authority to call a general strike if Airbus does not respond more clearly to workers' demands.

 Spokesperson Eric Rancourt said in the statement that members were insulted because the proposed wage increases did not even compensate for inflation.

The union says that shift bonuses, hiring bonuses, vacations, work schedules, job security, and pensions are other key issues in the negotiations.