Bombardier may lay off hundreds of workers in Quebec

The railway division of Bombardier Inc. says losing out on a large electric train contract in Montreal may force it to lay off workers this fall at its plant in La Pocatiere, Que., unless it wins some new contracts.

Spokesperson Eric Prud’homme describes the situation for the facility as perilous once the contract to make new subway cars for Montreal’s metro system ends.

He says it is “five after midnight” for the plant over the next 12 months, putting at least half of the plant’s 600 jobs on the line.

Local elected officials and workers are calling for an emergency meeting with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard on the future of the plant.

“The contract for the 468 Azur cars (the Montreal metro) ends in November and 300 people could be laid off if nothing is done,” La Pocatiere Mayor Sylvain Hudon said in a news conference.