Ralph Martin Appointed IAM Canadian Chief of Staff

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has announced the appointment of long-time IAM staff member, organizer and leader Ralph Martin as IAM Canadian Chief of Staff to General Vice President David Chartrand. The appointment is effective Jan. 2, 2024. “I’m thrilled to welcome Ralph into this new role serving our membership in Canada,” said Chartrand. “Ralph understands what it means to organize new members and represent current ones, and we’re

Never Again: Canada’s Unions Mark December 6 with Call to End Gender-Based Violence (CLC)

December 6, 2023 (From the CLC) Canada’s unions are marking the 34th anniversary of the attack at École Polytechnique in Montreal by urging the federal government to take concrete steps to prevent and address gender-based violence in Canada. This must include implementing ILO Convention 190 (ILO C-190), the first international standard of its kind, that acknowledges the universal right to a world of work free from violence and harassment; integrating

IAM Canadian Chief of Staff Gord Falconer to Retire

IAM Canadian Chief of Staff Gord Falconer has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 2, 2024. Falconer, a 25-year IAM member, has held the position since May 2016 and has served under Canadian General Vice Presidents Stan Pickthall and David Chartrand. “Gord has been a friend and advocate of countless members over his storied IAM career,” said IAM International President Martinez Jr. “We thank him for his service and wish him and his family a

IAM Sweeps AME Conference with Top Spots in Skills Competition #IAMAW

Toronto, ON – The Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Ontario, 2023 AME Conference saw an impressive showcase of skills and expertise as teams vied for victory in various challenging competitions. The IAM proved its members are at the very top of every class. Among the rigorous events were the lock wiring contest, virtual main wheel and brake changes, avionics fault troubleshooting, 2D virtual paint challenge, non-destructive test challenge, and sheet

Canada’s acquisition of 16 P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Boeing:  A choice that lacks vision and ambition

Montreal, Thursday, November 30, 2023 – For us, there’s no justification for going with a direct contract. This choice is a form of contempt for our aerospace industry and the workers for whom it is famous. “The Canadian government has just missed an opportunity to be transparent with Canadians, to give our Canadian companies the opportunity to showcase themselves and our industry,” said David Chartrand, Canadian General Vice-President of the

IAM Canada again outnumbers all others in CLC Lobby on Parliament Hill

Ottawa, ON – On Tuesday, more than 200 labour activists met with MPs on Parliament Hill under the banner of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) – and once again the dominant group came from the IAM. This time 57 IAM members lobbied parliamentarians on the need for a quicker implementation of the Anti-Scab Law, A national Pharmacare plan and sustainable jobs. On Monday evening, the IAM had a caucus meeting

Select Luxury Items Tax Could Leave Canada’s Aerospace Grounded – Urgent Government Action Required

OTTAWA, Nov. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) are sounding the alarm on the severe and negative impacts of the Select Luxury Items Tax Act. An updated study conducted by Professor Jacques Roy of HEC Montréal revealed that more than 3,800 jobs are currently at risk across Canada’s aerospace sector, with 19 aircraft orders

A 4-year contract for Airbus Atlantic Canada members

(Blainville, Friday, November 24, 2023) – Meeting this afternoon in Blainville, the 111 members of the Airbus Atlantic unit, IAMAW Local Lodge 712, voted 67.4% in favour of their employer’s offer. This was the second offer to be presented to members, the first having been rejected by 98.8% on November 12. “This second labour contract for the Airbus Atlantique unit puts in place fair working conditions”, explains Christian Bertrand, President

CP-140 Aurora replacement: We have the expertise to compete for this contract (Open Letter from David Chartrand)

In today’s economic context, promoting Canadian interests in industries with the potential to generate significant economic benefits for the country should be at the top of our list of priorities. Referring to the Lockheed CP-140 Aurora replacement, federal Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne recently stated that his government would take into account national security, the need to make the best choice for taxpayers, and the promotion of the Canadian aerospace industry.

Rallying for Affordable Housing

“Each year on November 22, the City of Toronto observes National Housing Day to recognize the vital work done by housing partners, including providers, across Canada to improve access to safe, adequate and affordable housing for everyone.” (City of Toronto website.) Delegates OFL’s 17th Biennial Convention rallied in the streets of Toronto’s Financial District and marched in support of affordable housing, rent control and fair wages to reinforce the convention theme