November 2016

2017 IAM Photo Contest is here!

Each year IAM members are encouraged to enter their best pictures in the IAM Photography contest, which is open to all IAM members in good standing. Entries should catch IAM members at work in unposed photos. First, Second, Third Place and Honourable Mention photos will win a cash prize and will appear in the 2018 IAM Calendar. Each month of the calendar will feature a winning entry. Two dollars from

Strike Averted at Vancouver International with New Agreement

Sunday November 27, 2016 For Immediate Release   Vancouver, BC – A strike has been averted at Vancouver International after a new agreement has been reached between the IAM and Swissport Canada. ‘We came to an agreement with the employer late Saturday evening with the exception of the Baggage Service Operations wages which will proceed to binding arbitration,” explained IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Todd Haverstock. “This was

Weekend Strike Notice for Vancouver Swissport

Wednesday November 23, 2016 For Immediate Release   Vancouver, BC – Flights in and out of Vancouver International Airport could be disrupted this weekend after a strike deadline was issued today by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) to Swissport Canada for 1 pm Saturday November 26TH. The 855 members of IAM Local Lodge 16 are seeking better wages, wage parity, benefits, pensions, and overall fairness to

Hobart Agreement provides significant increase to starting wage

Wednesday November 16, 2016   For Immediate Release   Owen Sound, ON – A significant increase in the starting wage rate and to RRSP contributions highlight a new collective agreement for the members of IAM Local Lodge 386 with Hobart Canada. “The starting wage rate goes up immediately by $4.50 per hour, “explained IAM Grand Lodge Representative Ralph Martin. Other agreement highlights include : Wage increases and one lump sum payment

Fall Economic Statement: Privatization of Public Infrastructure on the Horizon

By Aurélie Sarrabezolles Research Director for Canada   On November 1, Finance Minister Morneau gave an economic and fiscal update. The main highlight is the creation of the Canadian Infrastructure Development Bank (CIDB) in order to finance major infrastructure projects. The problem is that the Liberal government is going to fund the bank $15 billion, money which was supposed to be used to finance "socially useful, non-commercial projects like child

Garneau sent wrong signals to Workers – Again!

Friday November 4, 2016   For Immediate Release   Toronto, ON – “Once again the federal Transport Minister has sent the wrong signals to air transport workers in this country,” explained IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall. Transport Minister Marc Garneau laid out his new 2030 Transportation strategy to the Montreal Chamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon and it is not good news for the 18,000 IAM members in Canada’s

CONFERENCE CALL: 2017 IAM Transportation Conference

November 3, 2016   TO:  All Local Lodge Recording Secretaries, District Lodge 140 President/Directing General Chairperson & Secretary-Treasurer, and General Chairpersons in Canada     Dear Sisters and Brothers:   This will serve as official notice of our 2017 IAM Transportation Conference.    The 2017 Conference will be held at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, located at 3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada commencing at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday,