July 2018

Job loss for IAM members in Cape Breton
Machinists' News

Sydney, NS – Sixteen members of IAM Local Lodge 684 employed by Logistec Corporation will officially lose their jobs this weekend as Nova Scotia Power Corporation (NSP) has awarded management of the International pier and associated rail operations to Savage CANAC Corporation. “This isn’t a contract flip,” explained IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Ken Russell. “Savage CANAC, drastically underbid Logistec for the work and according to our legal

Are there election promises we shouldn’t keep?
Opinion

Is the new Ford government sending the wrong message to business?   Toronto, ON – Much like the Harris government before them, the new Progressive Conservative government under Premier Doug Ford is doing exactly what they promised during the summer election. The election platform made it clear that governments don’t create jobs on their own but they can create conditions that make it easier to start a business or invest

Air Canada makes offer to buy back Aeroplan
Machinists' News

Toronto, ON – Air Canada has made an offer to buy back its former loyalty program which it created in 1984. Air Canada is partnering with Toronto-Dominion Bank, CIBC and Visa to buy Aeroplan from its current owner Aimia, in exchange for taking over the liability of $2 billion worth of outstanding Aeroplan points, plus an additional $250 million in cash. Air Canada started Aeroplan as its loyalty program in

Northwest District 250 increases donation for Guide Dogs again!
Community

Langley, BC – The 3rd annual IAM Northwest District 250 golf tournament for Guide Dogs was an outstanding success again this year. “We surpassed last year’s total this year raising in excess of $55,000.00 for Guide Dogs,” explained IAM Northwest District Lodge 250 Business Representative Al Cyr . “I can’t thank our sponsors and our volunteers enough, without them this would not have been possible. One hundred forty one golfers

NAFTA talks to resume in next few weeks
Trade

Auto sector agreement seen as key to unlocking the logjam Ottawa, ON – Canada’s ambassador to the United States says he expects NAFTA talks to resume in the next few weeks and an agreement on the automotive sector is vital to unlocking the logjam on remaining points. His comments come as Foreign Affairs minister Chrystia Freeland, Finance minister Bill Morneau and International Trade Diversification minister Jim Carr head to Mexico

O’Regan will top it up for the last time August 3, 2018
Machinists' News

Moncton, NB – A fixture on the ramp at Moncton’s Romeo Le Blanc International Airport for forty years, IAM Local Lodge 2797 member, James O’Regan, will fuel his last aircraft on August 3, 2018. “James will turn 70 this year and it’s time to enjoy retirement,” explained IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Ken Russell. “Always dependable, always there, his work ethic was second to none. He’s a true

Fighting back against contract flipping at Pearson Airport
Campaigns

Toronto, ON – The IAM has been establishing a trend toward reversing contract flipping at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. Contract flipping – when service providers have lost their contracts to a competitor who undercuts their bid – has long been a problem for workers and their unions at Pearson Airport. Workers lose their jobs, seniority and pensions when the new employer takes over and if they want their job back, it’s

The first steps on Ontario’s Road of Restraint!
Opinion

Toronto, ON – On June 7th, Ontarians voted for Doug Ford, on July 12th, Ontario got a new governing doctrine. “Change will not be easy, the road ahead will not be easy but the path is clear,” so sayeth Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell in her Throne Speech last week to open Ontario’s new parliament. In the nine page throne speech, Premier Doug Ford’s Tory government said it cannot afford to

Arbitrator grants IAM huge award in case against Finning
News Releases

Friday July 13, 2018   For immediate release   Vancouver, BC – A British Columbia arbitrator has ordered Finning Canada pay 10 IAM members in excess of $130,000.00 plus interest in severance following a layoff dating back to March 2016. “These workers were entitled to enhanced severance under the terms of the collective agreement agreed to by the company,” explained IAM District Lodge 250 Business Representative Paul Pelletreau. “When the

Order of 60 A220-300 Aircraft by Jet Blue good news for Québec
News Releases

Wednesday July 11, 2018 For Immediate release Washington, DC – “This order puts us in a good position to secure the jobs of Québec aerospace workers,” said IAM Quebec coordinator David Chartrand. “Even though the confirmation of the change in the name of the program (The name of the C-Series -300 was changed to A220-300 on July 10th by Airbus which officially took majority stake in the C-series program at