November 2019

OFL Convention makes history, promises greater solidarity in the austerity fight
Machinists' News

The Ontario Federation of Labour’s 15th Biennial Convention continues this week with many events, both historic and significant. Executive Board elections, presentation, panel discussions, awards, forums, and cultural celebrations punctuated the convention in downtown Toronto. Executive Elections The one thousand or so delegates voted overwhelmingly to elect Patty Coates as the first female president of Canada’s largest federation of labour in what has been an historic election. Coates, a long-time

IAM Local 1722 ratifies new deal with Diamond International
News Releases

For immediate release 15 November, 2019 Edmonton, AB – Members of IAM Local Lodge 1722 has ratified a new collective agreement with Diamond International Trucks Ltd. this week. Facing economic instability in Alberta, and a contentious set of bargaining, the committee was able to get a deal by sticking together and implementing and following the plans devised at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Center prior to bargaining. Members working at

Is there harassment in your workplace?
Health & Safety

A recent report Conducted by Statistics Canada  from 9,000 workers, aged 15 to 64, found almost one in five women had been harassed at work at some point during the year, while one in every eight men reported similar experiences. The reported harassment included verbal abuse, humiliating behaviour, threats, violence and unwanted sexual attention or harassment. Women report more abuse The survey reported that 13 per cent of women and 10

Garment workers, suppliers and ACT brands agree on Freedom of Association Guideline
International News

15 November, 2019After eight months of negotiations, factories producing for ACT brands in Myanmar have agreed on a Myanmar Freedom of Association (FoA) Guideline with IndustriALL affiliate Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM). The Myanmar FoA Guideline aims to secure constructive relations between employers and workers. By providing workers a voice and representation, the guideline facilitates cooperation to solve workplace issues. The guideline aims to specify and ensure the practical application of

NDP – CF-18 Replacements: Liberal Ministers Will Be Held Accountable
News Releases

13 November, 2019 OTTAWA – Regardless of which company wins the CF-18 fighter replacement contract, Trudeau’s Liberal government must make sure there are job guarantees for aerospace workers here in Canada and strong economic benefits for the Canadian public, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said at a press conference today with NDP Deputy Leader Alexandre Boulerice and Yvon Paiement from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). “This case

Welcome back – 65 workers from PLA rejoin the IAM
Machinists' News

05 November, 2019 For Immediate Release Toronto, ON – “Welcome back to the IAM!” That’s the message to the 65 workers at Priority Lane Management (PLA) from Talwinder Rayat, General Chairperson for IAM District 140. The former IAM members were forced into another union due to the infamous “contract flip” which took place some years ago. Contract-flipping is what happens when one company underbids for a servicing contract at Pearson

Members of Local 1922 ratify offer – return to work today
Machinists' News

06 November, 2019 For immediate release Toronto, ON – Members of IAM Local 1922 who are staff of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE Ontario) voted almost 80% in favour of the employer’s offer last night. The 14 members had been on strike against their employer, COPE Ontario since 19 September, 2019. They return to work today. “At the end of the day, when members vote, members win.

Family Status Discrimination: Supreme Court of Canada Decision Upholds a Rigorous Test
Human Rights

Ivana Saula, Research Director for Canada Family status as a prohibited ground of discrimination is fairly new in the area of human rights law. It is understood to refer to parental or family obligations, which includes looking after a child or elderly care. The definition of the protected right is consistent across jurisdictions, however, the scope and application is not as well defined. Recent changes to the Canada Labour Code,

Overwhelming support for new contract at Local 2413
Machinists' News

01 November, 2019 For immediate release Toronto, ON – The 40 members of IAM Local 2413 (Signature Flight Support YYZ) ratified a new collective agreement with the employer. The membership voted 91% in favour of their new contract! The Negotiating Committee consisted of Mike Corrado, IAM DL 140 General Chairperson and Local members Glenn Richmond, Lana Bremner Crozier and Wesley Wolfe. The new 3-year contract contained a number of improvements,

Solution needed for the future of Canadian Aerospace say union, industry
Machinists' News

02 November, 2019 For immediate release Ottawa, ON – “The IAM and industry stakeholders must plan for major labour shortages and that plan must include all levels of government and a long-range plan,” said Keith Aiken, Air Transportation Co-ordinator for IAM Canada. Aiken attended the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) Labour Market Strategy Event in Ottawa, held on October 23-24, 2019. Industry stake holders discussed important issues with