2019

Solidarity works: jailed union leader freed in Kazakhstan
Campaigns

The ITUC welcomes the release of Erlan Baltabay, leader of the Independent Oil and Energy Workers’ Union by special decree of the new President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In July this year Erlan Baltabay was sentenced to 7 years in prison under forged charges that the international labour movement condemned as being politically motivated. The criminal case against Baltabay was initiated in response to his active trade union activities and principled

ARE LONG WORK HOURS AFFECTING YOUR HEALTH?
Health & Safety

A recent study found people who regularly work long hours had a higher risk of stroke, especially those who’ve done so for 10 years or more. This research, published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke, analyzed data on the working hours of more than 140,000 people in France. The researchers defined long work hours as working more than 10 hours for at least 50 days a year. They found

Canadian Workers Celebrate 148th Anniversary of Labour Day
Machinists' News

2 September, 2019 Toronto – Approximately 100 IAM members participated in Labour’s annual Labour Day parade. The 148th anniversary of this special day to celebrate workers and our accomplishments was celebrated with music, bands and much discussion as to labour’s path ahead in these challenging times. The total number of labour activists and their families attending the parade was 25,000. Along with the celebrations, many has pause to think about

What Does a Modernized Canada Labour Code Look Like? A Lot Like The Old One!
Machinists' News

By: Ivana Saula Research Director, Canada Just as unions prepared to celebrate Labour Day, the federal government announced the implementation of several changes to the Canada Labour Code. The Liberal federal government has shown its ideological leanings by failing to truly modernize the Code. Despite consultations with unions, and regardless of objections raised by several of them, the Liberals were deaf to persuasions for fairness and justice.  Months’ long consultations

Another 100 percent win for IAM members
Machinists' News

Photo – Maurice Shyntak – Lead Hand, Shop Steward, Bargaining Committee representative, 28+ years with the company, and has been with the union for over 25 years since the members joined the IAM on May 27th 1993. Brian Alguire – Lead Hand, Union Steward, Bargaining Committee Repressive, 20+ Years with both the Company and the IAM. On Monday August 26th and Tuesday August 27th, the IAMAW Bargaining Committee at Bearskin Airlines

Canada Labour Code Changes in Effect
Machinists' News

By: Ivana Saula, Research Director, Canada Labour Minister Patty Hajdu’s office announced yesterday that amendments to the Canada Labour Code Part III will come into effect this Sunday, Sept.1, 2019. The IAMAW is an active stakeholder in the Labour Program’s consultation process having provided submissions stating our position on proposed changes. The government introduced new types of leaves, such as domestic violence leave, family responsibility and modifications to parental leave.

Major Improvements see 100% Ratification for Sage Parts Contract
Machinists' News

22 August, 2019 For immediate release Toronto – Today the IAM Membership at Sage Parts YYZ ratified its 2nd collective agreement by a 100% margin. Percentages and gains in wages jumped appreciably since they joined the IAM 3 years ago. “Three years ago, when the workers joined the IAM, we began a fight for $15 campaign with this employer at the bargaining table and was successful in ensuring that no member

Manitoba Elections
Political Action

By Derek Ferguson, Special Representative, Political Action On September 10th Manitoba voters have to decision to make. Have they benefitted under the current Pallister conservative government, or will the NDP, led by Wab Kinew, be the better choice for them and their families? Since coming into power in 2016, the Pallister conservatives have made life more difficult for ordinary people in Manitoba, they have created a health care crisis, resulting

Réorganisation des unités de négociation des soins de santé au Manitoba : qui a le plus à perdre?
Political Action

Par Ivana Saula Directrice de la recherche de l”AIM Canada Un vote pendant l’été… plus précisément en août, un mois où la plupart des gens prennent des vacances, se détendent, se déconnectent du travail et renouent avec leurs amis, leur famille et la nature. Un mois de repos bien mérité. C’est aussi le mois que les conservateurs de M. Pallister ont choisi pour directement attaquer les syndicats manitobains. Si on

Wins and Losses in Manitoba’s Bargaining Unit Reorganization: Who stands to lose the most?
Political Action

By Ivana Saula IAM Canadian Research Director A vote set to take place over the summer, more precisely August; a month when most people take vacations, take time to relax, disconnect from work and reconnect with friends, family, and nature. A month for some well-deserved down time. It’s also the month that unions in Manitoba came under direct attack from Pallister’s PC government. If the strategy is taken out of