2019

IAM Canada Statement on Air Canada takeover of Air Transat

23 August, 2019 For Immediate release Toronto – Air Transat shareholders have approved a $720 million takeover by Air Canada by a 94.77% vote. This is well above the two-thirds margin required. Both companies will continue to operate under their current structures. The agreement is now putting the fate of the transaction in the hands of regulators before being finalised. The transaction is unlikely to close before early 2020. IAM

Time Flies When You’re a Member of the IAM!

One year ago, today, workers at Spectrum Healthcare signed their charter and OFFICIALLY joined the IAM and created Local Lodge 1231. The new members gathered together at the IAM’s Winpisinger Education and Technology Center for the ceremony, with IAM International President Bob Martinez, General Secretary Treasurer Dora Cervantes, IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall and IAM Grand Lodge Representatives Ralph Martin and Scott Jackson welcoming them into the IAM

Solidarity Across Borders

Thanks to IAM solidarity a retired IAM representative from Connecticut, USA and his grandson got a chance to learn about Canada’s Parliament and the New Democratic Party.  Brother John Harrity, who served on the IAM staff for 38 years had asked for assistance, so that his grandson, 13-year-old Boston Thomas, could find out more about the Canadian system of government.  Boston is beginning to consider college and looking at Canada

TAKE THE QUIZ: Freedom 55 or Freedom 75?

By Ivana Saula Realities of Retirement in Canada: Separating Fact From Fiction Have you thought about what your retirement will look like, does it look more like Freedom75 than Freedom55? Maybe you haven’t given it much thought, because there are other more pressing needs and priorities. But, it’s worthwhile to think about the realities of retirement, whether you’re nearing it or whether you have a full career ahead of you.

Success on the grill for Local 2323 BBQ

IAM Local 2323 held their annual BBQ on Friday, 9 August, 2019. LL2323 has been doing this in Toronto for five years and this was their second time doing it in Ottawa. By all accounts, it was a success on both fronts. Toronto saw about 350 people, while the Ottawa venue was attended by about 90 members and their families. LL2323 President, Dave Flowers was enthusiastic about the attendance. “Member

IAM Pension Plans among the Best in Canada

By Ivana Saula Saving on your own or through a group pension plan? It’s an important question and a tough decision, but a recent survey makes it clear, IAM pension plans are the best way to save for retirement. In a survey examining 50 union pension plans in Canada, published in Pension and Benefits Monitor, our pension plans placed in the top 10.  Our plans came in 7th overall, due

Are tax cuts benefiting you?

By Derek Ferguson Across the country, people are having a harder and harder time keeping up. They hear about the economy doing well for the rich, but they’re not seeing the benefits for their families. The recent corporate tax cuts delivered by Jason Kenney’s UCP government in Alberta have already added more than $2 billion to the profits of the major oil companies, while at the same time Kenney’s government

IAM Statement on Air France-KLM Commitment to Acquire 60 A-220 airplanes

For immediate release Montreal, July 30, 2019 – IAM members in Montreal are elated on the just-announced news that Air France-KLM has committed to purchasing 60 new A-220 planes from Airbus. This is good news for workers at Mirabel, where the plant is located, and for the entire Québec aerospace cluster. Since the signing of the last collective agreement on June 15, 2019, which established a five-year industrial peace agreement

The Top Three Election Issues That Should Matter to You!

In 2019, more Canadians will be voting on issues that matter to their lives and those around them. Workers have always had a difficult time when their elected representatives refuse to keep their promises. Elections are a way of reassessing the work of those we elected, and to makes changes in who represents us. Before you vote on 21 October, 2019, please think about these issues and how they affect

DL 250 Golf Tournament raises almost $60,000 for the visually impaired

Over 150 participants flocked to the Newlands Golf and Country club in Langley, B.C. participated in the 2019 IAM District 250 Guide Dogs of America (GDA) fundraiser. The 4th annual event raised approximately $58,000 and was held on 20 July, 2019 DL 250 Organiser Al Cyr, assisted by Janet Trudell, pulled off yet another great day for the IAM’s very own charitable organisation. Canadian General Vice-President Stan Pickthall and GVP