March 2020

Airports: The Forgotten Epicentre

Over the last 24 hours, it has been reported that a worker at Toronto Pearson has tested positive for the Covid-19 Virus. The IAMAW has put pressure on the employer to address numerous health and safety concerns, the main one being the lack of personal protective equipment for screening officers. The response has been lacklustre, and instead of proactive measures public health officials urge employers and the public to take,

Pandemic – What does it mean? A message about IAM members’ mental health and available resources

For some it means an inconvenience unlike any they have encountered and for others it means missed or shortened vacations. For everyone it means new terms like ‘social distancing’, ‘flattening the curve’ or ‘self-isolating’. For many it means sickness and, possibly, death. Still for others, it could mean uncontrollable fear, anxiety, layoffs, financial difficulties, confusion, and possibly even thoughts of suicide. Due to our collective agreements, most members of the

Bracing For the Turbulence: COVID-19’s Implications for Airports

Bracing For the Turbulence: COVID-19’s Implications for Airports 16 March, 2020 For immediate release As countries around the world declare a state of emergency, bringing many industries to a near halt, air transportation is being particularly affected. International airlines around the world announced significant reductions in the number of flights as countries shut down borders and limit travel. As we watch the situation unfold, there is ample reason to be

Letter to Marc Garneau, Minister of Transportation

March 17, 2020 Honorable Marc Garneau Minister of Transportation House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario. K1A 0A6 Re: CATSA Transition Dear Mr. Garneau, The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) is the bargaining agent for nearly 90% of screening officers across Canada, who work in major Canadian airports, such as Vancouver and Toronto Pearson Airport. Both airports are major hubs that connect Canada to the world. Screeners in Toronto

COVID-19: What to believe?

For many of our members, this is a stressful time, and we are all being inundated with daily updates about the virus, some of which seem contradictory. To clarify some of the misconceptions, we are asking members to be aware of the following; Given that this is a novel virus, there are things that are not yet fully known. Research is ongoing and, as such, new information is continuously becoming

IAMAW Position Statement on COVID-19 for District Lodge140 Members

In the midst of a global pandemic, District Lodge 140 is ensuring members are receiving all necessary information required to protect themselves at work, and as an organization we are asking all of our representatives to begin discussions with employers about safety precautions they are undertaking. The wellbeing of our members is of utmost importance, as such, we are issuing a set of guidelines members and IAMW representatives should familiarize

To all IAM Healthcare Members: Position Statement on COVID-19 for IAM Healthcare Members

To all IAM Healthcare Members: Position Statement on COVID-19 for IAM Healthcare Members While the risk of contracting COVID-19, or the Coronavirus for the general public is low as indicated by Health Canada, IAM members in healthcare work with highly vulnerable populations to COVID-19. The wellbeing of our members is of utmost importance, so as a precautionary measure, we are issuing a set of guidelines that will help protect our members

A statement from GVP Stan Pickthall on COVID-19

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In light of the World Health Organization declaring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, we are issuing Health Canada’s guidelines for the most effective preventative measures that help protect you, your co-workers and families. Attached to this letter you will also find brochures from Health Canada, which you may share with members. Be aware that at this moment, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has

LL 2413 Celebrates 50 years as Machinists!

10 March 2020 For immediate release Toronto, ON – Fifty years ago, on this very date, Local Lodge 2413 was awarded its own charter, making them certified members of the IAM. The local was presented their charter by then Canadian General Vice-President Mike Rygus on March 10, 1970. They celebrated their historic anniversary with a small gathering added on to their regular monthly meeting. The local began life with 55

Women in Skilled Trades: Reclaiming a 700 Year Tradition

Ivana Saula- Canadian Research Director Yes, you’ve read it correctly, it’s been 700 years since women first began working in skilled trades. A fact that not only challenges what we know of women’s labour history, but it boggles the mind that such a long history in this field exists. As March marks a celebration of women’s history, of struggles overcome and those that remain, we should be reminded that this