September 2021

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation #NDTR
Human Rights

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An

Making History: IAM Develops Mentoring Program for Female Leaders
Machinists' News

September 14 and 15, 2021 marks an important date in the history of the IAM. Following an announcement by International President, Robert Martinez about plans to launch the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS,) a program aimed at increasing participation of women in the organization, representatives across the United States and Canada gathered at the Harbor. This is the first time that the organization has focused efforts on developing

Walter Gerlach to play important role in BC Shipbuilding Advisory Committee
Machinists' News

For immediate release 23 September, 2021 Victoria, BC – In an effort to jumpstart the British Columbia shipbuilding industry, the government has named a special committee to help develop a long-term shipbuilding strategy to make sure the venerable industry continues to grow. Towards that end, 250 Directing Business Representative (DBR), Walter Gerlach will play an important role in the growth of that industry. Gerlach will represent the views of labour,

Scabs at Ashcroft plant may be health and safety hazard says IAM Rep
Campaigns

Scabs at Ashcroft plant may be health and safety hazard says IAM Rep Locked-out for 73 days, members of IAM Local 692 stay strong 24 September, 2021 For immediate release Ashcroft, B.C. – More than 40 IAM members of Local Lodge 692 have been locked out by their employer, IG Machine and Fibers since 12 July, 2021 – that means they’ve been locked out for 73 days as of today.

Arbitration win for Rosita - IAM Local Lodge 1922 member
Machinists' News

23 September, 2021 An unfair decision has finally been overturned in favour of IAM member Rosita Pandya and also goes to prove a timeless truth about being a union member. “Rosita, is very pleased with the outcome of her recent arbitration case,” said Kim Valliere, District 78 Directing Business Representative. As a member of IAM Local 1922, Rosita had filed a grievance for a lead hand position in 2019. The

Determination and grit bring 66 new members to LL235
Machinists' News

For immediate release 22 September, 2021 Brampton, ON – IAM District 78 organisers were immediately impressed with the determination of workers at Vision Truck Group in Brampton, Ontario. The short campaign, only 3 weeks ago in length, led to 66 workers voting to join the IAM. “They stuck to their plan: getting a union. We were pleased to know they had confidence in the IAM and what we had to

Mandatory Vaccinations and Worker’s Compensation: Employer Liability
COVID-19

In a race against the fourth wave of the Coronavirus, the government, public health units and employers have moved from encouraging vaccination to mandating it. In recent weeks, many employers have issued mandatory vaccination policies, giving rise to multiple concerns, from individual rights to rights of the collective to work in safe environments. Some are raising practical concerns, like worker’s compensation, and whether employers who mandate vaccines are liable for

GVP Chartrand's letter to Minister Alghabra on Canadian Airports and Mandatory Vaccination Policies
Machinists' News

16 September, 2021 By Email: Omar.Alghabra@parl.gc.ca Honorable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transportation House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0A6 Re: Canadian Airports – Mandatory Vaccination Policies Dear Honourable Minister Alghabra, The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) represent twenty two thousand workers in air transportation and aerospace in Canada. We represent a majority of workers at Canadian airports. I am writing you today asking your help with a troubling

Barnable Returns to Atlantic Canada as IAM Special Representative
Machinists' News

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Matthew (Matt) Barnable as a Special Representative assigned to Atlantic Canada starting October 1, 2021. Barnable will be responsible for organizing and provide service and support to all of the East Coast. A member of IAM Local 99 since 2011, Barnable began work as a Material Supply Assistant at Finning in Fort McMurray and eventually did his apprenticeship and earned his Journeyman

CF-18 and CC-150 Polaris Replacement - Machinists Union demands guarantees from federal parties
News Releases

Montreal – The IAMAW Machinists Union is reminding federal parties of the importance of replacing the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 and CC-150 Polaris aircraft in a way that generates benefits for Canada and contributes to the recovery of the aerospace sector. The impact of the pandemic was swift and crushing, and while a recovery is underway, key Canadian industries still need government support. “Since the next federal government will