2023

Double Victory - Innotech Aviation workers join forces with IAM District 11, ensuring a stronger future in the Aerospace Industry

12 September, 2023 – Two groups of dedicated workers have chosen to unite under the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), District 11, recognising the benefits of joining a larger organization with extensive aerospace industry experience. Both groups, working for the same employer under different businesses, were previously members of independent unions before joining the IAM. Innotech Aviation:Comprising 70 members, this group specializes in the maintenance of private

World Day for Decent Work : It’s Time for a Pay Rise

This 7 October, the World Day for Decent Work, the ITUC says “It’s Time for a Pay Rise” to relieve the enormous pressure on working people and their households due to inflation driven by corporate profiteering. The share of global wealth that goes to wages has fallen by 13 per cent over the past 40 years, even as the world economy has quadrupled in size. This is largely a result

IAM Local 1857 Proudly Welcomes New Members at OpenRoad Toyota Peace Arch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Surrey, B.C. – August 29, 2023 –IAM Local 1857 extends a warm welcome to 37 workers from OpenRoad Toyota Peace Arch who have chosen to embrace union membership. The workers initiated this step towards enhancing their workplace rights and conditions under the guidance of Business Representative (BR) Al Cyr. BR Cyr facilitated the process of union enrollment, providing valuable insight into the recent legal change that streamlined

IAM Local 692 at Compucom YVR gets milestone first collective agreement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vancouver, BC – 29 August, 2023 – Having embarked on the transformative journey of joining the IAM in November 2022, 17 dedicated workers of Compucom realised their goal of a new collective agreement that aligns with their needs. The resounding endorsement of 100% ratification underscored the unity and commitment of the Compucom workers. In the face of stagnant wages spanning three years and the presence of on-site

Canadian Research Director Ivana Saula talks AI at Unity and Growth Conference

23 August, 2023 – Ivana Saula, IAM Canada’s Director of Research and Women and Human Rights presented her years of research on artificial intelligence (AI) to the IAM Unity and Growth Conference today. She added her ongoing monitoring of developments in AI to bring up-to-the-minute news to organisers at the conference. Saula shed light on the impact of #AI on unions and the need for a clear framework that protects

IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace to Retire; Chief of Staff Craig Martin Named Successor

IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace, who has served in the position since October 2018, will retire on Nov. 1, 2023. “Rickey has been a dedicated and effective leader for the IAM,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “He has grown the membership in the Southern Territory, including the recent organizing campaigns over the last few months totaling nearly 600 new Service Contract Act members. Rickey has

Jody Bennett to Join Executive Council as Resident General Vice President

Longtime aerospace negotiator and leader Jody Bennett will become IAM Resident General Vice President, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Bennett, a 33-year IAM member, initiated into IAM Local 2771 (District 776) in 1989 as an aircraft mechanic at DynCorps in Wichita Falls, Texas. He quickly became involved in the union once he and his coworkers organized with the IAM, becoming a Steward, Negotiating Committee Member, Conductor Sentinel, and Chief Steward. Bennett

Notes from the ANTI-UNION CAMPAIGN workshop - by Arizona Sieben

The anti-union campaign and how to fight back was one of the workshops in the IAM Unity and Growth Conference in San Diego. A union buster is a professional persuader; in other words, a liar. They will tell lies, spread fear and try to divide the membership. The best defence is a good offence. To bust a union-buster you need to build an internal team, educate and inoculate, expose them,

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway to Retire; Special Assistant Sam Cicinelli Named Successor

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Galloway began his membership in IAM Local 459 (District 77) in 1986 as a brewer at the Stroh Brewery Company in St. Paul, Minn. During his 11 years at Stroh’s, Galloway served as Union Steward, Bargaining Committeeperson, and Bargaining Committee Chairperson. He also served as an Executive Board Member of IAM Local 459 and