Walter Gerlach has dedicated 45 years to the IAM Union, leaving a mark on both the union and his community. His journey began in September 1980 when he was initiated into Automotive Local 1857. That same year, he started his career as an apprentice at an IAM-certified General Motors dealership in Vancouver, British Columbia. Through years of dedication and skill, Walter earned Red-Seal Certification as an Automotive Service Technician, proof
From January 14 to 16, 2026, the Quebec Machinists Council (QMC) hosted a collective bargaining training session in Sherbrooke. The program, led by District 11 representatives Alessandro Bernardelli and Christian Bilodeau, brought together union representatives from Locals 712 and 922. Negotiating a work contract is a core responsibility of union representatives. Successfully reaching an agreement that meets the needs of fellow members requires strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of
A major milestone has been achieved for Envoy Air employees in Calgary, as members officially ratified their first collective agreement with the IAM Union on January 15, 2026. Envoy Air was certified with the IAM on May 29, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter of collective representation. Following certification, the parties entered bargaining on August 12, 2025. After months of dedicated negotiations, a Tentative Agreement was reached in
Dorval, January 15, 2026 – Bombardier’s decision to build a new 126,000-square-foot manufacturing center in Dorval will have positive impacts for members of the Bombardier unit, IAM Union Local 712, as well as for the entire Quebec aerospace ecosystem. “This decision will promote increased production of the Challenger program in Dorval, which will create and secure jobs for our Bombardier unit members,” says Éric Rancourt, IAM International Representative for Quebec.
After more than five decades of dedication, Brother Paul Gaudet has officially retired, closing an extraordinary chapter of service to his trade, his country, and his Union. Paul began his career in 1974 as a member of Local 1723, working out of the Naval Armament Depot (NAD) as an Armament Fitter. Early on, he demonstrated a strong commitment to his fellow workers by serving as a Shop Steward, a role
With deep gratitude, we honour Dave Thompson as he retires at the end of the month after 25 years as President of IAM Local 905 and more than three decades with Safran Landing Systems since 1995, 31 Years! Your leadership has been the steady hand that guided our lodge through tough negotiations, safety improvements, and the everyday work of protecting members’ rights. A legacy of leadershipDave’s tenure was defined by
