60 Years of IAM Membership
For this edition of Union Stories, we sat down with David James Varnes, a longtime IAM member, whose six decades of service reflect a deep commitment to unionism, democracy, and fairness for working people.
1. Which local are you part of, and what is your role?
My name is David James Varnes. I am a member of Local 764 (Air Transportation). I am retired, but I remain active in my local as:
- Chair of the History Committee
- Secretary of the Bylaw Committee
- Member of the Building Committee (our Local owns its own Union Hall)
I have also served as a Delegate to 10 International Conventions, beginning with Seattle in 1984.
2. What are your hobbies?
I read widely and often. I love to travel, I’ve visited six continents (only Antarctica left!), and I enjoy gardening.
3. How long have you been an IAM member?
I have been an IAM member in continuous good standing for 60 years, initiated in November 1966. I am proud to be a Gold Card Member.
4. Why do you believe in unions? What does being part of a union mean to you?
Trade unionism helps equalize the playing field between workers and concentrated corporate power. It exists to ensure fair wage compensation and fairness in the workplace.
Younger members entering today’s workforce need to understand that being in a union significantly increases their chances of receiving fairness for their labour.
5. What’s something important about union work that you wish more people understood?
I have learned many important lessons about Local administration. It is a vital aspect of providing service to the membership, and it deserves focused education and attention.
Strong administration strengthens member service — and strong member service strengthens the union.
6. Why is union solidarity important today?
In a world with increasing corporate concentration and growing right-wing sentiments, trade unionism remains a vital force.
It challenges the “might makes right” philosophy.
It offers an alternative.
It is one of the bastions of democracy.
7. Can you share a moment when you felt proud to be in the IAM?
In 1988, I was part of an effort by Canadian IAM members to amend the IAM Constitution so that members in Canada could elect their Territorial Vice-President solely by Canadian members.
Before that change, members voted on a “slate” determined by the American majority. The process to achieve this reform took eight years. I helped initiate the change — and it was a change for the better.
It strengthened democratic representation for Canadian members.
8. What’s one thing you want the world to know about the IAM?
I believe in democracy.
The IAM does its best to embrace democratic principles. There is no better training ground for democracy than the regular meeting of a local.
The IAM educates vigilant citizens.
And democracy needs vigilant citizens — now more than ever.
