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Canadian and European Air Transport Unions Cooperate to Protect Aviation (by Louis Erlichman and Carlos DaCosta)

On December 18, 2009, Canada and the European Union (EU) signed an “Open Skies” air transport Agreement, which provides a framework for progressively deregulating air travel between Canada and Europe. What Does the Agreement Say? Like other “free trade” deals, this Agreement says that the ideal system is based on “competition among airlines in the marketplace with minimum government interference and regulation”.   While the Agreement makes reference to impacts on

Machinists Ratify New Agreement with Cara!

  Halifax, NS – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2797 have ratified a new collective agreement with Cara Airline Solutions.  The three-year agreement provides no wage increase in the first year, a 2 per cent wage increase in the second year and 2.75 per cent wage increase in the third year. Other agreement highlights include :  • Eye glass benefits increase from $150.00 to $200.00 every two years beginning November 30,

More Hospitality Workers Join Machinists!

For Immediate Release Oakville, ON – Fifteen employees of the Country Inn are the latest hospitality workers to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The certification of housekeeping, maintenance and kitchen staff at the hotel marks a successful conclusion to an organizing drive begun more than a year ago. “We tried to organize this group a year ago and it ended in a tie vote,” explained IAMAW

Autoliv has new Agreement with Machinists!

For Immediate Release Markham, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2113 have ratified a new collective agreement with Autoliv Inc. The three-year agreement provides a lump sum increase of $775.00 to $925.00 in the first year and a wage increase of 2.5 per cent in each of the remaining two years. Other agreement highlights include : • Lifetime medical insurance increased to $750,000.00 • Increased eye exam fees • Increased

Machinists Make Gains in New Clow Canada Agreement!

For Immediate Release Saint John, NB – Wage, Benefits and Pension contribution increases highlight a new four-year collective agreement for members of IAMAW Local Lodge 835 employed by Clow Canada. The new agreement provides for wage increases of 1 per cent in the first year, and 2 per cent in each of the second, third and fourth years respectively. Pension contribution increases are 4.34 per cent in the first year

Machinists ratify deal with Maitland Motors!

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2332, employed by Maitland Motors, have a new collective agreement. “There are many improvements in this agreement but the new dental plan tops the list,” said IAMAW Directing Business Representative Rob Thompson. “It’s refreshing that we could negotiate with this dealership and make improvements without resorting to a lockout.” Thompson was referring to the 39 IAMAW members who have been

First agreement at Wasaya Airways is a Gem!

Thunder Bay, On – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 714 were all smiles Wednesday night following the ratification of their first collective agreement with Wasaya Airways. “The membership endorsed their new agreement by a 100 per cent majority,” explained a proud IAMAW District Lodge 140 General Chairperson and Organizer Ian Morland. “For some of the members it means an increase of four dollars an hour. Yes you could say they’re

Machinists Donate $50,000 for Haitian Quake Relief!

Toronto, On – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers stepped up to the ‘Humanitarian Plate’ today with a $50,000 donation to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. “We’ve answered the call by our federal government to dig deep and contribute generously to the plight of this poverty-stricken nation as a result of this disaster,” said IAMAW Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie. “This is the poorest nation in the

Useful Numbers 2010

HAUT USEFUL NUMBERS: 2010 A. PENSIONS:1.  OLD AGE SECURITY BENEFIT   (Monthly, January/2010)       $516.96    -adjusted quarterly 2.  CANADA/QUEBEC PENSION PLAN (2010)         * Maximum Monthly Retirement Benefit at age 65 $934.17      (Reduction of 6% per year for retirement 60-64,      Increase of 6% per year for retirement 65-70)         * Maximum Monthly Disability Benefit $1,126.76         * Maximum Monthly Survivor Benefit                                           CPP          QPP     

Significant Layoffs ahead at Air Canada

Toronto, ON – There will be significant temporary and permanent job losses for IAMAW members at Air Canada in 2010. This is a direct result of Transport Canada’s approval of an Air Canada request to lengthen the period between aircraft heavy maintenance checks for theA319 and A320 fleet types. This information was revealed at a recent meeting between representatives of IAMAW District 140 and Technical Operations Shop Committee and Air