Machinists’ News

Canadian Labour Congress Statement in Response to Open Work Permits for Caregivers
Machinists' News

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) supports the December 15, 2011 announcement by Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney to finally allow Live-In Caregivers to benefit from open work permits after completing nearly 4000 hours of work. This change is long overdue for the predominantly female workers who had no choice but to remain tied to an employer who can easily violate labour standards, while they wait for their permanent residency

Play Like there is no Tomorrow! Machinists Son Excels in World Under 19 Junior Tournament
Machinists' News

  Oshawa, ON – Ever since he first laced up a pair of skates, Justin Danforth, has had to beat the odds and prove his detractors wrong. In the 14 years he has played hockey the criticism was always the same, he’s too small, he stickhandles too much, and he doesn’t mix it up! Justin fed off that criticism. He has worked hard and he has succeeded! He patrols the

Two Canadian Winners in IAM 2011 Newsletter & Website Contest
Machinists' News

The Canadian Territory won two first place awards in the IAM 2011 Newsletter and Website contest. IAM Local Lodge 712 newsletter, Union 712, won the first place award for Best Layout, and IAM Local Lodge 869 newsletter, IAMAW, won the first place award of General Excellence. Both locals are from Montréal. Other newsletter winners included Local Lodge 712 with a second place award for General Excellence, Local Lodge 869 with

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Machinists' News

On December 3, the Canadian labour movement joins in the global effort to promote understanding of the rights of persons with disabilities. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reflect on the progress that disability rights activists have made in Canada, recognize the work that needs to be done and commit to taking action to breaking barriers and ending exclusion for Canadians with disabilities. Canadians with disabilities are

Sandro Sperduti – IAMAW Member 1973-2011
Machinists' News

Sandro (right) was an avid golfer and a big supporter of the Dave Ritchie Guide Dogs tournament held each year in Toronto. He is seen here with LL 2413 Secretary Treasurer Stan Theofilaktidis. Sandro Sperduti had a passion for painting and motorcycles. He was a devoted grandfather, a great cook and one tough negotiator. Sandro (Sandi) Sperduti, IAMAW District Lodge 140 General Chairperson, passed away suddenly on Monday November 21,

E-mail your MP: Keep the Gun Registry
Machinists' News

The Conservative government has tabled legislation that will end the National long-gun registry. The registry was created as part of a response to public pressure, particularly through women, to strengthen gun control legislation following the tragic events at the École Polytechnique, December 6, 1989. There has been a substantial decline in the number of homicides, domestic violence incidents and suicides using rifles and shotguns since the registry was implemented. Law

Wisconsin Machinist Releases Collection of Labour Songs
Machinists' News

In addition to rejuvenating the American Labour Movement, the struggle to restore collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin is now the inspiration for a newly-released collection of labor songs by Milwaukee, WI Local 66 member Joe ‘Pepe’ Oulahan. “I’ve always admired the troubadours of the 40’s and 50’s such as Joe Hill, Woody Gutherie, and Pete Seeger,” said Oulahan. “These folk singers wrote and played songs of the struggles of working

Canada Pension Plan – The Fight Isn’t Over
Machinists' News

Most Canadians depend on public pensions – Old Age Security, the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan and Guaranteed Income Supplement – to provide for their basic needs in retirement.  Unfortunately, public pensions currently barely bring most older Canadians up to the poverty level.  A large proportion (over a third) of seniors have no significant additional retirement income, from workplace pensions or RRSPs and other savings. As employers cut back on workplace pension

The Big Bite – RRSP/Mutual Fund Fees
Machinists' News

Many Canadians invest their retirement and other savings in mutual funds, frequently on the advice of “financial advisors”/mutual fund salespersons.   Remarkably, a lot of these Canadians don’t know how much they are paying in fees, and even more important, how big a bite even seemingly small annual fees can take out of their savings.  Canadian mutual funds charge the highest fees of any advanced country. Over the 30 or more