Machinists’ News

Black Labour History in Canada and the IAMAW

Women and African-Canadians entered the workforce in the highest numbers ever in 1940, during the Second Word War. Black employment grew by 150 percent by the end of the war. Unions, however, were not so committed to the rights of non-white workers. Thirty-one American Federation of Labour (AFL) affiliates barred black members, as did the railroad brotherhoods. Many unions, including Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), had segregated locals. The International

Air Transport 2012 – Year of the Water Dragon

According to the Feng Shui 2012 forecast, (http://www.fengshuimall.com/feng-shui-forecast-2012), they say that from “reading the stars and element relationships in the Paht Chee chart, 2012 is going to be a transformational life-changing year!” They also say that, “there are more goodies in store for you in the year 2012 than 2011”. It’s a good year to improve oneself, take calculated investment risks and to build wealth. Whether it turns out extremely

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

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

  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

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

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

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

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

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