Machinists’ News

Shortall to retire, but she’s not done yet

IAM 3111 CULR member Mary Shortall has done just about everything in the world of labour. Now, she’s walking away from that part of her activism. She was President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) for almost a decade. But Shortall isn’t just walking away from the NLFL, she’s also running – for the NDP in federal politics. She ran as a candidate in the 2021 election,

Industry-leading agreement ratified with Air Transat

07 November, 2022 Montreal, QC – Members of IAM in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, Quebec City, Calgary and Vancouver have ratified a new multi-year agreement with Air Transat. The members voted overwhelmingly to accept the new tentative agreement negotiated by a national team of IAM staff and members. “We were able to negotiate a great deal,” said Peter Tsoukalas, General Chairperson for IAM Transportation District 140. “Although it was a long

Urgent message from the OFL - TOMORROW - Picket line locations for CUPE-OSBCU strike on Friday, November 4

3 November, 2022 Urgent message from the Ontario Federation of Labour TOMORROW – Picket line locations for CUPE-OSBCU strike on Friday, November 4 The Ford government is pulling the plug on bargaining while it’s still underway and using Bill 28, to forcibly impose a contract on education workers. This is unacceptable and must be met with urgent and collective action. This attack goes beyond basic labour rights. It’s an attack

It’s an attack on all of us - IAM Canada statement of support for CUPE education workers

I was proud to be at the emergency rally organized by the Ontario Federation of Labour in support of Ontario’s 55,000 education workers, The demonstration is in response to the “Keeping Students in Schools Act,” which is being debated at the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park. The Bill, introduced on Monday, would prevent a planned strike by the Ontario education workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE),

Historic moves - IAM and other unions applaud anti-scab proposal

27 October, 2022 Ottawa, ON – The IAM strongly supports the NDP initiative led by Alexandre Boulerice, a bill that if passed, would prevent the use of replacement workers, or anti-scab legislation. The legislation would affect workplaces in the federal jurisdiction. Preventing use of replacement workers ensures that unions can effectively negotiate fair collective agreements. But, it’s not just workers that benefit, labour relations are improved as a result, while

Local 2413 members at AAS Canada Core Services ratify new agreement

October 2022 Toronto, ON – Members working for AAS Canada Core Services at Toronto Pearson Airport voted 90% in favour of a new five-year collective agreement. The deal provides for wage increases of between 12 % – 27% depending on classification and seniority over the life of the agreement. Members will also join the Union’s Multi-Employer Pension Plan (MEPP). Gurdeep Panesar, Devinder Lotay and Atta Mohammed, members of the Negotiating

The 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention concludes – work done plots IAM path

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. in his closing remarks to the 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention said, “If you had any doubt about what this union is about, I hope you go home knowing that the IAM is here for you. The IAM is here for your family, and the IAM is here for your community,” he said. “Yes, we negotiate contracts that allow our members to live the

Grand Lodge Convention - IAM Recognizes Organizers and Territories for Union’s Growth During 4th Annual IP’s Excellence in Organizing Awards

On Friday 7, 2022, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. and IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo presented the 4th International President’s Excellence in Organizing Awards recognising organizers and territories who have demonstrated a superb commitment to growing the strength of the IAM. Canadian organisers shone once again, taking top honours with the Eastern Territory for the distinction of being the top territory in organising new members into the IAM. “The

Any eye-popping clause in IAM Local Lodge 1120 new contract

29 September, 2022 Thunder Bay, ON – IAM Members at Lakehead Motors ratified a new collective agreement late last week and gained a number of improvements to their contract. “The negotiations were very productive,” said Peter Topetto, Directing Business Representative of IAM Local 1120 in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The agreement includes a salary increase for every year of the contract, as well as improvements in benefits. The local also now

Report from Grand Lodge Convention in Las Vegas

128 delegates Canadian delegates and 57 alternates attended the 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The convention, delayed by two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was received with a mixture of joy and relief at finally being able to conduct the union’s business after six long years. David Chartrand, Canadian General Vice-President, attending his first convention as GVP, was glad to have the North American membership