After more than two years, the IAM Canadian Territory met in a full Staff Conference in downtown Toronto. Although most had met frequently via video conferencing, there were many smiles, handshakes and hugs exchanged at finally meeting colleagues and friends in person. General Vice-President Dave Chartrand welcomed guests, full-time staff and officers in Canada. Chartrand thanked all staff for all the work they did especially during the difficult times of
29 May, 2022 Vancouver, B.C. – IAM Screening Officers at YVR Airport are rallying today for better wages and less pressure-filled working conditions in the midst of growing lineups and passenger frustrations at the airport. The rally by IAM Local Lode 16 members will continue until 4:00 PM Pacific Time outside the International Arrivals Area. The Screening Officers, who are gathering on their own time, are encouraging the travelling public
The Quebec Machinists Council (CMQ) conference was held on May 19 and 20 in Sherbrooke, QC. The activities of the CMQ never stopped during the pandemic and it was under the theme of “Still Alive” that the participants were able to think about and exchange views on various subjects, including how the CMQ could help the local lodge during labour conflicts. We also took advantage of this meeting to ask
Tom Lee, retires IAM Canada Chief-of-Staff, received his 50th Anniversary pin from current Chief-of-Staff Gord Falconer in a recent presentation.
17 May, 2022 Kelowna, BC – The membership ratified a new 3-year Collective Agreement. The deal sees a wage increase of 4% each year. Other improvements included an enhanced severance package in the event of plant closure from 17 weeks to 24 weeks. The members had concerns regarding the possibility of plant closure since the facility sits on prime land in downtown Kelowna BC. Other gains were in boot allowance,
13 May, 2022 Toronto, ON – The new IAM members at Local Lodge 2413 ratified a first collective agreement with Menzies Cargo at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. The agreement ratified by a whopping 95.2% acceptance. The organizing campaign started in November 2021 with the workers eagerly seeking meaningful wage increases, instead of those the employer had provided. After the Labour Board certified the IAMAW in January 2022, the union was
Vancouver, B.C. – The membership overwhelming ratified a new two-year Collective Agreement. The deal sees a significant wage increase of 8% in the first year followed by a 4% wage increase in the second year. In addition, the Bargaining Committee was able to achieve double-time pay for work on a scheduled day off as well as improved call-in pay rates. Hours of work language now clarify all provisions of the
Laval (Saturday, May 7, 2022) – The members of IAMAW Local Lodge 712 from the Stelia Aeronautique Saint-Laurent unit have accepted the second employer offer by a margin of 63.9%. “It was not an easy negotiation,” explains Éric Rancourt, Business Representative for IAM District 11, who led the negotiations. “Our members expected more. Now, we expect the employer to invest in the Mirabel plant and increase production of the A-220”.
Nineteen machinists working for the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad gather in a locomotive pit to decide what to do about a wage cut. They vote to form a union, which later became the International Association of Machinists (1888).The union was originally called the Order of United Machinists and Mechanical Engineers and later changed to the National Association of Machinists. Thomas Talbot, the union’s founder, believed that a union
“Canada is home to an estimated 400,000 people of Jewish heritage, making it the fourth-largest Jewish community in the world. Jewish Canadians have made and continue to make important contributions to our society, including medicine, theatre, engineering, music, architecture, academia, politics, law, the arts, and more. During this month, we also recognize the courage, determination, and resilience that members of Jewish communities have shown throughout history. We must also recognise
