Machinists’ News

IAM Canada receives United Way award again

On 19 August, 2021, the IAM in Canada was the recipient of the United Way’s Thanks a Million award. The award goes to those labour organisations whose members helped to raise more than $1 million in support of Untied Ways Centraide’s work in local communities. The labour movement in Canada and the United Way share a common vision of “building a society which provides a wide range of social and

Teamwork helps Fighting Machinists finalize agreement with Toronto GardaWorld Screeners

For immediate release 26 August, 2021 Toronto, ON – This week, the IAM received the arbitrated settlement to finalize the year-long negotiations with GardaWorld for pre-board screeners at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) “When we started out negotiations, it was at the height of the pandemic, prior to vaccinations being readily available and with the industry in turmoil,” said Keith Aiken, IAM Air Transportation Coordinator for Canada.

Once Upon a Time in Chile (and Scotland)

Often, as a member of a trade union, we are asked, “What good does a union ever do?” Well, apart from better wages, better working conditions, vacations, and benefits – not much – well here is a wee story. On sept 11th 1973 the was a military coup in Chile. The country was overtaken by a military junta, who then proceeded to murder and torture people whom they considered subversive.

First Contract a winner for new members at Comox Valley Toyota

For immediate release 10 August, 2021 Comox Valley, BC – The newest members of IAM Local 456 ratified their first agreement on August 9, 2021. The 17 workers at the local auto dealership had voted overwhelmingly to join and the IAM was certified to represent them on 02 March, 2021. They rejected their first Memorandum of Agreement on July 13 by 100% as it contained no provision for a pension

Machinists Union Remembers Working Families Hero Richard Trumka

[corefortress_slider id=’1′]  WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2021 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest aerospace and defence union in North America, released the following statement on the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka: “Today, workers across the world mourn the loss of a labor movement giant and working people’s champion, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Rich revitalized the labor

Charting Change: Workers' Voices in a Changing World

In the last one hundred years, our societies have been witness to technological advancements not experienced before. As with every technological revolution, societies will undergo profound changes, which comes with improvements, disruptions and costs. As technological change forges ahead into new frontiers, opening new possibilities, and tantalizes our collective imaginations, it also leaves us in a state of uncertainty over what the future holds. The ebb and flow of change

Bellwood Members Ratify First Agreement

26 July, 2021 Toronto, ON – In late 2020, the 125 workers at Bellwood health Services voted to join the IAM. Last week, they ratified their first agreement. Kim Valliere, IAM District 78 Directing Business Representative said of the membership, “these workers were desperate for some workplace structure and protections. Now that we have an agreement in place, we can use it and other resources to assist them.” After several

IAM Local 692 turns grievance award into community benefit

22 July, 2021 Service to the Community is not only part of the IAM’s motto, it also forms part of our core belief and practice. This has again translated into IAM members doing their part and looking out for the greater good. In 2020, LL692 filed a grievance against Finning Canada for work that was performed by a non-union company at a workplace in Kamloops, B.C. The grievance also included

Northern Manitoba members ratify new contract

Winnipeg, MB – Members of Local Lodge 1848 in northern Manitoba overwhelmingly ratified their new contract with 92% voting in favour. There were a number of gains including wage increases of 2%, 2,25% and 2.75% “There are mines across the country that are taking concessions from their members while we were able to achieve improvements in financial and medical issues,” said Tony Didoshak, IAM Grand Lodge Representative. “We got an

IAM Local 1722 members in Edmonton ratify new contract

15 July, 2021 For immediate release Edmonton, AB – Members working at Cummins ULC in Edmonton have ratified their new contract. The vote was conducted by paper ballot as well as electronic voting to accommodate as many members as possible. The highlights are: The multi-year deal is with 9% overall in wage increases and includes full retroactivity Variable Compensation Program gives members at least $3000 – $4000 each in March of