Machinists’ News

7 October - World Day for Decent Work : Just Jobs

With more than 200 million jobs lost to the pandemic, another hundred million still at risk and large numbers of unemployed people – the vast majority of whom are women – simply dropping out of the labour market, the World Day for Decent Work on 7 October will call on every government to develop jobs plans. ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow said : “Governments must have one overriding priority, and that

Three-year agreement for members of the Collins Aerospace Unit (Local 712)

The members of IAM Local Lodge 712 at Collins Aerospace unit in Mirabel voted 95% in favour of their new contract. The efficiency and thoroughness of the bargaining committee played an important role in this negotiation. The work of Matthew Delego and Jonathan Barbeau was exemplary during these negotiations,” said Luc Frigon, District 11 Business Agent responsible for the Collins Aerospace unit. By keeping a cool head and remaining focused

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation #NDTR

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An

Making History: IAM Develops Mentoring Program for Female Leaders

September 14 and 15, 2021 marks an important date in the history of the IAM. Following an announcement by International President, Robert Martinez about plans to launch the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS,) a program aimed at increasing participation of women in the organization, representatives across the United States and Canada gathered at the Harbor. This is the first time that the organization has focused efforts on developing

Walter Gerlach to play important role in BC Shipbuilding Advisory Committee

For immediate release 23 September, 2021 Victoria, BC – In an effort to jumpstart the British Columbia shipbuilding industry, the government has named a special committee to help develop a long-term shipbuilding strategy to make sure the venerable industry continues to grow. Towards that end, 250 Directing Business Representative (DBR), Walter Gerlach will play an important role in the growth of that industry. Gerlach will represent the views of labour,

Scabs at Ashcroft plant may be health and safety hazard says IAM Rep

Scabs at Ashcroft plant may be health and safety hazard says IAM Rep Locked-out for 73 days, members of IAM Local 692 stay strong 24 September, 2021 For immediate release Ashcroft, B.C. – More than 40 IAM members of Local Lodge 692 have been locked out by their employer, IG Machine and Fibers since 12 July, 2021 – that means they’ve been locked out for 73 days as of today.

Arbitration win for Rosita - IAM Local Lodge 1922 member

23 September, 2021 An unfair decision has finally been overturned in favour of IAM member Rosita Pandya and also goes to prove a timeless truth about being a union member. “Rosita, is very pleased with the outcome of her recent arbitration case,” said Kim Valliere, District 78 Directing Business Representative. As a member of IAM Local 1922, Rosita had filed a grievance for a lead hand position in 2019. The

Determination and grit bring 66 new members to LL235

For immediate release 22 September, 2021 Brampton, ON – IAM District 78 organisers were immediately impressed with the determination of workers at Vision Truck Group in Brampton, Ontario. The short campaign, only 3 weeks ago in length, led to 66 workers voting to join the IAM. “They stuck to their plan: getting a union. We were pleased to know they had confidence in the IAM and what we had to

GVP Chartrand's letter to Minister Alghabra on Canadian Airports and Mandatory Vaccination Policies

16 September, 2021 By Email: Omar.Alghabra@parl.gc.ca Honorable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transportation House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0A6 Re: Canadian Airports – Mandatory Vaccination Policies Dear Honourable Minister Alghabra, The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) represent twenty two thousand workers in air transportation and aerospace in Canada. We represent a majority of workers at Canadian airports. I am writing you today asking your help with a troubling

Barnable Returns to Atlantic Canada as IAM Special Representative

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Matthew (Matt) Barnable as a Special Representative assigned to Atlantic Canada starting October 1, 2021. Barnable will be responsible for organizing and provide service and support to all of the East Coast. A member of IAM Local 99 since 2011, Barnable began work as a Material Supply Assistant at Finning in Fort McMurray and eventually did his apprenticeship and earned his Journeyman