Machinists’ News

MTU apprenticeship grads

7 October, 2020 For immediate release Delta, B.C. – Members at IAM Local Lodge 764, working at MTU Maintenance Canada have secured work for a decade. This comes as welcome news for those members, as well as the IAM. It assures the work will be there for IAM members despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is great news for our Members.  The transportation sector has been significantly impacted by this pandemic,

Federal Government Should “Absolutely” Support Canada’s Airlines

October 2, 2020 – “The Federal Government should absolutely support Canada’s airline and air transportation industry!” This was the unequivocal statement of Stan Pickthall, Canadian General Vice President of the Machinists Union (IAM). “This is a position we have taken throughout the pandemic, and one that we have published in two releases on our website.” September 25: Feds must support air transportation now September 30: Crisis in Air transport and Aerospace – The

Technicians at Kal Tire in Thunder Bay ratify agreement the second time around

29 September, 2020 For immediate release Fort Frances, ON – After rejecting the first tentative agreement in August 2020, the members at IAM Local Lodge 1120 in Fort Francis working for Kal Tire have ratified their new collective agreement. The ratification assures labour peace between the parties for the next two years. “We made some gains for our members, and they’ve seen the value of it,” said Tony Didoshak, Grand

100 more Stelia workers join IAM

29 September, 2020 For immediate release Mirabel, QC – Making sure their seniority was protected was the number one priority of the 100 newest members of IAM Local Lodge 712. Seniority was the top issue for the 100 new members and that priority has been safeguarded. IAM District 11 Business Representative, Éric Rancourt, with the help of the DL 11 Organising Committee, worked closely with the group at Stelia until

Crisis in Air transport and Aerospace - The federal government must not underestimate what is happening

Montreal, September 30th, 2020- Air transport and Aerospace are among the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, tens of thousands of jobs and the survival of many businesses are at stake. The crisis that is simultaneously hitting these two sectors deserves the attention of a parliamentary committee “A perfect storm is hitting both industries,” says David Chartrand, Quebec coordinator of the Machinists’ Union. For several months now,

IAM fighting for members at Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ)

(The information below has been edited to accurately reflect the situation at Billy Bishop Airport.) The IAM received notice this week that screening operations at Billy Bishop (YTZ) airport would be temporarily closing as of October 5, 2020. The closure was due to a stoppage in incoming and outbound flights that require pre-board screening from the airport – an effect of COVID-19 on the airline industry. Billy Bishop airport remains

The pandemic can’t stop us! IAM Canada continues commitment to education

“The pandemic is putting a halt to many things these days, but it can’t stop the IAM’s commitment to education,” said Gord Falconer, Chief-of-Staff of IAM Canada. “It’s how we get our strength,” he said. Approximately 50 members of IAM Local 2921, Screening Officers at Pearson International Airport, attended the Stewards Training conducted by Falconer – formerly the Education Representative for Canada. Airline Coordinator Keith Aiken, Research Director Ivana Saula

IAM Local 235 members at Metrolinx ratify new contract

Local 235 IAM members employed by Metrolinx recently ratified a new three-year agreement. The negotiating committee held several virtual ratification meetings over a couple days to review the changes contained in the tentative agreement. The tentative agreement included a wage increases in each year of the agreement as well as language improvements including an increase in union orientation time with our new IAM members, improved vacation carryover/payout and overtime language.

Thirty-five nurses join at IAM LL1295

28 September, 2020 For immediate release TORONTO, ON – The Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) at Bellwood Health Services recently overwhelmingly voted YES to joining the IAM. “They had heard of our recent organizing victory at RNS Health Services and decided that they wanted a Union that would fight for them as well”, explained Organizer Rootisha Rampat. “They made their decision as a group and stuck together,” Rootisha

Feds Must Support Air Transportation Now!

In this week’s Throne Speech the federal government announced they would be providing “further support” for industries that have been the hardest hit, including travel and tourism. “Covid-19 has devastated our members and their families, particularly in the transportation industry. We need more than just talk of support. We need action, and we need it now.” That was the response from IAM Air Transportation Coordinator Keith Aiken. Also announced this