Machinists’ News

COVID-19 and Healthcare – FAQ for IAM Members

If my employer can’t provide PPE do I need to go to work? In instances where a member is assigned to work with a client who is confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, you have the grounds to invoke your right to refuse unsafe work. We are asking employers to conduct risk assessments, and advise workers of risks involved with their work. In non-confirmed cases, we are urging employers to develop

District 140 Bulletin on COVID-19 Health Crisis

TO ALL IAMAW MEMBERS OF TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 140 COVID-19 HEALTH CRISIS Dear Brothers & Sisters: These are uncertain times. The COVID-19 health crisis and the state of emergency that has been declared means we are operating in quickly changing circumstances that are hard to predict. Making this more challenging is that clear direction from employers has proven difficult to obtain. Understandably, IAMAW members are urgently seeking answers and assurances under

Airports: The Forgotten Epicentre

Over the last 24 hours, it has been reported that a worker at Toronto Pearson has tested positive for the Covid-19 Virus. The IAMAW has put pressure on the employer to address numerous health and safety concerns, the main one being the lack of personal protective equipment for screening officers. The response has been lacklustre, and instead of proactive measures public health officials urge employers and the public to take,

Pandemic – What does it mean? A message about IAM members’ mental health and available resources

For some it means an inconvenience unlike any they have encountered and for others it means missed or shortened vacations. For everyone it means new terms like ‘social distancing’, ‘flattening the curve’ or ‘self-isolating’. For many it means sickness and, possibly, death. Still for others, it could mean uncontrollable fear, anxiety, layoffs, financial difficulties, confusion, and possibly even thoughts of suicide. Due to our collective agreements, most members of the

Bracing For the Turbulence: COVID-19’s Implications for Airports

Bracing For the Turbulence: COVID-19’s Implications for Airports 16 March, 2020 For immediate release As countries around the world declare a state of emergency, bringing many industries to a near halt, air transportation is being particularly affected. International airlines around the world announced significant reductions in the number of flights as countries shut down borders and limit travel. As we watch the situation unfold, there is ample reason to be

Letter to Marc Garneau, Minister of Transportation

March 17, 2020 Honorable Marc Garneau Minister of Transportation House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario. K1A 0A6 Re: CATSA Transition Dear Mr. Garneau, The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) is the bargaining agent for nearly 90% of screening officers across Canada, who work in major Canadian airports, such as Vancouver and Toronto Pearson Airport. Both airports are major hubs that connect Canada to the world. Screeners in Toronto

COVID-19: What to believe?

For many of our members, this is a stressful time, and we are all being inundated with daily updates about the virus, some of which seem contradictory. To clarify some of the misconceptions, we are asking members to be aware of the following; Given that this is a novel virus, there are things that are not yet fully known. Research is ongoing and, as such, new information is continuously becoming

IAMAW Position Statement on COVID-19 for District Lodge140 Members

In the midst of a global pandemic, District Lodge 140 is ensuring members are receiving all necessary information required to protect themselves at work, and as an organization we are asking all of our representatives to begin discussions with employers about safety precautions they are undertaking. The wellbeing of our members is of utmost importance, as such, we are issuing a set of guidelines members and IAMW representatives should familiarize

To all IAM Healthcare Members: Position Statement on COVID-19 for IAM Healthcare Members

To all IAM Healthcare Members: Position Statement on COVID-19 for IAM Healthcare Members While the risk of contracting COVID-19, or the Coronavirus for the general public is low as indicated by Health Canada, IAM members in healthcare work with highly vulnerable populations to COVID-19. The wellbeing of our members is of utmost importance, so as a precautionary measure, we are issuing a set of guidelines that will help protect our members