Machinists’ News

22 August, 2019 For immediate release Toronto – Today the IAM Membership at Sage Parts YYZ ratified its 2nd collective agreement by a 100% margin. Percentages and gains in wages jumped appreciably since they joined the IAM 3 years ago. “Three years ago, when the workers joined the IAM, we began a fight for $15 campaign with this employer at the bargaining table and was successful in ensuring that no member

23 August, 2019 For Immediate release Toronto – Air Transat shareholders have approved a $720 million takeover by Air Canada by a 94.77% vote. This is well above the two-thirds margin required. Both companies will continue to operate under their current structures. The agreement is now putting the fate of the transaction in the hands of regulators before being finalised. The transaction is unlikely to close before early 2020. IAM

One year ago, today, workers at Spectrum Healthcare signed their charter and OFFICIALLY joined the IAM and created Local Lodge 1231. The new members gathered together at the IAM’s Winpisinger Education and Technology Center for the ceremony, with IAM International President Bob Martinez, General Secretary Treasurer Dora Cervantes, IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall and IAM Grand Lodge Representatives Ralph Martin and Scott Jackson welcoming them into the IAM

Thanks to IAM solidarity a retired IAM representative from Connecticut, USA and his grandson got a chance to learn about Canada’s Parliament and the New Democratic Party.  Brother John Harrity, who served on the IAM staff for 38 years had asked for assistance, so that his grandson, 13-year-old Boston Thomas, could find out more about the Canadian system of government.  Boston is beginning to consider college and looking at Canada

By Ivana Saula Realities of Retirement in Canada: Separating Fact From Fiction Have you thought about what your retirement will look like, does it look more like Freedom75 than Freedom55? Maybe you haven’t given it much thought, because there are other more pressing needs and priorities. But, it’s worthwhile to think about the realities of retirement, whether you’re nearing it or whether you have a full career ahead of you.

IAM Local 2323 held their annual BBQ on Friday, 9 August, 2019. LL2323 has been doing this in Toronto for five years and this was their second time doing it in Ottawa. By all accounts, it was a success on both fronts. Toronto saw about 350 people, while the Ottawa venue was attended by about 90 members and their families. LL2323 President, Dave Flowers was enthusiastic about the attendance. “Member

By Ivana Saula Saving on your own or through a group pension plan? It’s an important question and a tough decision, but a recent survey makes it clear, IAM pension plans are the best way to save for retirement. In a survey examining 50 union pension plans in Canada, published in Pension and Benefits Monitor, our pension plans placed in the top 10.  Our plans came in 7th overall, due

For immediate release Montreal, July 30, 2019 – IAM members in Montreal are elated on the just-announced news that Air France-KLM has committed to purchasing 60 new A-220 planes from Airbus. This is good news for workers at Mirabel, where the plant is located, and for the entire Québec aerospace cluster. Since the signing of the last collective agreement on June 15, 2019, which established a five-year industrial peace agreement

Pete Konrad, Vice-President, LL692, Stan Pickthall, General Vice-President, IAM Canada, Stacey Adams, Secretary-Treasurer, LL692, Roland Sturt-Smith, President, LL692 One hundred is a long time in anyone’s book – anyone’s history book, that is. IAM Local Lodge 692 has been participating in AND making history for a century! Almost 230 members and well-wishers attended a warm celebration for an historic moment in Canadian IAM history. Walter Gerlach, Directing Business Representative of