Machinists’ News

Pearson May Day celebrations had an international flavour!

Toronto, On – The annual May Day celebrations at Toronto’s Pearson Airport had international overtones this year. Canadian airport workers were joined by their brothers and sisters from Korea, England, Malaysia and Indonesia and they braved the cold weather in solidarity on the departures level of Terminal One. A variety of speakers voiced concerns on issues that impact airport workers around the globe, namely contract flipping, poor labour conditions as

Labour Conditions at Pearson need to improve!

Toronto, ON – Members of the International Transport Federation from four continents gathered in Toronto this week to discuss problems facing airport workers around the world. One of the biggest concerns is worker safety. The Toronto Airport Workers Council has made great strides in convincing airport management and employers that workers need to have their voices heard in discussions concerning worker safety at Pearson. The Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA)

Disclosure of financial penalties key to Menzies deal!

Toronto, ON – Disclosure of financial penalties for not complying with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s (GTAA) new employee retention standards, is a stumbling block in bargaining talks between the IAM and Menzies Aviation. Speaking to delegates at a two-day International Transport Federation (ITF) conference in Toronto, IAM Transportation District Lodge General Chairperson Mike Corrado said the new standards are design to stem the problem of employee turnover for service

Employee turnover at Pearson reaches 160 per cent with contract flipping!

Toronto, ON – Contract flipping at Toronto’s Pearson Airport is so bad that the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) has introduced a new set of employee retention standards for service providers who practice contract flipping. Speaking to delegates at a two day conference sponsored by the International Transport Federation and the Toronto Airport Workers Council, IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Mike Corrado, said companies who practice contract flipping

IAM warns of watered-down certification training!

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) is looking to take away the employer requirement to supply three days of classroom training to become a Certified Joint Health and Safety Committee representative. The Ministry wants to replace it with a one day online course. “Our biggest fear is that some employers will abuse this change to provide workers with the cheapest option available and therefore the least amount

IAM Union Education Benefit

Your IAM Union Education Benefit gives you access to more than 50 certificate, associate, bachelor, and master degree programs. Go to school at your convenience: part-time or full-time and 100% online. For more information kindly contact:Tim Ryan: (401) 742-5126Brittani Gassner: (724) 777-0150Breanna Scarmack: (724) 418-8623

The CATSA Conundrum – We need a better process!

Toronto, ON – These are frustrating times for IAM members employed in federal airport security screening responsibilities. While the IAM supports the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) in its work to protect the safety and security of the public as well as national security, we can’t ignore when its processes continually infringe on the most basic rights of our members. Screening officers are certified by CATSA in the performance

DaCosta gives his final report

Las Vegas, NV – Since 2006, Carlos DaCosta, as IAM Canada’s Airline Coordinator, has delivered many reports to the IAM Transportation Conferences all over North America. On Wednesday April 10th, he gave his last, announcing his retirement this summer. He has been an IAM member for 45 years, first as an Air Canada aviation mechanic, then as a General Chairperson of IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 and for the last

Breaking down the numbers

“Canada’s user-pay approach is discriminatory, distortionary and ultimately self-defeating” Dr.Barry Prentice, Professor of Supply Chain Management, Associate of the Transport Institute Another announcement was made yesterday on future plans for CATSA, which the IAMAW is watching closely. The Act to make amendments is included in Bill C-97, an omnibus bill, a tactic that the Liberals and Conservatives use when wanting to make major decisions without much public debate. The government