North Bay, ON – The IAM encourages its members to become politically involved and that can take many forms – political activism, belonging to a political party, joining a riding association, and running for political office at the municipal, provincial or federal level. This is a profile story about two members of IAM Local Lodge 2412 who both work at Boart Longyear in North Bay, Ontario. They both decided if
The 22nd triennial convention of the Québec Machinists’ Council (QMC) took place last week in the historic town of Victoriaville, QC. IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. and IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall attended and spoke to the delegation. “Thank you for everything Québec has done, is doing and is planning to do,” said Martinez. “I am pleased to have a very special relationship with our brothers and
Winnipeg, MB – One hundred years ago today the labour movement in Canada had learned clearly: it had to move into direct political action, if workers’ rights were to be protected. Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of The Winnipeg General Strike. The Immediate post-World War 1 period in Canada was not a time of peace. Soldiers returned home wanting jobs and a normal lifestyle again, only
Flin Flon, MB – IAM Local Lodge 1848 is celebrating its 75th birthday this year and Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall, Chief of Staff Gord Falconer and Grand Lodge Representative Tony Didoshak attended ceremonies over the weekend. ““It is an absolute privilege to be invited to attend with my Sisters And Brothers of Local 1848,” said Pickthall. “These members are Rock Solid in their support of one another and
Toronto, ON – Passengers using Toronto’s Pearson International Airport are being asked to sign the IAM CATSA petition to amend the Canadian Air Transportation Security Act. It’s the legislation that gives the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), ultimate and unchallenged authority over workers employed as airport pre-board security screeners at airports across Canada. Screening officers are certified by CATSA in the performance of their duties under a recurrent learning
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
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)
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
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
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
