Machinists’ News

AJW Technique workers overwhelmingly ratify contract in Montreal
Machinists' News

13 August, 2018 For immediate release Montréal, QC – 150 members from IAM Local Lodge 2309 in Montreal overwhelmingly ratified a tentative agreement after eight long months of negotiation. “It wasn’t a regular bargaining session with the employer,” said Michel Richer, Grand Lodge Representative, who was present throughout the negotiations. “The employer was squarely against any improvements to the contract, and they made it quite obvious.” “The LL2309 Bargaining Committee

Sunwing Aircraft Engineers join IAM
Machinists' News

9 August, 2018 For immediate release Toronto, ON – Pearson Airport in Toronto keeps ringing with the sounds of victory as more workers are joining the IAM! The IAM got a great victory at Pearson Airport with the Sunwing Aircraft Engineers and their supervisors. “This is a solid group of workers. They stood together with the union throughout the whole process of certification. They stood as one,” said the IAM

Screeners reject contract offer from Garda, strike vote not yet served
Machinists' News

For immediate release 9 August, 2018 Toronto, ON – Pre-Board Screening officers at Toronto’s Pearson and Billy Bishop airports have rejected Garda’s final offer regarding negotiations. “The employees have rejected this unacceptable offer and have authorized the Machinists Union to take strike action” said General Chairperson Barry Barnett. “We have not served strike notice at this time, and, accordingly, we will continue to serve the flying public with our usual

IAM Local 2323 Celebrates Half Century of Accomplishments
Machinists' News

In 1968, Lester B. Pearson (and then Pierre Trudeau) were Prime Ministers of Canada. John Robarts was Premier of Ontario. Medicare came into effect. The three branches of the Canadian Forces were merged into one. The Warsaw Pact countries invaded Czechoslovakia, leading to a wave of immigration to Canada and Canadians invented IMAX. These are only some of the events of 1968. Fifty years ago, the Grand Lodge granted a

IAM shows the way forward to CLAC members
Machinists' News

Burnaby, B.C. – The IAM welcomed 39 new members into the union after a representation vote went in favour of the union. “Spreading the word about how independent trade unions operate and represent their membership was the magic formula,” said Al Cyr, Business Representative for IAM District 250. AK Draft & Seal workers in Burnaby, B.C., who were previously represented by the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC), voted to

The way forward in Québec
Campaigns

The IAM and five other unions have joined forces on a public awareness campaign to show their members (and voters) the way forward in the next Québec elections. Approximately 1,600 placards were distributed in the Taschereau constituency in the Quebec City area, Pointe-aux-Trembles in the Montreal area, Roberval in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, and Saint-Jérôme in the Laurentians. The union coalition installed large signs on utility poles with the message, “It’s the same

Job loss for IAM members in Cape Breton
Machinists' News

Sydney, NS – Sixteen members of IAM Local Lodge 684 employed by Logistec Corporation will officially lose their jobs this weekend as Nova Scotia Power Corporation (NSP) has awarded management of the International pier and associated rail operations to Savage CANAC Corporation. “This isn’t a contract flip,” explained IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Ken Russell. “Savage CANAC, drastically underbid Logistec for the work and according to our legal

Air Canada makes offer to buy back Aeroplan
Machinists' News

Toronto, ON – Air Canada has made an offer to buy back its former loyalty program which it created in 1984. Air Canada is partnering with Toronto-Dominion Bank, CIBC and Visa to buy Aeroplan from its current owner Aimia, in exchange for taking over the liability of $2 billion worth of outstanding Aeroplan points, plus an additional $250 million in cash. Air Canada started Aeroplan as its loyalty program in

O’Regan will top it up for the last time August 3, 2018
Machinists' News

Moncton, NB – A fixture on the ramp at Moncton’s Romeo Le Blanc International Airport for forty years, IAM Local Lodge 2797 member, James O’Regan, will fuel his last aircraft on August 3, 2018. “James will turn 70 this year and it’s time to enjoy retirement,” explained IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Ken Russell. “Always dependable, always there, his work ethic was second to none. He’s a true

Fighting back against contract flipping at Pearson Airport
Campaigns

Toronto, ON – The IAM has been establishing a trend toward reversing contract flipping at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. Contract flipping – when service providers have lost their contracts to a competitor who undercuts their bid – has long been a problem for workers and their unions at Pearson Airport. Workers lose their jobs, seniority and pensions when the new employer takes over and if they want their job back, it’s