Machinists’ News

Bombardier Wins C-Series battle!

Boeing lawsuit grounded by USITC Friday January 26, 2018 For Immediate Release Washington, D.C. – The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has ruled in favour of Bombardier in its dispute with Boeing. “I’m floored,” said a jubilant IAM Québec Coordinator David Chartrand. “This is the best news we had in a year and I couldn’t be happier for our Québec members,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall.

Unifor decision serves only to divide the labour movement

Toronto, ON – We have learned that Unifor has elected to disaffiliate from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). This decision taken by their National Executive Board will also result in their removal from Federations of Labour and Labour Councils across Canada. “The IAM is extremely alarmed by this decision,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall. “This decision only serves to divide the Canadian Labour movement, the impact will

Aerospace Policy discussions highlight site visit!

Montréal, QC – If you’re going to create an aerospace policy for the IAM in Canada, there’s no better place to start than at Bombardier in Montreal. During his first site visit of 2018, Canadian GVP Stan Pickthall met with the leadership of IAM Local Lodge 712, IAM District Lodge 11, IAM Quebec Coordinator David Chartrand and IAM Aerospace Coordinator Gerald Tremblay, to begin developing a policy. “There’s more to

Tim Horton’s rolls up the grim!

Toronto, On – Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee retailer, is in the throes of a public relations disaster in Ontario. On January 1st, the Ontario government raised the minimum wage to $14.00 an hour and numerous Tim Horton outlets including two owned by heirs to the donut empire, Ron Joyce Jr and Jeri Lyn Horton-Joyce, immediately took punitive measures against their employees. They began to eliminate workers paid breaks,

It’s that time of year again for a Federal Lobby!!

Over the last few years, the IAM has been the major participant in the CLC Parliament Hill Lobby Days. Let’s continue to hit above our weight and make Lobby Days 2018 even more successful! Four topics are being considered for inclusion in the lobby day; including pharmacare, pay equity, pension and bankruptcy reform, and employment insurance. The registration is now open for the CLC lobby day on February 6, 2018.

Bill 148 Update: a long overdue Reform for Ontario Workers!

With the adoption and Royal Assent of Bill 148, changes to the Employment Standard Act (ESA) and the Labour Relations Act (LRA), workers in Ontario will enjoy many work related improvements and see their working conditions improve significantly. These major changes came about due to a lot of pressure on the current Liberal government by organized labour. Although some of our suggested changes did not make it to the final

There has never been a better time to join a union!

Progress provokes pushback, always has always will – Columnist Michael Coren Toronto, ON – January 1st marked an increase in the minimum wage in Ontario, it rose from $11.60 an hour to $14.00 an hour and it will increase January 1, 2019 to $15.00 an hour. Not surprisingly, the reaction from business was immediate and predictable. The Bank of Canada reported that this increase will cost 60,000 jobs. The surprise

Machinists look on with pride as Sir John Franklin is launched

Vancouver, BC – Members of IAM Local Lodge 692 proudly watched the launch of the first ship built under Canada’s new national shipbuilding strategy – the Sir John Franklin. The 64.3 metre vessel, designed and built at the Seaspan Shipyards in North Vancouver, is the first of three to be built for the Canadian Coastguard under the national strategy. “Our members are extremely proud of their contribution to this ship,

Spreading the word about fairness and precarious work

Barrie, ON – It’s not often a political activist gets to witness the fruits of their labour achieving their intended goal but Dan Janssen not only saw it, he also had the opportunity to speak about it. When the Barrie and District Labour Council was invited to an event where Ontario’s Labour Minister Kevin Flynn would be making announcements regarding how Ontario Bill 148 – The Fair Workplaces/Better Jobs Act

Canadian Territory makes biggest Guide Dogs donation ever!

Las Vegas, NV – The Canadian Territory made its largest contribution ever to the Guide Dogs at the recent annual Guide Dogs Convention here. The $100,000.00 plus donation to the IAM’s official charity was made possible through funds raised at the 21st Annual Dave Ritchie Guide Dogs Golf Tournament and the 2nd Annual IAM District Lodge 250 Golf Tournament. The theme of the conference was team and attendees were encouraged