News Releases

The message is clear: Solidarity knows no borders

As tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalate due to the current administration’s policies, it is important to remember that many Americans do not support their government’s actions toward Canadian neighbours. Many Canadians may be unaware of the significant support they have from their American counterparts. At the recent Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) conference in New Orleans, the IAM Union reinforced the idea that unity and solidarity go beyond

IAM Union members rally against Bill 89

Members of IAM Union Locals in Montreal recently gathered to rally against Bill 89, a measure imposed with the potential to politicize labour relations and disrupt fair negotiations. The proposed bill aims to suspend the right to strike, undermining the critical balance of power between workers and employers. This right is not simply a tool of leverage; it is an essential safeguard that allows workers to protect their interests when

Union-Led Advisory Table paves the way for a fairer future for Canada’s workers

In a bid to address the challenges facing workers in an ever-evolving labour market, the Union-Led Advisory Table (ULAT) has brought together labour leaders from across Canada to advise the government on key labour and ministerial priorities. This unique initiative aims to ensure that the voices of workers are heard and that the needs of Canada’s workforce are addressed in policy decisions. David Chartrand, General Vice-President of the IAM Union

Local 2413 members at AAS Canada win at the bargaining table

Local 2413 members working at AAS Canada at Toronto Pearson International Airport secured significant victories at the bargaining table this week, marking a major milestone in their fight for better wages and benefits. These dedicated workers are essential to the daily operations of the airport, handling the circulation of luggage carts used by passengers as they arrive at Toronto Pearson. Their hard work behind the scenes is crucial to ensuring

Bill 89: A serious threat to the social climate

With Bill 89, the Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet, is attacking the rights of over 4.9 million workers in Quebec. David Chartrand, General Vice-President of the IAM union in Canada, in a published article, condemns the intention to give the Minister of Labour the power to suspend the right to strike, which, according to him, leads to confrontation rather than good faith negotiations. Chartrand emphasizes that this measure threatens the

Weldco Heavy Industries Ltd. achieves significant gains through unity and support

The members of Weldco Heavy Industries Ltd., part of District 14 Local 99 in Alberta, have once again demonstrated the incredible power of unity and solidarity. Thanks to the support of the membership and the dedication of the Negotiation Committee, the recent ratification of the new contract brings forward a range of significant gains that will improve the work environment and enhance the benefits package for all members and their

Solidarity and unity at MTU facility

On Thursday, February 13th, 2025, a handout of solidarity posters and pins took place at the MTU facility to congratulate the members on their strong strike vote mandate from the day prior and celebrate their unity. Members of the bargaining committee, Local 764, District 140 of the IAM, and representation from the IAM International were present and were warmly welcomed by a supportive membership. Brother Dave Flowers, President and Directing

Tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum would be a gut punch to workers

Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States:  “A 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports would be a gut punch to workers on both sides of the border. It will lead to job losses, higher consumer prices, and

IAM Union joins Canadian-US AFL-CIO & CLC roundtable on tariffs in Washington

Washington, D.C. – David Chartrand, General Vice-President (GVP) of the IAM Union in Canada, recently joined a roundtable discussion on tariffs at the Canadian-US American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) meeting in Washington, D.C. The gathering brought together Canadian Premiers, leaders from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), and labour representatives from both the U.S. and Canada to discuss the challenges and opportunities of tariffs and trade

Keeping Up with the IAM Union: A busy start to the year!

It’s been a busy start to the year for the IAM Union, with our General Vice-President of Canada (GVP) David Chartrand hitting the ground running. From meeting with Executive members in Local 2323, Local 2413, Local 1295, and Local 235, along with the Chief of Staff Ralph Martin and Confidential Secretary Magaly Fadel, to planning even more visits to engage with members of all locals across Canada, this year is