News Releases

Significant Wage Increase in First contract at AOSS!

Toronto, ON – “As first agreements go, this one has the members smiling,” explained a delighted Lou Pagrach, IAMAW District Lodge 140 General Chairperson. The 100 members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2323 employed by Airport Operations Support Services (AOSS) have ratified a 13 month agreement. The agreement provides a wage increase of 4.75 per cent as well as $200.00 signing bonus. Another key ingredient of the agreement is having a

Wilson & Proctor Machinists Have New Deal!

Victoria, BC – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 456, employed by Wilson and Proctor Ltd have ratified a new collective agreement. “This new agreement reflects a balance between the needs of the skilled tradesmen And the need to remain competitive in a tough market,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 250 Business Representative Alastair Haythornthwaite. The new two-year agreement includes a wage increase of 3 per cent in each year. Other agreement

Machinists Sign New Agreement with Pro Mac!

Duncan, BC – The times may be tough at Pro Mac Manufacturing but the bargaining committee of IAMAW Local Lodge 456 delivered a new collective agreement. “Given the uncertain state of the economy, our 38 members can be proud their solidarity led to a satisfactory contract,” said IAMAW District Lodge 250 Business Representative Alastair Haythornthwaite. The three-year agreement provides wage increases of 3 per dent in the first year, 3

Ritchie Elected to CLC Executive Committee

Ottawa, ON – IAMAW Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie, has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Canadian Labour Congress. Ritchie was elected by members of the CLC Canadian Council, which consists of the top officers from all of the affiliated unions to the CLC. The Executive Committee, which meets at least four times a year, is responsible for the administration, affairs and activities of the CLC. The

Machinists Sign New Deal at Purewood Inc.

Brampton, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1922 employed by PureWood Incorporated have a new three-year collective agreement. “This agreement reflects the tough economic times currently being experienced by the company,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 78 Business Representative Derek Ferguson. “However, the company is optimistic it can improve its market share in the near future and our members will assist in making that happen.” Along with improved contract language,

Machinists Ratify with Groupe Compass!

Montréal, QC – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 712 have a new three-year collective agreement with Groupe Compass. “These negotiations were very tough because of the significant decrease in earnings by the employer,” explained IAMAW District 11 Business Representative Claude Boisvert. “Our bargaining team did a very good job in convincing the company not to touch the workers benefits.” The agreement provides wage increases of 1.5 per cent in the

Canadian Bank Note Signs New Deal with Machinists!

Ottawa, ON – The people at Canadian Bank Note responsible for technical maintenance and performance of the high end printing equipment critical to the production of Canadian paper currency and security papers have a new four-year collective agreement. “With the wage adjustment won upon ratification of this agreement, this is a great deal for our members and they’re very pleased with it,” said a gratified Bill Shipman, IAMAW Grand Lodge

Machinists Organize More Members in Ottawa!

Ottawa, ON – Employees at the Villa Orléans Retirement Home in the nation’s capital have become the newest members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The 60 workers at the retirement home consist of personal support workers, kitchen and house keeping staff. They will become members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1295. The IAMAW also represents workers at retirement homes in North Bay, Stratford and Toronto. IAMAW, among

Breaking faith with jobless Americans over an applause line

By R. Thomas Buffenbarger Ever since he took office, President Barack Obama has repeatedly attacked corporate jets as a symbol of all that is wrong with American business, with the U.S. tax code and with government finances. In one White House news conference dedicated to extending the debt ceiling, he mentioned corporate jets no fewer than six times. Now, ending faster depreciation for corporate jets is one of the three

New Classifications and Language Highlight Burrard Deal!

Vancouver, BC – New classifications and significant improvement to contract language highlight a new collective agreement between the members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1857 and Burrard Acura. “Any warning, reprimand or discipline the company wishes to place on an Employee’s file must now be provided to the employee in writing within seven days of the occurrence which it documented,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 250 Business Representative Andrew Tricker. “The other