News Releases

Machinists at Westminster Auto Lease Join IAM Pension Plan!

Burnaby, BC – Machinists members employed by Westminster Auto Lease are now part of the IAM Pension Plan after ratifying a new collective agreement. “Given that the medium-light truck business in this province is down by 70 percent, our members are very happy knowing their future is secure by joining the IAM Pension Plan, “explained IAMAW District 250 Business Representative Walter Gerlach. The three-year agreement provides for wage increase of

Machinists Ratify with Richmond Chrysler!

Richmond, BC – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1857 employed by Richmond Chrysler are now part of the IAM pension plan thanks to their newly ratified collective agreement. “This is my second group this year to join the IAM Pension Plan,” said IAMAW District Lodge 250 Business Representative Walter Gerlach. “There’s a growing sentiment amongst our members that security of their future is vitally important and the best way to

Machinists ratify with Volvo/Mack Canada!

Mississauga, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1922 have unanimously ratified a new collective agreement with Volvo/Mack Canada. The three-year agreement provides for wage increases of 2.5 per cent in each year with the wage increase in the first year retroactive to September 30, 2010. Other agreement high lights include : • Increased shift premiums • Increased Vision care benefits • Increased Safety Shoe allowance • Increased physiotherapy benefits •

Machinists Ratify with Ecojustice!

Toronto, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1922 have ratified a new collective agreement with Ecojustice. The two-year agreement provides for wage increases of 2 per cent in the first year and a possible 2 per cent in the second year dependent upon the Consumer Price Index or CPI. Other agreement highlights include an additional floater holiday, improved holiday pay language for part time employees and improved contract language.

Machinists Union opens bargaining with Air Canada and Aveos

Toronto, ON – Today the Machinists Union opened bargaining with Air Canada and Aveos at the Sheraton Centre Downtown in Toronto. This bargaining is unprecedented in that, for the first time ever, the Canadian General Vice-President has participated from the very beginning of negotiations. “We are looking for gains in this entire process,” said Chuck Atkinson, IAM District 140 National President and Directing General Chairperson. “That is our message and

Unprecedented Solidarity Nets New Members for Machinists!

Montréal, QC – IAMAW Local Lodge 1660 has new members thanks to unprecedented solidarity within the Québec Federation of Labour. In an organizing campaign lasting more than a year, 51 mechanics, machinists, millwrights, electricians and general labourers employed by the Montréal Transportation Agency, are now members of the Machinists. “When we started this campaign we asked the QFL for organizing help,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 11 Directing Business Representative David

Waterous Workers See the Light and Join the Machinists!

Edmonton, AB – There are 16 additional happy faces at Waterous Power Systems and they belong to the newest members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1722. Parts and service office personnel have joined the existing collective agreement, which previously covered only mechanics, welders, labourers, electricians and unlicensed employees. “I think these workers finally realized what they had been missing by not being a member of the IAM, they hadn’t seen a

Machinists Take Air Canada to Court! Union says company breached Air Canada Public Participation Act

Toronto, ON – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and its Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie today, filed an application in the Ontario Superior Court against Air Canada. The suit charges that Air Canada has breached the Air Canada Public Participation Act by not maintaining operational and aircraft overhaul centres in Winnipeg, Montréal and Mississauga. The application also contends that pursuant to the Canadian Business Corporations Act,

Machinists Ratify Deal with Plastic Decorators!

Montréal, QC – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1660 have ratified a new collective agreement with Plastic Decorators Incorporated by a margin of 90 per cent. The three-year agreement provides for wage increases of 1.5 per cent in the first year retroactive to September 23, 2010, 3.5 per cent in the second year and 2.5 per cent in the third year. Other agreement highlights include : • Addition of two sick

Machinists Expand in Health Care Sector Again!

North Bay, ON – Employees at the Empire Living Centre have become the newest members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. “Our presence in the ‘Gateway City’ has been growing in the last year with the addition of workers at Ontario Patient Transfer and Seymour Doors,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 78 Organizer Scott Jackson. “With the tireless assistance of Ernie Giroux from IAMAW Local Lodge 2412, these