A recent report on the status of women by the World Bank revealed a concerning, but not an entirely surprising trend; the global gender gap is greater than was previously thought. The report reveals that no country in the world has achieved gender equality, at least in terms of providing the same opportunities for women as are available to men. The sobering results come out of a study that
In preparation for celebrations for International Women’s Day, IAM Canada is releasing the first of its kind newsletter, Voices. This newsletter is dedicated to stories about accomplishments of IAM sisters; sisters who are making a difference in their local lodges, workplaces, communities and beyond. Voices will also feature inspiring international developments and stories that link workers and women’s struggles in a broader global context, underscoring the importance of solidarity through activism;
In late October 2023, thousands of Icelandic women and non-binary individuals staged a day-long strike, known as “Kvennafrí” or “Women’s Day Off,” to protest unequal pay and gender-based violence. Even Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir joined the movement. Unions largely organised this strike! The strike began at 2:38 PM, symbolizing the point in the workday when Icelandic women essentially stop earning compared to their male counterparts. The strike was hugely
Earlier this month a delegation of Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) affiliates attended the United Nations 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) from 6-17 March, 2023 in New York City. The theme of the meeting was Innovation and Technological Change: Education in the Digital Age – Progress toward Gender Equality. During the week there were many side panel discussions which took place. A great opportunity for
On this International Women’s Day, as we celebrate accomplishments of the past, and trailblazers who made them possible, we also take stock of persisting challenges women continue to face in Canada, and around the world, which are numerous, so this is by no means an exhaustive list. Femicide may not be a word you’ve heard often, nor one you’ve heard associated with Canada, but for decades, Canada’s inaction on violence
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day, commemorates the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, in which fourteen women were murdered and ten others injured in the name of “fighting feminism”. Every year on December 6th, as we remember the senseless tragedy and tragic loss of 14 young women with bright futures, the IAM reaffirms our commitment to supporting
It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.On December 6, we remember: Geneviève Bergeron Hélène Colgan Nathalie Croteau Barbara Daigneault Anne-Marie Edward Maud Haviernick Maryse Laganière Maryse Leclair Anne-Marie Lemay Sonia Pelletier
The woman’s committee of LL1231 made a delivery of 70 purses filled with essential items to Loft 416 Community Services, a women’s shelter and outreach agency in Toronto. They were overwhelmed by the generous gift and said individuals would be given the opportunity to pick a purse as they came in to receive a meal or shelter. This initiative came from Local 1231 members who gathered resources available from their
March 31, 2022 During Women’s History Month this year, the IAM is highlighting current trailblazers in the union. Are you an IAM Sister interested in taking a more active role in your union? Reach out to your District leadership about the IAM Leadership Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) Program. Tania Canniff joined IAM Canadian Airways Local 764 in 1988 after being hired in line maintenance at Canadian Airlines in Vancouver, British
December 6, 2021 On December 6th 1989, 14 women were murdered in a horrific act of gender-based violence at Montreal’s École Polytechnique. This tragic event exposed a reality that many already knew and experienced: that gender-based violence is a constant threat to women and gender-diverse people in Canada, fueled by sexism and misogyny. “Here in Canada, we’ve made progress on recognizing gender-based harassment and violence as an issue in the
