June 2018

Protecting Canadian IAM members in Trade Dispute
News Releases

Friday June 29, 2018 For immediate release Toronto, ON – The federal government today announced sweeping tariffs in response to those levied by Donald Trump and the American government on Canadian steel and aluminium products. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland not only announced tariffs, but also financial support for Canadian workers and industries affected by the dispute. The IAM Canadian Office is keeping a close eye on the trade disputes

Strategic organizing works!
Machinists' News

Vancouver, BC – The proof is in the pudding so the saying goes and IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall was proudly dishing out congratulations to national, district and local IAM organizers for bringing more than 3,200 new members into the union since January 1st. Speaking to delegates at the recent Canadian staff conference in Vancouver, Pickthall said the 10 per cent growth in Canadian membership is a direct

Martinez pledges IAM support to Canada – opposes trade tariffs
Machinists' News

Vancouver, BC – IAM International President Bob Martinez told delegates to the IAM Canadian staff conference that the biggest threat to working people is Donald Trump himself. “We are not interested in lip service from this president or anybody else, we want real change,” he said. “No more outsourcing of Canadian work to Mexico or China or any other country that does not enforce fundamental human rights, like the right

Machinists ratify new deal with Wheaton Chevrolet
News Releases

Friday June 29, 2018 For Immediate Release   Victoria, BC – Members of IAM Local Lodge 456 have ratified a new collective agreement with Wheaton Chevrolet. The three-year agreement provides wage increases of 3 per cent in each year. Other agreement high lights include: Safety boot allowance increased to $150.00 Changes to contract language Employer will pay half of the cost of hepatitis shots for members who work on ambulances

This site visit went underground!
Machinists' News

Flin  Flon, MB – Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall makes a point of conducting at least 50 site visits per year to meet with our membership in their workplaces. He has flown from coast to coast to coast to meet with the members but his recent visit to Flin Flon, Manitoba, the term face-to-face, took on a whole new meaning. The first day of his two-day visit to the

How a trade war may hurt our economy!
International News

Toronto, ON – Canada’s economy would shrink by 1.8 per cent if the United States breaks all trade ties with its partners and imposes across-the-board tariffs that average 20 per cent, according to a Scotiabank report. “A ramp-up in protectionism in the U.S. results in a negative impact on growth in each of the NAFTA partners economies,” said the report. Earlier this month, the U.S. imposed significant tariffs on steel

Canada knows where it stands!
International News

Washington, DC – While President Donald Trump demands Canada dismantle its supply management dairy system or risk our trading partnership, and his advisers have reserved a special place in hell for our Prime Minister following his comments at the recent G7 summit, Canada has not taken the bait! “I did not vote for Justin Trudeau in the last election, and our politics are often polar opposites but I applaud he

22nd annual Dave Ritchie Guide Dogs tournament another success!
Community

Markham, ON – The golf balls were flying, refreshments were flowing and the sun shone down brilliantly on the 136 golfers at the Remington Parkview Golf Club who took part in the 22nd annual Dave Ritchie charity golf tournament for Guide Dogs over the weekend. This year the winning foursome of Stan Theofilaktidis, Mike Corrado, Giovanni Merkov and John Sitaridis of IAM Local Lodge 2413 took home the Pat Murphy

Criticizing Canada’s trade practices is just plain wrong!
Machinists' News

The IAM is raising strong concerns regarding the recently announced direction of the Trump Administration’s trade policy. “Criticizing Canada’s trade practices does not contribute to improving the lives of our members, which have been so devastated by a trade agenda that favors corporations over workers”, said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “The Administration should be focusing our efforts on stopping China from violating trade rules, not insulting our closest ally”. 

Opinion polls influence Ontario election result! NDP the lone voice against populism
Opinion

Toronto, ON – Former Prime Minister, the late John Diefenbaker, was often quoted that polls were only good for one thing and dogs know what that is! However, save for a few exceptions, opinion polls conducted throughout the recent Ontario provincial election predicted a majority Progressive Conservative government. The polls convinced Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne to throw in the towel on the weekend before Election Day. The polls were correct.