2020

IAM Canada Statement on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

As of March 2nd, more than 89,000 people in nearly 60 countries have reported cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world. More than 3,000 people have died as a result. By all accounts, this is serious, and we should all take care of ourselves – and others. During these times, those who cannot go to work, or are forced to stay at home, are in real danger of losing

IAM Stands Solidly Behind Team Unite CLC 2020

The Canadian Machinists (IAM) have added their name to the ever-growing list of supporters for #TeamUniteCLC. “I am pleased to stand in Rock Solid support of #TeamUniteCLC – Bea Bruske, Lily Chang, and Siobhan Vipond. These are three strong sisters who will work to bring the Canadian Labour Congress together and make it stronger for all workers across Canada,” said IAM General Vice-President Stan Pickthall. “There are many challenges ahead

GVP Pickthall visits IAM Local Lodge 412 in Kanata, ON

25 February, 2020 Stan Pickthall, IAM Canadian General Vice-President, Gord Falconer, IAM Chief-of-Staff, Gary Hynes, Grand Lodge Representative and Derek Ferguson, Special Representative all visited an IAM workplace – AstenJohnson, located in Kanata, ON, a suburb of Ottawa, now a part of Ottawa. “It’s humbling to see out members exhibit so much skill and pride in what they do. The final product leaving the facility speaks not only to the

Four-year agreement for Local Lodge 16 Members at Securiguard

Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 16 have ratified their fourth collective agreement with Securiguard at Vancouver International Airport. Overall, there was a 3% wage increase per year for the four-year contract, a signing bonus of $250.00 for part-time members and $500.00 for full-time members, paid parking agreement, an increase to vacation time after 15 years and improvements on scheduling work hours and shifts. The 213 members who provide security at

International Women’s Day – I am Generation Equality

On March 8, the world will celebrate International Women’s Day, a day to mark the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also calls for all of us to take action to address the unresolved issue of gender parity. Women are playing an ever-increasing and meaningful role in our Union at all levels. The IAM is stronger when all united voices are at the bargaining table. But

The Benefits of Apprenticeship Training

There is no question that apprenticeships lead to well-paying jobs and a great quality of life. There’s nothing more reassuring that knowing that you have a skill and that it is portable anywhere in Canada. The IAM strongly believes in robust and creative apprenticeship programs for the skilled trades in Canada. We started our representing skilled workers in Canada in 1890 and now represent tens of thousands of members in

Largest-ever action lobby by IAM as labour movement goes to Parliament Hill

26 February 2020 For immediate release Eighty-four IAM members and more than 400 trade unionists gathered in Ottawa to make issues important to workers known to their respective Members of Parliament (MPs) on 25 February, 2020 in the largest-ever lobbying effort on Parliament Hill. The IAM brought its largest-ever delegation to Ottawa to speak about issues important to our membership across Canada – raising the minimum wage, universal pharmacare, protecting

Obituary – Vincent Blais

It is with deep sadness that IAM Canada announces the passing of Vincent Blais, former Administrative Assistant on 21 February, 2020 in Gatineau, QC. at the age of 75. He became a member of the IAM in 1966 and was a 50-year member. Vincent leaves behind his grieving spouse Ginette, daughter Natalie (2 grandchildren) and son Marc-André “As an IAM representative, Vincent was a true journeyman. He represented our membership

Long strike on Vancouver Island ends in settlement

Thursday 06 February, 2020 For immediate release Victoria, BC – The sixty IAM Local 456 members working at three car dealerships in Nanaimo and Victoria reached a tentative agreement with Subaru of Nanaimo, Mercedes-Benz Nanaimo and Three Point Motors Victoria. They had been on strike since Friday, 13 December, 2019. The ratification vote was conducted in Victoria and Nanaimo on the 12th and 13th of February respectively and was accepted

IAM Jobs and Quebec aerospace ecosystem preserved despite Bombardier's withdrawal from commercial aircraft construction

For immediate release Montreal, 13 February, 2020 – Bombardier sold its stake in the A-220 Limited Partnership (33.58%) to Airbus and Investissement Québec. The transaction allows Airbus subsidiary, Stelia, to take over part of the activities of the Bombardier plant in Ville Saint-Laurent. More than 3,300 aerospace jobs in Quebec stay in the province. “Bombardier’s complete withdrawal from commercial aviation represents the end of an era,” said IAM Quebec Coordinator,