Machinists’ News

COVID-19 Fatality: WSIB Finds IAM Member Contracted Virus in the Workplace
COV IAM Fights Back

COVID-19 is proving to be a tough adversary as we manage through the fourth wave of the pandemic. In many workplaces across Canada workers have both contracted and died from COVID-19, the culprit of the spread often being lax health and safety protocols. Often numbers of workers sick with COVID-19 are officially underreported, and proving COVID-19 is contracted in the workplace is an uphill battle. From meat processing plants, retail,

A new collective agreement at Inglasco (Local 922)
Machinists' News

At a ratification meeting on October 12, members of Inglasco, Local 922, in Sherbrooke unanimously accepted their new three-year contract. The three-year contract includes wages, vacations and multi-skilling of members. We have significantly increased wages and promoted versatility for our members without making any concessions on working conditions,” says Eric Rancourt, District 11 Business Agent responsible for the Inglasco unit. Kevin Drouin and David Savard of the Union Negotiating Committee

Pyne Appointed Canadian Representative to Education
Machinists' News

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Matt Pyne from Local 1763 as a Representative assigned to Education, effective October 1, 2021. “I am proud to assign Matt to the education portfolio,” said Martinez. “It is essential that we have an instructor with knowledge of Canadian labour laws, healthcare system, and labour regulations so that our Canadian sisters and brothers receive the best training possible. Matt’s knowledge and experience

7 October - World Day for Decent Work : Just Jobs
COVID-19

With more than 200 million jobs lost to the pandemic, another hundred million still at risk and large numbers of unemployed people – the vast majority of whom are women – simply dropping out of the labour market, the World Day for Decent Work on 7 October will call on every government to develop jobs plans. ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow said : “Governments must have one overriding priority, and that

Three-year agreement for members of the Collins Aerospace Unit (Local 712)
Machinists' News

The members of IAM Local Lodge 712 at Collins Aerospace unit in Mirabel voted 95% in favour of their new contract. The efficiency and thoroughness of the bargaining committee played an important role in this negotiation. The work of Matthew Delego and Jonathan Barbeau was exemplary during these negotiations,” said Luc Frigon, District 11 Business Agent responsible for the Collins Aerospace unit. By keeping a cool head and remaining focused

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation #NDTR
Human Rights

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An

Making History: IAM Develops Mentoring Program for Female Leaders
Machinists' News

September 14 and 15, 2021 marks an important date in the history of the IAM. Following an announcement by International President, Robert Martinez about plans to launch the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS,) a program aimed at increasing participation of women in the organization, representatives across the United States and Canada gathered at the Harbor. This is the first time that the organization has focused efforts on developing

Walter Gerlach to play important role in BC Shipbuilding Advisory Committee
Machinists' News

For immediate release 23 September, 2021 Victoria, BC – In an effort to jumpstart the British Columbia shipbuilding industry, the government has named a special committee to help develop a long-term shipbuilding strategy to make sure the venerable industry continues to grow. Towards that end, 250 Directing Business Representative (DBR), Walter Gerlach will play an important role in the growth of that industry. Gerlach will represent the views of labour,

Scabs at Ashcroft plant may be health and safety hazard says IAM Rep
Campaigns

Scabs at Ashcroft plant may be health and safety hazard says IAM Rep Locked-out for 73 days, members of IAM Local 692 stay strong 24 September, 2021 For immediate release Ashcroft, B.C. – More than 40 IAM members of Local Lodge 692 have been locked out by their employer, IG Machine and Fibers since 12 July, 2021 – that means they’ve been locked out for 73 days as of today.

Arbitration win for Rosita - IAM Local Lodge 1922 member
Machinists' News

23 September, 2021 An unfair decision has finally been overturned in favour of IAM member Rosita Pandya and also goes to prove a timeless truth about being a union member. “Rosita, is very pleased with the outcome of her recent arbitration case,” said Kim Valliere, District 78 Directing Business Representative. As a member of IAM Local 1922, Rosita had filed a grievance for a lead hand position in 2019. The