Machinists’ News

Grand Lodge Elections - VOTE IN PERSON

The Grand Lodge election take place Saturday April 24, 2021;  for in-person voting. Members who choose to vote by absentee ballot, requires that be mailed prior to April 22, 2021. If you voted by absentee ballot, you need not go in-person, to the voting location. However if you wish to change your vote, you can still vote in person. The in-person vote takes precedent over the absentee ballot. Nevertheless, you

Federal budget - The good, the bad and the ugly

19 April, 2021 Toronto, ON – In one of the most important-anticipated budgets in our lifetime, the IAM hopes it will reveal a clear roadmap to our fiscal future. The grave nature of the disruptions caused by COVID-19 demands nothing less. Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivered her first budget to Canadians today. The budget, first intended to be presented by former Finance Minister Bill Morneau on 30 March, 2020,

Normand Cherry (JUNE 2, 1938 – APRIL 11, 2021) A great defender of Quebec aerospace workers has passed away

It is with regret and sadness that we announce the death of our colleague Normand Cherry, at the age of 82. A man of conviction and in solidarity with his fellow Machinists, he left his mark on the history of Local 712, the labour movement, politics and the economy of Quebec. He joined Canadair as a machinist in 1954 and served as President General Chairperson of IAMAW Local 712 from

Report from federal NDP Convention

IAM political action delegates from Local Lodges across Canada joined the nearly 400 other labour activists on the weekend at the federal NDP virtual Convention. Despite some minor technical difficulties, the Convention went well and some important policies were hammered out. “The IAM has been calling on the NDP to put increased focus on the labour issues facing workers across Canada. Workers have borne the brunt in this pandemic and

Financial Aid for Airlines on the Horizon: Air Canada Negotiates a Deal

April 12, 2021 For Immediate Release “Announcement of an aid package for Air Canada brings relief to many workers in the aviation and air transportation sectors and is a critical first step towards a recovery. Aid has been a long time coming, and will stop the hemorrhaging in the entire Canadian industry, and related industries, such as aerospace, in which we also have a stake.” remarked Stan Pickthall, Canadian General

Shocking difference in US and Canadian approaches to airline industry

For immediate release 08 April, 2021 Toronto, ON – The Canadian government is facing mounting criticism over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it be the availability of the COVID vaccine, the vaccination plan or lack of a plan about jobs and the economy, they have been facing increasing pressure. One specific industry that has been abandoned is the airline industry. Canada remains the only G7 nation yet to

Jeff Smith - Coming full circle

Staffing changes are always difficult. It means that years of hard-won experience and wisdom leave the organization and new staff come in without that expertise. Luckily, for IAM District 250, the two staff leaving (one through retirement and the other through career change) have gladly shared their knowledge with the newcomers. One of those newcomers is Jeff Smith, 51 years old and a member of IAM Local 692. He is

Jay Garneau - A varied experience

Staffing changes are always difficult. It means that years of hard-won experience and wisdom leave the organization and new staff come in without that expertise. Luckily, for IAM District 250, the two staff leaving (one through retirement and the other through career change) have gladly shared their knowledge with the newcomers. One of those newcomers is Jay Garneau. He is one of two new Business Representatives (BRs) with the District.

Air Canada purchase of Air Transat cancelled

For Immediate Release April 2, 2021 Toronto, ON – Today’s announcement from Air Canada regarding the cancelation of the acquisition of Air Transat comes unexpectedly. From our understanding, the Company’s offer was not approved by the European Commission, making it clear that the acquisition will not go forward. IAM Canadian General Vice-President Stan Pickthall stated, “We certainly weren’t expecting this type of announcement as a start to a holiday long

Air Canada purchase of Air Transat cancelled

For Immediate Release April 2, 2021 Toronto, ON – Today’s announcement from Air Canada regarding the cancelation of the acquisition of Air Transat comes unexpectedly. From our understanding, the Company’s offer was not approved by the European Commission, making it clear that the acquisition will not go forward. IAM Canadian General Vice-President Stan Pickthall stated, “We certainly weren’t expecting this type of announcement as a start to a holiday long weekend!” The IAM has kept a close