Machinists’ News

IAM Local 235 members at Metrolinx ratify new contract

Local 235 IAM members employed by Metrolinx recently ratified a new three-year agreement. The negotiating committee held several virtual ratification meetings over a couple days to review the changes contained in the tentative agreement. The tentative agreement included a wage increases in each year of the agreement as well as language improvements including an increase in union orientation time with our new IAM members, improved vacation carryover/payout and overtime language.

Thirty-five nurses join at IAM LL1295

28 September, 2020 For immediate release TORONTO, ON – The Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) at Bellwood Health Services recently overwhelmingly voted YES to joining the IAM. “They had heard of our recent organizing victory at RNS Health Services and decided that they wanted a Union that would fight for them as well”, explained Organizer Rootisha Rampat. “They made their decision as a group and stuck together,” Rootisha

Feds Must Support Air Transportation Now!

In this week’s Throne Speech the federal government announced they would be providing “further support” for industries that have been the hardest hit, including travel and tourism. “Covid-19 has devastated our members and their families, particularly in the transportation industry. We need more than just talk of support. We need action, and we need it now.” That was the response from IAM Air Transportation Coordinator Keith Aiken. Also announced this

The Hypocrisy of the right wing conservatives.

As Canadians across the country watched and listened to the throne speech, September 23, it was evident by the conservative opposition party, as well as their provincial counterparts, remarks that the conservatives have an austerity plan rather than a plan to help ordinary Canadians who have been affected the most by the pandemic. Conservative-led provincial governments across Canada have used this pandemic.  They continue to “put out their hands for

Christian Bilodeau

15 September, 2020 For immediate release Montreal, QC – IAM members at Local 1660 in Montreal, QC voted to accept a 5-year contract with Dominion Sample. The members voted overwhelmingly to accept the new agreement. The agreement contains some new, as well as many improvements, including: wage increases of 2.75% for the first 2 years, and 3% for the last 3 years of the contract new language on “Progressive Retirement”

IAM Local 11 wins big in Arbitrator’s Decision

22 September, 2020 For immediate release Vancouver, BC – Arbitrator Corrinn Bell issued two decision, both in favour of IAM Local 11 members working at Avcorp Inc. The basis of the union’s grievances lay in the fact that 11 members (10 aircraft mechanics and one material handler) were all laid off and their seniority retention ran out. After a span of approximately 4 years, they were rehired as new employees, but

Pharmacare needs to be a top priority – Email your MP today

When Parliament resumes next week, the federal government is going to be laying out its priorities in the upcoming session. The overwhelming support for a national prescription drug plan shows that over 90 percent of people in Canada support pharmacare. Government needs to commit to a national prescription drug plan − so people don’t have to choose between rent, keeping the lights on, food on the table or medication. You

Update on Transport Canada meetings

Members of the IAM meet with Transport Canada weekly to discuss upcoming or ongoing initiatives and talk about issues affecting our members. “Since the beginning of the pandemic we have been able to address issues such as face masks for our screening officers, temperature checks, health and safety issues related to COVID -19 and discussions around interim orders,” said Keith Aiken, IAM Canadian Airline Coordinator. These meetings also provide insight

More workers from Berk’s Intertruck join IAM Local 1857 in BC

11 September, 2020 For immediate release Nanaimo, B.C. – IAM Local has 13 new members from Berk’s Intertruck in Port Alberni.  The local currently represents the main group under a Collective Bargaining Agreement in Nanaimo, so they will already have a contract. The British Columbia Labour Relations Board contacted IAM District 250 because the employer preferred to add the Port Alberni group to their existing contract in Nanaimo, rather than

IAM joins legal challenge to Bill 195

The IAM has joined several affiliate unions under the umbrella of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) to coordinate, and mount a legal challenge to Bill 195. Bill 195, “Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020”, which received  Royal Assent July 21, 2020, replaced the provincial emergency declaration made earlier in March gave the Ford Conservative government the power to change, revoke, and extend emergency measures to cabinet,