Machinists’ News

George Kourpias, who served as the IAM’s International President for eight years before retiring in 1997, passed away on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. He was 87. Kourpias, a 67-year IAM member, navigated the union through some of its greatest challenges. His tenure included Reagan’s assault on workers, national strikes in the airline industry and the reformation of organized labor through the election of John Sweeney as the AFL-CIO’s president. “George

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After four days of work, the 943 delegates were able to debate and deal with some 95 resolutions, participated in conferences, worked in committees, took stock of the main issues supported by the FTQ and adopted two policy statements. (occupational health and safety and public and universal drug insurance). Issues related to technological change, health and safety at work and the environment played an important role throughout the last FTQ

The Ontario Federation of Labour’s 15th Biennial Convention continues this week with many events, both historic and significant. Executive Board elections, presentation, panel discussions, awards, forums, and cultural celebrations punctuated the convention in downtown Toronto. Executive Elections The one thousand or so delegates voted overwhelmingly to elect Patty Coates as the first female president of Canada’s largest federation of labour in what has been an historic election. Coates, a long-time

05 November, 2019 For Immediate Release Toronto, ON – “Welcome back to the IAM!” That’s the message to the 65 workers at Priority Lane Management (PLA) from Talwinder Rayat, General Chairperson for IAM District 140. The former IAM members were forced into another union due to the infamous “contract flip” which took place some years ago. Contract-flipping is what happens when one company underbids for a servicing contract at Pearson

06 November, 2019 For immediate release Toronto, ON – Members of IAM Local 1922 who are staff of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE Ontario) voted almost 80% in favour of the employer’s offer last night. The 14 members had been on strike against their employer, COPE Ontario since 19 September, 2019. They return to work today. “At the end of the day, when members vote, members win.

02 November, 2019 For immediate release Ottawa, ON – “The IAM and industry stakeholders must plan for major labour shortages and that plan must include all levels of government and a long-range plan,” said Keith Aiken, Air Transportation Co-ordinator for IAM Canada. Aiken attended the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) Labour Market Strategy Event in Ottawa, held on October 23-24, 2019. Industry stake holders discussed important issues with