Machinists’ News

2 September, 2019 Toronto – Approximately 100 IAM members participated in Labour’s annual Labour Day parade. The 148th anniversary of this special day to celebrate workers and our accomplishments was celebrated with music, bands and much discussion as to labour’s path ahead in these challenging times. The total number of labour activists and their families attending the parade was 25,000. Along with the celebrations, many has pause to think about

Photo – Maurice Shyntak – Lead Hand, Shop Steward, Bargaining Committee representative, 28+ years with the company, and has been with the union for over 25 years since the members joined the IAM on May 27th 1993. Brian Alguire – Lead Hand, Union Steward, Bargaining Committee Repressive, 20+ Years with both the Company and the IAM. On Monday August 26th and Tuesday August 27th, the IAMAW Bargaining Committee at Bearskin Airlines

22 August, 2019 For immediate release Toronto – Today the IAM Membership at Sage Parts YYZ ratified its 2nd collective agreement by a 100% margin. Percentages and gains in wages jumped appreciably since they joined the IAM 3 years ago. “Three years ago, when the workers joined the IAM, we began a fight for $15 campaign with this employer at the bargaining table and was successful in ensuring that no member

23 August, 2019 For Immediate release Toronto – Air Transat shareholders have approved a $720 million takeover by Air Canada by a 94.77% vote. This is well above the two-thirds margin required. Both companies will continue to operate under their current structures. The agreement is now putting the fate of the transaction in the hands of regulators before being finalised. The transaction is unlikely to close before early 2020. IAM

One year ago, today, workers at Spectrum Healthcare signed their charter and OFFICIALLY joined the IAM and created Local Lodge 1231. The new members gathered together at the IAM’s Winpisinger Education and Technology Center for the ceremony, with IAM International President Bob Martinez, General Secretary Treasurer Dora Cervantes, IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall and IAM Grand Lodge Representatives Ralph Martin and Scott Jackson welcoming them into the IAM

Thanks to IAM solidarity a retired IAM representative from Connecticut, USA and his grandson got a chance to learn about Canada’s Parliament and the New Democratic Party.  Brother John Harrity, who served on the IAM staff for 38 years had asked for assistance, so that his grandson, 13-year-old Boston Thomas, could find out more about the Canadian system of government.  Boston is beginning to consider college and looking at Canada

By Ivana Saula Realities of Retirement in Canada: Separating Fact From Fiction Have you thought about what your retirement will look like, does it look more like Freedom75 than Freedom55? Maybe you haven’t given it much thought, because there are other more pressing needs and priorities. But, it’s worthwhile to think about the realities of retirement, whether you’re nearing it or whether you have a full career ahead of you.

IAM Local 2323 held their annual BBQ on Friday, 9 August, 2019. LL2323 has been doing this in Toronto for five years and this was their second time doing it in Ottawa. By all accounts, it was a success on both fronts. Toronto saw about 350 people, while the Ottawa venue was attended by about 90 members and their families. LL2323 President, Dave Flowers was enthusiastic about the attendance. “Member