Machinists’ News

The CATSA Conundrum – We need a better process!

Toronto, ON – These are frustrating times for IAM members employed in federal airport security screening responsibilities. While the IAM supports the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) in its work to protect the safety and security of the public as well as national security, we can’t ignore when its processes continually infringe on the most basic rights of our members. Screening officers are certified by CATSA in the performance

DaCosta gives his final report

Las Vegas, NV – Since 2006, Carlos DaCosta, as IAM Canada’s Airline Coordinator, has delivered many reports to the IAM Transportation Conferences all over North America. On Wednesday April 10th, he gave his last, announcing his retirement this summer. He has been an IAM member for 45 years, first as an Air Canada aviation mechanic, then as a General Chairperson of IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 and for the last

Breaking down the numbers

“Canada’s user-pay approach is discriminatory, distortionary and ultimately self-defeating” Dr.Barry Prentice, Professor of Supply Chain Management, Associate of the Transport Institute Another announcement was made yesterday on future plans for CATSA, which the IAMAW is watching closely. The Act to make amendments is included in Bill C-97, an omnibus bill, a tactic that the Liberals and Conservatives use when wanting to make major decisions without much public debate. The government

The Challenges Never End!

Las Vegas, NV – “The IAM is the largest Union in Air Transportation across Canada. DL140 our largest district,” IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall told delegates to the 2019 IAM Transportation Conference here. “In the words of our Toronto Organizer Sam Jabbar, “every day in the airport is a great day to Organize.” District 140 continues to grow and organize across the country,” he said. “Last year saw

Trade Unions are the last line of defense for working families!

Las Vegas, NV – Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders didn’t paint a pretty picture of America for delegates attending the IAM Transportation Conference here. “For one in three American seniors who receive Social Security, it’s their only source of income, they have no pension, they live on $13,500 or less a year,” he told delegates. “As President, we’re going to expand benefits for those on Social Security.” He called Trade

Amy Klobuchar puts her presidential credentials to the IAM

Las Vegas, NV – US Democratic Presidential hopeful Amy Klobuchar put her credentials before delegates to the IAM Transportation Conference  here today. “I didn’t come from money but I have grit,” she told delegates, comparing her background to the silver spoon upbringing of US President Donald Trump. Her grandfather was an iron ore miner, her father a journalist and her mother a teacher. “I learned from my grandfather that when

Fighting Machinist Women: Uniting to Fight

By Ivana Saula, IAM Canadian Research Director April 3-6th marks an important event for the IAMAW and for advancement of women’s issues within our union. After nearly twenty years, the Women’s Department has organized an event to help female leaders network, address issues that affect them as members and women, and to discuss creative solutions. Attendees heard from trailblazing women who made it through the ranks and have taken on leadership

IAM joins AIAC in Support of Canadian Aerospace

Toronto, On – The IAM joined the AIAC (Aerospace Industries Association of Canada) social media awareness campaign, #ISupportCdnAerospace, launched today. Across the country, IAM members showed their support by distributing their pictures on Twitter, holding the sign which read #ISupportCdnAerospace.     The social media campaign is to generate public awareness of Canada’s aerospace industry in advance of AIAC’s report on the industry – “Vision 20/25 Beyond our Imagination”, to

Bread, Roses, and Pensions: Why Pension Is a Woman’s Issue - Ivana Saula

By Ivana Saula, IAM Canadian Research Director In celebrating Women’s History Month, we are not only reminded of struggles women have faced in the past, but struggles that remain. When we talk about women’s issues what comes to mind are a broad range of topics; gender violence, economic equality, reproductive rights, parental leave, child care, healthcare, discrimination, under-representation in the political sphere, the list goes on. One issue that is overlooked