Machinists’ News

CSALP bargaining begins!

Montréal, QC – The IAM opened its first round of bargaining with CSALP- C-series Airbus Limited Partnership this week. “I’m encouraged by the goals the employer placed before us in our first meeting,” explained IAM Québec Coordinator David Chartrand. “They know they have a fine product in the A220-100/300 and they want to increase their rate of production which is good news for our members.” To date, 407 aircraft of

A good start, it is now necessary that we continue!

Montreal, QC – When the Québec Government called a meeting on the morning of November 12, 2018 to discuss the ramifications of the recent Bombardier layoffs, all the major Québec aerospace players including the IAM were there. “The Legault government and business representatives have demonstrated their willingness to tackle the problem,” said IAM Québec Coordinator David Chartrand. “It’s a good starting point. This is an important and encouraging sign. It

Time to evaluate the possible solutions at Bombardier

Montreal, QC – More than 24 hours after the release of the news, the conclusion drawn by the Machinists’ Union remains. This announcement and the way it was communicated are disappointing and irrelevant to the workers.      “Since this morning we have been meeting with workers at the Dorval plant and they are disappointed with Bombardier’s way of doing things. It is they, the manufacturers of products that allow

A sad day for Canadian Aerospace

Bombardier announces 2,500 layoffs in Québec Montréal, QC – “This comes as a complete shock and surprise to the IAM, we had no prior knowledge of this action,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall regarding Bombardier announcement today of 5,000 layoffs worldwide including 2,500 in Québec. “The biggest frustration is that once again Bombardier has announced major cuts just before Christmas with very few details,” explained IAM Québec

International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) 2018 Congress Summary

IAM Canada was a part of a vigorous delegation that participated in the 2018 ITF Congress.  What follows is a summary of the main work programs that were approved by the delegates in attendance for the next 5 years. The 2400 delegates in attendance at this ITF Congress voted to support a new strategy program and have set priorities for the Civil Aviation section of the ITF which covers workers

Retirement on the horizon for three long-term IAM members

Simcoe, ON – Three long-term IAM Local Lodge 103 members were recently recognized for their 45 years on-the-job at Anvil International. Within the next few months, Guy Simon, Dave Pearce and Al Seymour will be retiring. IAM District Lodge 78 Directing Business Representative Derek Ferguson and Business Representative Eric Johnstone were on hand to congratulate the trio and present them with an IAM watch on behalf of Local Lodge 103.

Important federal changes welcome, but more needed says IAM’s Pickthall

02 November, 2018 TORONTO – Pearson Airport’s Terminal One was the scene of important changes to Canada’s Labour Code yesterday. Federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu announced legislation improving Canada’s labour standards as outlined in Part III of the Labour Code. Stan Pickthall, Canadian General Vice-President said of the changes, “the parts of the Labour Code have been mostly unchanged since they were first enacted in the 1960s. The IAM has

Workplace Violence Survey

As part of the IAM’s commitment to make our work safer, IAM CREST is launching its second annual workplace violence survey. The survey is available in English, French and Spanish. The survey will help IAM CREST work toward solutions to improve workplace safety. The survey is completely anonymous, and data will be shared with other partners to develop broad strategies. Help us make work safer by taking the IAM CREST

Taking potshots at international unions a disservice to Canadian workers (Op-Ed)

19 October, 2018 In response to columns in your newspaper by John Ivison, I am writing to correct the record, as well as to engage in a broader debate about the state of trade and related issues which are relevant to Canadian workers and their families. The Machinists Union opposes the steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian workers. Period. There is no debate about the damage these tariffs do Canadian