Machinists’ News

Tim Horton’s rolls up the grim!

Toronto, On – Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee retailer, is in the throes of a public relations disaster in Ontario. On January 1st, the Ontario government raised the minimum wage to $14.00 an hour and numerous Tim Horton outlets including two owned by heirs to the donut empire, Ron Joyce Jr and Jeri Lyn Horton-Joyce, immediately took punitive measures against their employees. They began to eliminate workers paid breaks,

It’s that time of year again for a Federal Lobby!!

Over the last few years, the IAM has been the major participant in the CLC Parliament Hill Lobby Days. Let’s continue to hit above our weight and make Lobby Days 2018 even more successful! Four topics are being considered for inclusion in the lobby day; including pharmacare, pay equity, pension and bankruptcy reform, and employment insurance. The registration is now open for the CLC lobby day on February 6, 2018.

Bill 148 Update: a long overdue Reform for Ontario Workers!

With the adoption and Royal Assent of Bill 148, changes to the Employment Standard Act (ESA) and the Labour Relations Act (LRA), workers in Ontario will enjoy many work related improvements and see their working conditions improve significantly. These major changes came about due to a lot of pressure on the current Liberal government by organized labour. Although some of our suggested changes did not make it to the final

There has never been a better time to join a union!

Progress provokes pushback, always has always will – Columnist Michael Coren Toronto, ON – January 1st marked an increase in the minimum wage in Ontario, it rose from $11.60 an hour to $14.00 an hour and it will increase January 1, 2019 to $15.00 an hour. Not surprisingly, the reaction from business was immediate and predictable. The Bank of Canada reported that this increase will cost 60,000 jobs. The surprise

Machinists look on with pride as Sir John Franklin is launched

Vancouver, BC – Members of IAM Local Lodge 692 proudly watched the launch of the first ship built under Canada’s new national shipbuilding strategy – the Sir John Franklin. The 64.3 metre vessel, designed and built at the Seaspan Shipyards in North Vancouver, is the first of three to be built for the Canadian Coastguard under the national strategy. “Our members are extremely proud of their contribution to this ship,

Spreading the word about fairness and precarious work

Barrie, ON – It’s not often a political activist gets to witness the fruits of their labour achieving their intended goal but Dan Janssen not only saw it, he also had the opportunity to speak about it. When the Barrie and District Labour Council was invited to an event where Ontario’s Labour Minister Kevin Flynn would be making announcements regarding how Ontario Bill 148 – The Fair Workplaces/Better Jobs Act

Canadian Territory makes biggest Guide Dogs donation ever!

Las Vegas, NV – The Canadian Territory made its largest contribution ever to the Guide Dogs at the recent annual Guide Dogs Convention here. The $100,000.00 plus donation to the IAM’s official charity was made possible through funds raised at the 21st Annual Dave Ritchie Guide Dogs Golf Tournament and the 2nd Annual IAM District Lodge 250 Golf Tournament. The theme of the conference was team and attendees were encouraged

Local Lodge 2113 donates to Disaster Relief Fund

When the members of the IAM Local Lodge 2113 at Autoliv Electronics saw the hurricane disasters in the United States earlier this year, they sprang to action and raised $1,063.95 for the IAM Disaster relief. The Local matched the money raised, as did the employer. A total of $3,191.85 was raised and was sent to the IAM Disaster Relief fund that will help our Sisters and Brothers affected by these

Gerlach acclaimed again to BC NDP Provincial Executive

Victoria, BC – IAM District Lodge 250 Directing Business Representative Walter Gerlach will once again serve as Labour’s member at large on the Provincial Executive of the B.C. New Democratic Party. Gerlach was acclaimed for the second consecutive time at the BC NDP 45th convention held recently in Victoria. Provincial Executive members are elected for two year terms and help guide the efforts of the party. This is Gerlach’s third

Screener Unions request meetings with Transport and Labour Ministers

Toronto, ON – Increased service pressures, airport privatization and successor rights in the event of a contract flip are areas of serious concern for Canada’s 6,000 airport pre-board security screeners. These issues top the agenda of a meeting the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the United Steelworkers (USW) have requested with the Minister of Transport – Marc Garneau, and Labour Minister Patty Hajdu. The two unions