News Releases

IAM Union Begins Bargaining with Menzies Aviation at Toronto Pearson

On February 26, the IAM Union officially commenced bargaining with Menzies Aviation at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Menzies Aviation currently provides a range of above- and below-the-wing services for seven airlines operating out of Pearson, including WestJet, its largest customer. The negotiations mark an important step forward for approximately 530 members of IAM Local 2413 who are employed in Menzies’ ground handling operations. The Bargaining Committee presented a full and

IAM Union and Air Canada Begin Contract Negotiations

February 25, 2026 – The IAM Union has officially launched a new round of contract negotiations with Air Canada, marking the start of discussions following a 10-year agreement and what union leaders describe as a critical moment for members. The kickoff meeting brought together a broad delegation of IAM representatives from Canada and the United States, including leadership, general chairpersons, coordinators, and experts from legal, strategic resources, communications, Air Transportation,

John Humphrey Elected President of the Nanaimo Duncan & District Labour Council

John Humphrey, an IAM Business Representative at District 250 in British Columbia, has been a committed member of the Nanaimo Duncan & District Labour Council (NDDLC) for more than 13 years, including eight years on the Executive Board. Over the past three years, he served as Vice-President, providing steady leadership and supporting the council’s initiatives. In September 2025, John stepped in to chair meetings while the sitting President temporarily stepped

Quebec Machinists Council Hosts Shop Steward Training

IAM members of local 2309 from Samsic Unit and Air Transat, gathered at the District 140 offices to attend the shop steward training offered by the Quebec Machinists Council’s (QMC) education department. On the front lines of union action, these stewards will ensure compliance with the collective agreement and the quality of work life for their fellow members. Congratulations to each of them for their commitment and their dedication to

IAM Union Statement on U.S. House Vote to Reject Tariffs on Canada

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2026 — Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice-President, issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to reject President Trump’s tariffs on Canada: “Today’s bipartisan vote shows that a majority of Congress understands what’s at stake for working families. Indiscriminate tariffs against allies are bad for both U.S.

Strengthening Representation Through Grievance Handling Training

Nine members from Locals 712, 869, and 2309 recently took part in grievance handling training, enhancing their skills and knowledge to better represent members and navigate the grievance process with confidence. Participants included Stéphane Dumas, Sylvain Giroux, David Gosselin, Mohamed Amir Boulassel, Adel Mihoubi, Rolando Caballero Rodriguez, Al Jamri Abdellah, Elias El Yamani, and Rudi Le-Goarant-de-Tromelin. Congratulations to each of them for their dedication and commitment to defending the rights

Local 412 Members at AstenJohnson Ratify a New Collective Agreement

On February 6th, 2026, the 120 members of IAM Local 412 at AstenJohnson in Kanata, Ontario, voted 93% in favour of a new Collective Agreement. The negotiations committee, made up of Shane Woito, Bill Dixon, Perry Cooper, and Lewis Hanna, was praised for its dedication and focus throughout the bargaining process. “The committee did a fantastic job sticking to the issues that were important to the membership and achieved a

Labour Leaders Unite in Ottawa to Call for Worker-Centred Trade Policy

As global trade tensions intensify and economic uncertainty grows, Canada’s labour movement is urging the federal government to change course on trade policy and put workers at the heart of economic decision-making. Labour leaders from both the private and public sectors gathered in Ottawa this week to discuss the future of Canada’s trade strategy, warning that decades of closed-door decisions have left workers, families, and communities paying the price. Job

Peter Tsoukalas Appointed IAM Canadian Special Representative

IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Peter Tsoukalas as Special Representative in the Canadian Territory, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Tsoukalas is a 25-year member of IAM Locals 1751 and 2309. Tsoukalas, who most recently served as an IAM District 140 General Chairperson since 2017 in Quebec, will help lead organizing efforts in Canada. “Peter has earned the respect of members through his commitment, integrity, and tireless advocacy for working people,” said

First collective agreement for Garda World bargaining unit

Working as industrial firefighters at the Airbus Canada facility in Mirabel, the 21 members of the Garda World bargaining unit, Local 712 of the IAM union, have accepted a first three-year collective agreement, with a 17% pay increase over the term of the contract. The contract also provides the following improvements to working conditions: Addition of a clear distinction regarding seniority: A negotiation marked by the perseverance and determination of