News Releases

Vancouver, BC – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 16 employed by Swissport at Vancouver International Airport, have given their bargaining committee a strike mandate by a margin of 94 per cent. The possibility of a strike could have a significant impact on WestJet flights over the Christmas holidays! “This vote was necessary because bargaining talks with the employer have reached an impasse,” said IAMAW District 140 General Chairperson Todd Haverstock.

Winnipeg, MB – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 32 have ratified a new three-year agreement with Bombardier Military Aviation Training. The agreement provides wage increases of 2 per cent in the first year, 2.5 per cent in the second year and 3 per cent in the third year. “This was a significant victory for us,” said IAMAW District 140 General Chairperson and Organizer Tony Didoshak. “We held our position on

L’Assomption, QC – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1148, have ratified a new collective agreement with Electrolux Company by a margin of 62 per cent. The three-year agreement provides for wage increases of $1.05 per hour for the duration of the agreement. Other contract highlights include : • Employer contribution to the pension plan increases from $25.75 to $26.50 per week between 2010 and 2012. • Increased allocation for safety shoes

Toronto, On – A strike at Univar Canada Limited by members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1922 has been avoided. “We were set to walk out tonight over the issue of two-tiered wage structuring if the company didn’t drop it from the bargaining table,” explained IAMAW District 78 Directing Business Representative Gary Hynes. “We avoided a strike at the last minute because our bargaining team and the membership stood their ground

Toronto, On – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have yet again expanded their membership at Pearson International Airport. Two hundred employees of Toronto Ground Airport Services, a subsidiary of BBH Services, are the newest members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2323. “This is a very rewarding victory over an aggressive and anti-union employer,” said a very happy IAMAW District 140 Organizer Ian Morland. “This campaign has been ongoing

Sarnia, On – Workers at the Super 8 Hotel in Sarnia are the newest members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1295. “It was the search for better wages and respect from the employer that led these people to us,” said Ralph Martin, IAMAW District Lodge 78 Organizer. “It’s a recurring theme of hospitality workers who have joined the IAMAW.” The 16 workers consist of housekeeping, maintenance and front desk staff at

Miramichi, NB – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2418 have ratified a new collective agreement with Lounsbury Company Ltd. (Chevrolet). The three – year agreement provides wage increases of 2 per cent in the first year retroactive to September 1, 2009, and two six month increases of one per cent in each of the remaining two years. Other agreement highlights include : • Parts and Service employees receive a $100 annual

Ontario’s Second Career training program in doubt, while federal EI training programs don’t meet expectations Toronto, On — Public and private sector unions including the IAMAW as well as laid off workers are calling on the provincial and federal governments to keep their word and to ensure that those who were promised training get it. “Too many workers in general are employed in low-skill, low-wage jobs,” says IAMAW Education Representative

Toronto, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1295 employed with Ambutrans have ratified their first collective agreement. The four-year agreement provides wage adjustments in the first year as well as wage increases of two per cent in each year. Other agreement highlights include : • Paid lunch • Meal allowance for long distance trips • Overtime and holiday provisions • Vacation increases – 3 weeks after 5 years of service

Toronto, On – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 235 have ratified their first collective agreement with Blok Loc Limited. The three-year agreement provides wage increases of four per cent over the life of the contract. “The wages were all over the map and this agreement has brought about a degree of conformity in that vital area,” explained IAMAW District 78 Directing Business Representative Gary Hynes. “The lack of seniority was