24 April, 2019 In an eagerly-anticipated campaign, the PEI Green Party made history last night as it became the official opposition in Prince Edward Island – the first time that has ever happened. This was the strongest showing of any Green Party in Canada. The Liberal leader Wade MacLauchlan lost his own seat to a Conservative in an illustration of how unhappy Islanders were with the status quo. The Progressive
Hollywood, MD – More than 80 Canadian IAM political activists gathered at the William W Winpisinger Education Center this week for the 5th IAM Canada Political Action Symposium. “Political Action requires people,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall in his address to the delegates. “Voices matter, more voices means we can influence the decision- makers and push them to prioritize the needs of working people. The way to
Edmonton, AB – With all of the reminders that polls in Alberta have been wrong before, voters here did exactly what the pundits said they would do, vote Jason Kenny’s United Conservative Party into office and…… it wasn’t even close! Kenny’s United Conservative Party won 62 seats while the outgoing NDP led by Rachel Notlley, held on to 25 seats. Kenney and the UCP won despite a scandals relating to
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
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
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
Ottawa, ON – The federal budget contained an important piece of information that was hidden deep within the 400 page document; the possibility of privatizing CATSA. It’s an issue that the IAMAW has lobbied on offering solutions that would ensure better services to the public as well as ensuring cost-efficiency. The information contained in the budget was scarce, leaving much to speculation signaling the possibility of privatizing CATSA should the
Richmond, BC – IAM Canada continued with its campaign to create a national aerospace strategy. On consecutive days beginning February 20th, the IAM toured two aerospace plants where we represent workers to discuss the IAM Strategy document, “Grounded Potential’, with members and management of those companies. Stan Pickthall, Ron Fontaine, Fred Hospes, Tania Canniff, and Steward Jim Mathieson met with over 300 IAM members in their MTU workplace to discuss
Ottawa, ON – More than 350 union and political activists, including 72 IAM members, roamed the offices of 200 MP’s and Senators on Parliament Hill this week lobbying for a national Pharmacare Plan, Pension Reform, and Labour Law Reform. The IAM members also lobbied the politicians to support the call for a National Aerospace Strategy. IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall and IAM Québec Coordinator David Chartrand were front
Burnaby, BC – Despite repeated negative coverage by the mainstream media, Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, (NDP), won the federal by-election in Burnaby South on Monday February 25th by a comfortable margin, proving critics wrong – again. In his acceptance speech, Singh thanked all those who believed in him and worked hard to help him win the by-election. He also promised to visit Quebec the following
