Open letter from David Chartrand, Quebec coordinator of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
Opinion

Bombardier must survive despite the mistakes of its leaders Since Bombardier announced the abolition of 5 000 jobs, including 2 500 in Quebec, a strong anti-Bombardier sentiment is rapidly spreading across the province. The absence of Bombardier’s CEO, Alain Bellemare, at the emergency summit convened by the Minister of Economy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, and his statements to investors gathered in Bay Street, raised the anger of many Quebeckers towards The company

Machinists ratify first contract with Cambridge Shelter
News Releases

Thursday November 15, 2018   For Immediate release   Cambridge, ON – The members of IAM Local Lodge 103 have ratified their first collective agreement with Cambridge Shelter Corporation. “They fought us hard getting unionized earlier this year and again during negotiations, this was a long and tough battle,” said IAM Grand Lodge Organizer Scott Jackson. “The members and the negotiations committee of Joyann Robbins, Eric Johnson and Dean Hislop

IAM organizes another dealership in the steel city!
News Releases

Tuesday November 13, 2018 For Immediate Release Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The IAM has organized another auto dealership in the Steel City. In a Ministry of Labour authorized vote, workers at NorthSide Toyota voted to join the IAM. The IAM now represents workers at six auto dealerships in Sault Ste. Marie. “The workers here saw how we represented their counterparts at the other dealerships,” explained IAM Grand Lodge Representative

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

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

Machinists negotiate ground breaking first contract at ATS
News Releases

Friday November 9, 2018   For Immediate Release   Edmonton, AB – “As first contracts go, this one is a beauty,” said an elated IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Keith Aiken, referring to the recently endorsed first agreement with Airport Terminal Services (ATS). “Any time you can negotiate significant pay increases in a first contract, you have to be happy,” said Aiken. “This is a solid group and

Time to evaluate the possible solutions at Bombardier
Machinists' News

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

Machinists ratify new agreement with Ecojustice
News Releases

Friday November 9, 2018   For Immediate Release   Toronto, ON – Members of IAM Local Lodge 1922 have ratified a new collective agreement with Ecojustice. The three-year agreement provides wage increases of 2.5 per cent in the first year, and 2 per cent in the second and third year respectively. Other agreement highlights include: Improved benefits package Improved vacation time Improved holidays Improved contract language “I want to express

A sad day for Canadian Aerospace
International News

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
International News

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

Machinists ink new deal with Lounsbury Automotive
News Releases

Tuesday November 6, 2018 For Immediate Release Miramichi, NB – Members of IAM Local Lodge 2418 have ratified a new collective agreement with Lounsbury Automotive. The three-year agreement provides a one-time wage adjustment of $ .25 per hour in the first year as well as a wage increase of 2 per cent in the first year, a 2 per cent wage increase in the second  year and a 3 per