IAM Wins New Members Despite Threats of Job Loss!
Thursday September 28, 2006
For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON - Even the threat of losing their jobs early next year didn’t prevent 66 employees of BBH Services at Toronto International Airport from joining the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Following a three month organizing campaign, the IAMAW won a certification vote held by the Canada Industrial Relations Board earlier this week by a margin of more than 80 per cent.
“This company tried everything to prevent their employees from joining the Machinists,” said IAMAW District 140 Organizer Ian Morland. “Management held meetings with employees late last week offering some of them large increases in wages and other benefits if they voted against joining the union. When that didn’t work, they sent letters with employee pay stubs claiming their jobs would be gone in January 2007 because the company lost a contract with the airport authority.” However the hard work by IAMAW Local Lodge 2323 Organizer Joe Veltri and several determined BBH employees overcame the corporate tactics. “The company really underestimated the mood of its employees and the need for a union in this work place was more powerful than anything they could offer,” added Morland.
The newest members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2323 provide handling services for all oversized baggage and connecting flights baggage for all airlines at Toronto International Airport.
The IAMAW represents more than 700,000 active and retired members in North America and administers more than 5,000 contracts in transportation, woodworking, aerospace, manufacturing and defense-related industries.
For further information:
Ian Morland – IAMAW District 140 Organizer
416-875-8140
Bill Trbovich – IAMAW Director of Communications
416-386-1789 ext 31/416-735-9765
