May 2021

IAM Canada Statement on the discovered remains of 215 Indigenous Children

The Machinists Union in Canada join with all those honouring the memory of the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were recently found at the site of a former residential school in British Columbia. The suffering this is causing their families – and the trauma this has triggered for Indigenous people across the country – reminds us all that Canada’s story includes acts of extreme cruelty fuelled by racism and colonialism.

The Future of Work: Air Transportation

No other industry has felt the pressure to evolve and adapt to new realities due to the pandemic like air transportation. In fact, the industry’s adaptability is crucial to its survival. Airlines and airports have turned to technology as part of their re-start plan, and safe travel is at the center of it. The industry’s response has been forward thinking, and includes a plan to manage this pandemic and prepare

Michel Richer to Assume Role of Quebec Coordinator

“It has been my privilege to work with Michel Richer over recent years, and I know he will continue to be a valuable asset to IAM members, both in Quebec and across Canada.” General Vice-President Stan Pickthall took pleasure in making the announcement that Michel Richer will soon assume the position of IAM Quebec Coordinator. Richer replaces David Chartrand, who was recently elected as the General Vice-President for IAM Canada.

Winpisinger Center to Welcome In-Person Learning with Safety Protocols on August 1

The Machinists Union is proud to announce the return of in-person learning at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (W3 Center) in Hollywood, MD beginning August 1, 2021. For the safety of the membership and staff, the flagship union training facility was forced to suspend classes in March 2020. “Education of officers, members and staff has always been an imperative focus of the Machinists Union, and nowhere does

Stan Pickthall's letter in support of UNITE-HERE Local 261

May 14, 2021   Ms. Yolaine Charette, General Manager Sheraton Ottawa Hotel 150 Albert Street Ottawa, ON K1P 5G2   Dear Ms. Charette: The IAM represents 50,000 Union members in Canada, with almost half working in travel-related industries. We are today writing in solidarity with the UNITE-HERE Local 261 workers at Sheraton Ottawa Hotel. It is brought to our attention that the Sheraton Hotel – owned by Keck Seng Investments

Industry 4.0: The Future of Hospitality

The pandemic has halted tourism and related industries, placing pressures on businesses to not only adapt, but prepare for future pandemics. Contactless technologies are becoming essential in public spaces, and hotels are no exception. Expansion of technologies that reduce contact and regulate physical distancing and overcrowding are not merely adaptations to current realities, they are essential to a recovery. But, the current state of global health is not the only

IAM elections set the course for next four years

General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes was the successful candidate elected April 24, 2021. The results were announced May 7, 2021. Cervantes was the incumbent. International President Robert Martinez Jr. was acclaimed, as well as all other General Vice-Presidents. Along with our new General Vice-President David Chartrand, also elected were Tania Canniff, on the Law Committee and Kim Valliere as CLC the representative. All three Canadian representatives will be sworn in July

Automation across the Nation: IAMAW Study of Technological Change

After a busy and challenging year that has re-prioritized work in support of our members, the IAMAW is back on track with a study of automation and artificial intelligence. As businesses adapt to new pandemic realities, technological innovation is given a high priority, and understanding what this means for our members is critical. Our society is on the precipice of a Fourth Industrial Revolution, one that will bring monumental changes.