IAM Canada – A day with IAM Cares: How a Montreal non-profit is transforming lives, one job at a time

Posted on

When the IAM Union communications team visited IAM Cares – AIM CROIT in Montreal, they expected to learn about employment services. What they discovered was something far more powerful; a vibrant community working every day to restore confidence, dignity, and purpose to people living with sensory and physical disabilities.

At first glance, the office looks like any other: staff gathered in morning huddles, employees focused on computer screens, quiet one-on-one coaching sessions in progress. But behind the scenes is a team dedicated to one mission: breaking isolation and helping Montrealers with physical and sensory disabilities find their way back into the workforce.

Patronized by IAM Union and funded 100% by Service Québec, IAM Cares – AIM CROIT offers free, personalized support to citizens, permanent residents and refugees of Montreal aged 16 and up.

Clients live with a wide range of sensory, physical and invisible disabilities: from amputations and diabetes to chronic pain. For many, isolation is a bigger barrier than any resume gap.

That’s where AIM CROIT steps in.

Led primarily by women, the staff includes employment counsellors, partnership coordinators, trainers, and admin support who guide clients through every step of their journey. Services include personalized coaching, resume building, career planning, and access to a fully equipped computer lab. In their multiservice training rooms, clients not only build skills, they build confidence.

“People often come to us feeling disconnected,” said Executive Director Christina Cobein during the IAM Union team’s visit. “We’re here to help them reconnect: with work, with routine, and with their own sense of purpose.“

This year, IAM Cares – AIM CROIT celebrates its 35th anniversary! A milestone marking decades of dedication. Over the years, they’ve helped thousands of individuals find meaningful employment. But their true impact goes far beyond job placement: by providing structure, community and quite often, mental support, IAM Cares – AIM CROIT empowers people to regain their independence and envision a brighter future.

IAM Cares – AIM CROIT isn’t just helping people find work, it’s transforming lives, creating opportunities, and proving every day that inclusion works.

IAM Canada – IAM Union Members Bringing the Fight to Capitol Hill at 2025 Legislative Conference

Posted on

Approximately 400 IAM Union activists have converged on the nation’s capital for the 2025 IAM Legislative Conference, held April 29 through May 1. At a time of growing economic uncertainty, political upheaval, and ongoing attacks on working people, IAM members are making their voices heard in the halls of Congress.

Delegates from across the United States are using the three-day conference to engage directly with policymakers, pressing them to take action on a wide range of legislative priorities. From protecting collective bargaining rights for federal workers to strengthening retirement and healthcare security, from defending domestic manufacturing to passing the long-stalled Rail Safety Act, and other critical issues, IAM members are making clear demands for a pro-worker agenda.

The conference officially opened with powerful remarks from IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand, and IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. Each leader underscored the urgency of the moment and the stakes for working families across North America.

IAM International President Brian Bryant opened the conference by welcoming delegates and calling attention to the growing threats facing working people, many of which, he noted, are coming directly from the White House.

“What happens here in Washington, D.C. – and in every state across the country – affects all of us, every second of every day,” said Bryant. “Elected officials can strengthen – or weaken – our collective bargaining rights, our pay, our healthcare, our retirement, our democracy, and so much more. We’re not fighting for Republican or Democratic issues – we’re fighting for IAM Union issues.”

“This week is all about fighting for our union and our members, it’s about showing that the power of the people is always more powerful than the people in power, and it’s about taking this country back for working people instead of billionaires,” continued Bryant.

IAM members will hear from policymakers, union allies in Congress, and policy experts throughout the week. Scheduled speakers will address topics ranging from domestic policy to defending democracy and countering corporate influence in government.

In his remarks, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand spoke to the shared economic challenges and responsibilities between the United States and Canada, especially amid increasing tensions with China, as the need for cooperation to preserve national security and economic stability.

“We need to work together to make sure there’s fairness in the workplace,” said Chartrand.

IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon also addressed delegates, highlighting the IAM’s growing influence on Capitol Hill and the need for grassroots activism to hold elected officials accountable.

“We are here to take care of business,” said Solomon. “This week, we are here to hold our elected officials accountable.”

The IAM Legislative Conference is a vital opportunity for members to engage in the political process, share their personal stories with lawmakers, and shape the future of the labor movement. As economic pressures continue to mount and corporate interests tighten their grip on the political system, IAM delegates are delivering a clear message: the needs of working people must come first.

As the week continues, IAM members will meet with dozens of House and Senate offices, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard loud and clear.