Category Archives: News

IAMAW Canada – IAM Canada Deeply Concerned About Federal Air Passenger Services Consultation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 5, 2024

Toronto, ON – IAM Canada has significant concerns regarding the recent announcement by the Canadian federal government that Competition Bureau Canada will be consulting Canadians on competition within domestic air passenger services.

The IAM, representing thousands of workers in the aviation and aerospace industries across Canada, believes this consultation could have far-reaching implications for the industry and its membership. The union is concerned that the focus of the consultation may not adequately address critical issues affecting Canadian airline workers and could potentially overlook the complexities of maintaining a competitive, yet fair, market.

The allowance of international carriers to operate domestically in Canada could have a detrimental impact on the “legacy” Canadian carriers as international carriers would only want to service the most profitable routes. This would impact the ability for the legacy Canadian carriers to turn a profit in what is a very competitive market. When this happens, service will be reduced, workers compensation will be reduced and jobs will be lost.

“While we recognize the importance of ensuring competitive practices in the airline industry, we urge the Competition Bureau to consider the broader impacts on workers,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “The consultation should not only focus on market competition but also address job security, fair wages, and working conditions for the thousands of Canadians employed in this sector. It is essential that the outcomes of this consultation support a sustainable and equitable aviation industry.”

The IAM is particularly concerned the consultation may prioritize consumer costs and corporate interests at the expense of the well-being of aviation workers. The union emphasizes that a balanced approach is necessary to protect both the interests of consumers and the livelihoods of the workers who are vital to the functioning of the air travel industry.

The IAM is committed to working collaboratively with government officials to ensure that the consultation outcomes are what’s best for aviation workers in Canada.

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For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Frank Saptel
Communications Representative
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
Phone: (416) 386-1789
Email: fsaptel@iamaw.org

IAMAW Canada – Grit and determination bring 110 new members to the IAM

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Great victory, Great news 110 security workers (Logix Security) at the Air Canada Cargo joined the IAM union family at the Pearson Airport. Despite management bully tactics We got the certification from the Labour Board late last week.

“Big thanks go to Kushang Shah who was the lead person on this campaign,” said Sam Jabbar, GLR Responsible for Organising. “His determination, hard-work and organizing skills got us this group unionised. Jabbar coordinated the campaign.

Shah, a Shop Steward with IAM Local 2323 working at Air Canada Cargo, helped with the campaign despite some difficult conditions – the work was performed in secure areas and spread out in the cargo building at various locations and times. The workers tried to join for the past five years, but with little success.

“With the help of Kushang Shah, we were able to overcome the hurdles and successfully signed the group. We were constantly in touch through our text messages and kept them informed about the benefits of belonging to the IAM. The management tried many tactics to scare the workers off from joining the union. This campaign shows that hard works always pays off.,” concluded Jabbar.

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For more information:
Sam Jabbar, GLR, Organising
sjabbar@iamaw.org

IAMAW Canada – Almost 500 members and another successful BBQ for IAM Local 2323 members!

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IAM Local Lodge 2323 pulled off yet another successful annual BBQ for their members and retirees. The event was held in the parking lot of IAM Local 2323 offices, which accommodated everyone who gathered there throughout the day. Almost 500 people attended over the course of the day.

There were many events for the members and their families which appealed to all ages. From burgers and hot dogs, accompanied by many sides, to face-painting, ice cream, and the great company afforded by members meeting in a relaxed and fun environment. There was even a raffle with 2 large-screen televisions as grand prizes. The local also offered many Local 2323-branded items for sale.

The DJ who entertained the crowd all day with a great selection of music is also a member of IAM Local 2323. They stayed local!

Vick Seebalak, President of LL2323
“One of the reasons we have this BBQ is to give back to our members. We also invited our members to bring their families, which they did. It made it a very enjoyable family event. As a local Lodge President, I feel proud watching our members laugh with each other and having a good time. We are a family. We are a solid IAM family.” Seebalak also thanked other members of the Executive and all the volunteers for helping make this one of the most successful ever.

Chris Glover, MPP for the Toronto-area riding of Spadina-Fort York, also attended the BBQ on invitation from the local. He stressed the importance of artificial intelligence and what it promised, as well as the need to be watchful about workers being surveilled in the workplace.

Shan Wahab, a 14-year LL2323 member, took a few minutes to share his thoughts on the BBQ, saying, “it’s a great time to meet with co-workers and retirees so we don’t lose touch with them.”

In his comments to the members gathered for the event, Dave Flowers, President and Directing General Chairperson of IAM District 140, explained the difference between minimum wage and a living wage, especially as it affects airport workers. The IAM has been very active on the issue particularly at the Toronto and Vancouver airports, succeeding on getting living wage provisions into newer contracts. “Employers are making money hand-over-fist, but we’re not seeing that trickle down to the workers,” he said. He urged members to stick together because “when we raise the floor, we raise the ceiling.”

IAM Canada’s Chief-of-Staff, Ralph Martin, who also attended the BBQ, said, “It was wonderful to see so many members and retirees out socializing. These events really allow members and retirees to reconnect in an environment that’s free from the pressures of work. Great event hosted by Local Lodge 2323, thank you to the committee that put this together and many thanks to all that took the time to participate.”

Congratulations to IAM Local 2323 on yet another successful gathering for their membership and their retirees.

For all the photos from the BBQ, please visit our Flickr album

IAMAW Canada – Local 2413 members at SkyCafe ratify new agreement with overwhelming support

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On Friday July 5th, the IAM ratified a new 3-year collective agreement for the 122 members of Local 2413 employed with SkyCafe at the Toronto and Ottawa airports.

“The IAM Local 2413 Bargaining committee pushed the employer as hard as we could,” said Michael Corrado, IAM District 140 General Chairperson. “We used the conciliation process and strategically timed the release of a survey about our members wage expectations and their willingness to strike if their expectations were not met”.

The agreement focused on large wage increases along with a significant increase to the amount of paid sick days that this provincially-regulated employer provides.

Most of our members will experience an approximately 25% wage increases over 3 years. Additionally, paid sick days were increased by 67% for the membership.

“Good deals with living wages are what workers and IAM members deserve,” concluded Corrado.

The IAM Members voted 96.9% in favour of this new CBA which reflected the expectations of the membership.

PHOTO:
Bargaining Committee membersfrom left: Michael Corrado, Madhu Mehta and Collin Buchanan.

For more information:
Michael Corrado, General Chairperson
IAM District 140

IAMAW Canada – It’s finally law – IAM Canadian GVP congratulates activists on decades of hard work

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Another monumental triumph for the labour movement is the passage of Bill C-58, the Anti-Scab legislation, which received unanimous support from MPs and clearance by the Senate on 17 June, 2024.

After decades of relentless advocacy, Canada now has federal anti-scab legislation. This is crucial for protecting workers and their right to strike. The use of scab labour not only undermines this right but also exacerbates labour disputes and intensifies hostility on picket lines.

The legislation will apply to employers and workers in federally regulated sectors covered by Part I of the Code. This includes industries such as interprovincial and international air, rail, road, and marine transportation, as well as banks, telecommunications, and postal and courier services.

“I want to thank all IAM activists and those in other unions and the progressive movements who worked on this relentlessly. Together with Canada’s New Democrats who fought alongside us, we now have this law,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “Our robust political action program made sure we put the pressure on for these last few years.”

“I’ve heard countless stories from workers who have faced direct confrontations during strikes, jeopardizing their safety and livelihoods. This must never happen. We are pleased to see this long-overdue protection for workers that will significantly restore balance at the bargaining table,” added Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

The new law also mandates that employers and unions agree early in the bargaining process on which work must continue during a strike or lockout to ensure public health and safety. The parties must reach an agreement no later than 15 days after a notice to bargain is issued.

These measures will take effect on June 20, 2025, allowing the CIRB time to prepare for its new responsibilities, according to the federal government.

The passage of the Bill, not surprisingly, received condemnation from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses.