The Shaw center buzzed with energy and purpose as unions from across Canada gathered for a preparatory meeting hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). The event marked the opening of a 1-day lobbying effort to advocate for worker’s rights and wellbeing.

Bringing together union leaders and members, representatives and staff, the session was a powerful reminder of the collective strength of the labor movement and its ability to drive change.

The focus of the evening was clear: to prepare attendees for impactful conversations with policymakers by equipping them with the knowledge, tools and unity to advocate for a fairer, more equitable future, with an agenda centred on three priorities:

1. Investing in workers
2. Making life more affordable
3. Strengthening healthcare

The CLC laid the groundwork for discussions that aim to shape the national narrative.

Beyond presenting these topics, the CLC meeting aimed to arm attendees with the skills and confidence needed for effective advocacy.

The meeting concluded with the CLC organizing attendees into groups, assigning each group a specific minister or senator to engage with the following day, these group were teach group will present the issues that workers are facing today, highlighting the challenges and obstacles that hinder their progress and well-being.

In conclusion, it is crucial that we address these challenges to ensure that workers are being treated with dignity and to put workers before profitability.

By working together to resolve these issues, we can build a future where every worker has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and just environment.

Together, we have the power to make a difference.

In a victorious turn of events, the members of IAM Local 2309 have emerged stronger than ever, securing an industry-leading collective agreement with Samsic Assistance Canada Inc. after a rough period that began with a devastating contract flip at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport (YUL) in June 2023.

This hard-fought contract marks a significant victory for the 306 employees working both above and below wing at YUL, including ramp agents, tow crews, passenger service agents, and those assisting passengers with reduced mobility.

After enduring a challenging and uncertain period, the Samsic Assistance Bargaining Committee, led by IAM General Chairperson (GC) Peter Tsoukalas and key members of the Samsic Negotiating Committee: Mario Christodoulopoulos, Kenny-Thomas, and Duwayne Ballantine, are happy to announce that the membership has voted in favor of their first-ever collective agreement.

The union and Samsic have cultivated a strong, collaborative relationship, working together towards shared success.

The newly ratified deal sets a strong foundation for the next 3 years, beginning November 13, 2024, and running through November 12, 2027.

This hard-won agreement is a step forward for the workers at YUL, providing not only critical wage increases but also enhanced benefits and job security.

The highlights of the newly ratified contract include:

• Wage increases: A substantial 34% wage increase over the next three years, ensuring a much-needed boost to the livelihoods of all members.
• Job security: The contract guarantees enhanced severance terms, providing greater peace of mind for members in an ever-changing industry.
• RRSP contributions: For the first time, members will benefit from RRSP contributions, securing their financial future.
• Shift and schedule protections: Language protecting working hours, ensuring more stability and predictability in daily schedules.
• Paid lunch breaks: Workers will now receive paid lunch periods, improving overall compensation.
• Work-life balance: Greater flexibility to ensure that members can better balance their demanding roles with their personal lives.

The IAM union expressed their pride in the hard work and determination of the members who stood strong throughout the bargaining process. GC Peter Tsoukalas added “The wins achieved at the table provide important fundamental gains that will put strong bases in place to improve the quality of life for our members and their families.”

For the workers of Samsic Assistance at Montreal Trudeau Airport, this contract is not just a win for wages and benefits, it’s a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through solidarity, perseverance, and the strength of union membership.

As they look toward the future, IAM Local 2309’s members are not just celebrating a hard-earned victory, they are setting a new standard for workers’ rights in the aviation industry.

For more information
Peter Tsoukalas
General Chairperson

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2024 – U.S. and Canadian leaders of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), North America’s largest aerospace and defense labor union which represents members in both countries, called for cooperation between the U.S. and Canada amidst President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he would impose a blanket 25% tariff on all Canadian goods imported into the United States.

“The IAM Union has long been a leader in advocating for trade policies that bring our jobs back home to the United States and Canada,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “As we have always said, part of this strategy should include targeted, strategic tariffs against bad actors, such as China, that cheat global trade rules to gain an unfair advantage over U.S. and Canadian workers. As close allies and national security partners, the United States and Canada should be working together, not against each other, to level the global playing field.”

The IAM represents hundreds of thousands of members in the aerospace, defense and other manufacturing sectors in both the countries. Many IAM members work at companies that rely heavily on integrated supply chains between the U.S. and Canada.

“Canada and the United States have the opportunity to be global leaders for trade practices that put working people first,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “Instead of infighting amongst allies, we should stand together against the illegal trade practices of countries like China. The national security of our two countries, and the livelihoods of millions of workers, depend on the United States and Canada working together.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.