During the week of January 13, 2025, the IAM District 140 Negotiations Subcommittees gathered at W3 for a series of sessions designed to prepare for upcoming contract negotiations. This important gathering saw IAM International President (IP) Brian Bryant and General Vice President (GVP) of Canada David Chartrand take center stage to provide valuable insights, guidance, and strategic direction for the members on their first day.

The sessions included a range of essential training topics that are crucial to successful negotiations outcomes and were designed to ensure that all members of the subcommittees had a comprehensive understanding of the many facets involved in collective bargaining, legal frameworks, and union leadership strategies.

Key Highlights from the Week:

• The training and conference were attended by the Air Canada TMOS elected representatives, making this the largest and most representative group ever assembled for such an event. This diversity ensures that multiple classifications within the union have a voice in representing the membership during negotiations.
• Participants received in-depth training on a variety of crucial subjects, including bargaining, contract language drafting, power analysis, mobilization, strategic planning, communications, contract costing, and bargaining strategies. This knowledge was shared by a team of professionals and experts, including IAM economist Peter Greenberg, legal team members Sean Fitzpatrick and Amanda Pask, United States Air Transport Negotiator Tom Regan, and Education representative Matthew Pyne.
• The sessions have been a great success, with participants gaining valuable tools and resources to assist them in the upcoming bargaining process.
• A key takeaway for many was the extensive support available throughout the training. Participants were particularly impressed with the access to resources such as the union’s legal team, economists, research analysts, and actuaries, as well as the professionalism and dedication of all involved.

GVP Chartrand expressed his pride in the level of participation, saying, “I am extremely proud of the level of participation, excitement, and engagement from the participants. Our members are lucky to have such a dedicated group stepping up to the task. I was impressed by the work they are doing, even late into the evenings. Their determination to ensure their fellow members have the best contract in the industry, across all categories, and that their voices are heard, is truly inspiring.”

What Our Members Had to Say:

Garfield D’Souza, Weight and Balance Agent at Air Canada Toronto, shared his thoughts: “Historically, we have never had a Weight and Balance representative in the bargaining process. We are thankful that we now have a voice in the process. This week of training was intense with long days of work. It was very clear that the IAM has a plan, resources, and a team in place to fight for an industry-leading collective bargaining agreement. I am proud to be part of this process.”

Eljay Camponi from Local 1681 Calgary & Edmonton Alberta added: “After participating in the week-long District 140 Air Canada Negotiations Subcommittee Training, I believe I now possess the knowledge and negotiating skills needed to effectively bargain. I am confident that once negotiations begin, all of the subcommittees will be focused and ready to battle the employer at the bargaining table to achieve the industry-leading contract that our members deserve!”

As the IAM District 140 Negotiations Subcommittees move forward with preparations for upcoming bargaining sessions, the skills, insights, and strategies gained during this week’s training will be crucial. With the guidance of IAM leadership and the collaborative spirit fostered at W3, the group is ready to enter negotiations with the expertise and confidence needed to secure the best possible outcomes for their members.

By investing in thorough preparation and training, IAM District 140 is reinforcing its commitment to the values of solidarity, justice, and fairness as it heads into its next round of contract negotiations. While the exact timing of negotiations remains uncertain, the union’s leadership and membership are determined in their preparation to ensure a fair and prosperous future for all involved.