The 2024 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME) Conference in Ontario showcased an impressive display of skills and expertise as teams competed in various challenging events, with IAM members proving they are among the best in the industry.

The rigorous competitions again included lock wiring, virtual wheel and brake changes, avionics troubleshooting, a 2D virtual paint challenge, non-destructive testing, and sheet metal repair.

Keith Aiken, IAM Canada Airline Coordinator, expressed his excitement: “It was an amazing event, and it’s thrilling to see the skills on display. We’re proud that our IAM teams took two of the top three spots.” IAM teams from Air Transat and Air Canada claimed the first and third places respectively.

The IAM had a strong presence at the conference, with members from various IAM locals actively participating in the Skills Challenge. David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President, remarked, “IAM Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are the best in the business, and we’re proud but not surprised they’ve demonstrated that to the world.”

The IAM Canada booth, staffed by many IAM members and staff, attracted a steady flow of interest from AME students and professionals, who engaged in conversations about the future of the aviation industry, unionism, and IAM’s training programs.

The Ontario AME Conference took place from 1-3 October, 2024, at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

PHOTO: (From left to right: Front – John Golia, retired IAM member who organised and judged the Skills Competition, Lou Pagrach GLR
Back – Dave Flowers, PDGC of IAM District 140; Mark Pozzobon Shop Committee member, L2323; Jason Jiskra, General Chairperson, District 140, Steve Grigoropoulos Tech Ops Shop Chairmen L2323, Keith Aiken, IAM Canadian Airline Co-ordinator, Sam Jabbar, GLR Assigned to Organising.

Dear IAM District 140 Members,

As you are aware, Transportation District 140 has been placed under supervision by the IAM. We communicated this to the membership last week, and the response has been very positive.

I encourage you to watch the brief message addressed to District 140 members, where I further explain the reasons behind these necessary changes. The membership has made it clear—they want us to stand united as a strong, cohesive team, and we are fully committed to making that a reality.

In solidarity,
David Chartrand,
General Vice-President, IAM Canada

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Imagine not knowing whether you will be working for the same employer, a new employer or whether or not you will even have a job moving forward.

This is what IAM members at TBH Services are facing with their current contract with the GTAA set to expire in 28 days on October 22, 2024. The contract is part of an Request for Proposal Process that would allow the GTAA the ability to provide the contract to another employer. This practice is known as contract flipping.

Dan Janssen, General Chairperson of District 140 travelled to Ottawa on September 24, 2024, to speak with a standing committee of Parliament about the stress and anxiety these members are experiencing due to the lack of proper safeguards and notice requirements as well as to highlight the need for living wages for airport workers.

Janssen urged the committee to fix the loopholes that still exist in the Code. “I am seeking help for my coworkers, Bill C-330 could pass in this session of the house, legislation for RFP notice periods should align with the group termination timelines and the minimum standard should no less than living wages for all airport workers.”

NDP MP Alexander Boulerice’s has introduced a private members Bill C-330 This bill, if passed, would ensure workers maintained the same collective agreement and union despite whether the employer changes during a contract flip.

Following the meeting, Janssen highlighted the IAM’s commitment to political action. “The IAM has always been a strong political advocate for workers rights. I want to thank NDP labour Critic MP Matthew Green and his office for his support for an airport living wage and helping to address contract flipping.”

The committee hearing can viewed here: https://parlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/00010101/-1/42268?Embedded=true&globalstreamId=20&viewMode=3