IAM Canada – GVP DAVID CHARTRAND DELIVERS END-OF-YEAR ADDRESS ALONGSIDE SPECIAL GUEST

As the holiday season approaches, General Vice President David Chartrand of IAM Canada recently addressed all union members, expressing sincere gratitude for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

With the holidays coming, it’s important to remember that not all members will have the chance to rest, as many continue working to keep essential services running.

To those who are working during this time, we extend a huge thank you for everything you do! For those able to take a break, make sure to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with your loved ones. Your commitment and effort throughout the year deserve this time to unwind and reflect.

To end the year on a festive note, GVP Chartrand was joined by a special guest straight from the North Pole! Can you guess who?

Watch the video to find out!

IAM Canada – Uniting for Change: IAM Prepares for Pivotal Lobby Day in the Capital

As IAM members and staff gathered at the Shaw center on the eve of an important Lobby Day in Ottawa, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and determination.

Organized by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the event aimed to elevate the voices of Canadian workers and advocate for crucial policy changes that impact their lives and livelihoods.

IAM General Vice President (GVP) David Chartrand hosted a meeting for all IAM staff and members ahead of the lobby day, opening the gathering not only to welcome attendees but also to deliver a powerful call to action. “We’re here because our members across the country need us, and we must work together for all causes, even those that may not directly affect us,” he said, setting a tone of unity and determination.

Chartrand emphasized the importance of each individual in the room, underlining that their collective strength would drive the union’s agenda forward.

The meeting served as a critical briefing, outlining the key issues to be addressed during the Lobby Day, including the pressing need to strengthen labor rights and address the challenges workers face, such as anxiety, stress, and mental health concerns arising from instability in the market, including issues like contract flipping.

Following Chartrand’s address, Chief of Staff Ralph Martin took the floor to provide a tactical overview of the lobbying efforts, covering logistics and strategic points for engaging with policymakers.

With November 26 set to showcase the IAM’s commitment to workers’ rights and fair policies, the aim was clear: to ensure that the voices of Canada’s working class are heard, loud and strong, in the halls of power.

IAM Canada – Canadian Labour Congress Hosts Pre-Lobby Day Meeting in Ottawa

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.