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
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
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
