IAMAW Canada – IAM applauds Historic Pharmacare Victory

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Yesterday, Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare, passed at third reading in the House of Commons.

“This is an historic victory for the labour movement,” said IAM Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand. “I want to thank all the IAM political activists and members who took the time to email, write, and lobby their Members of Parliament (MP) in the effort to reach this historic milestone.”

Bill C-64 represents the biggest improvement in our health care system since the creation of public health care in Canada. This coverage for contraception and diabetes drugs and devices will provide Canadians some relief from the high cost of living, and help improve their overall health.

GVP Chartrand also added, “our work is not finished, we must continue in our efforts to ensure Bill C-64 is passed quickly by the Senate, and we must continue to lobby the federal government to implement a national single-payer Pharmacare program with coverage for a more comprehensive list of prescription drugs.”

Canada’s public healthcare system, brought in by the Liberal government in 1966 via the Medical Care Act, was only enacted by pressure from the NDP and Tommy Douglas, also known as the Father of Medicare.

“In recent decades, Canadian have seen cuts to Medicare by both the Liberals and the Conservatives. It’s crucial that IAM members remain vigilant and continue lobbying their MPs to preserve and improve our health care system,” said Derek Ferguson, Grand Lodge Representative assigned to Political Action. “It’s the only way we can make sure we have a robust health care system that we can leave to our children and grandchildren.”

IAMAW Canada – Fighting Machinists Secure Historic Contract at British Airways, Elevating Standards of Living for IAM Members in Toronto and Montreal

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto – Customer service representatives working for British Airways in Toronto and Montreal recently ratified a new three-year collective agreement. “This agreement marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of fair wages and improved working conditions for IAM Members at British Airways. Our bargaining teams out of IAM Local 2413 and IAM Local 2309 did a great job fighting for what they deserve at the bargaining table.” said Peter Tsoukalas, Eastern Region General Chairperson for IAM District 140.

Some of the primary achievements of this CBA is the realisation of Living Wages, improvements to overtime pay language, a substantial increase to healthcare spending accounts and improved work schedule language. This is the first contract guaranteeing union members a living wage (as opposed to the minimum wage).

“We are pleased to report that many IAM Members will benefit from substantial wage increases, with hourly rates increasing by up to five dollars ($5.00) per hour. This infusion of income directly contributes to the financial well-being of our members, putting significant money into their pockets and enhancing their quality of life.

“We have definitely succeeded in raising the competitive bar of wages for above-the-wing Customer Service workers within the industry. These achievements underscore our unwavering commitment to advancing the interests and livelihoods of the hardworking air transportation workers we proudly represent,” said Michael Corrado, Central Region General Chairperson for IAM District 140.

The new agreement runs until November 30, 2026.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) is the leading union in the aerospace sector and air transportation industry. The IAMAW represents over 40,000 members across Canada, of which 22,000 work in the aviation, aerospace and air transportation sector.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Michael Corrado
General Chairperson, IAM District 140
mcorrado@iam140.ca

Peter Tsoukalas
General Chairperson, IAM District 140
ptsoukalas@iam140.ca

Frank Saptel
IAM Canada Communications
fsaptel@iamaw.org

IAMAW Canada – IAM Local 2413 wins big in grievance settlement

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On March 15th 2023, the Ottawa Airport Authority issued a press release indicating they were revoking Menzies licence to operate in a 30-day period. IAM District 140 General Chairperson (GC) Michael Corrado sprang into action to advocate for this group of bargaining unit members.

GC Corrado challenged the employer for not giving the group of more than 50 workers from IAM Local Lodge 2413 the required notice period specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The IAM further took the position that the employer contravened the Canada Labour Code.

Although the Ministry of Labour investigated and indicated the employer did not breach the Code, the union took the position that it still violated the CBA. An arbitration was ultimately held on May 28, 2024, which awarded 74 past bargaining unit members an $800 retiring allowance.

At the end of the day 74, past bargaining unit members will receive an additional $800 as a retirement allowance within the next 30 days. Although it was not the amount the union was seeking, 74 displaced IAM Members were victorious in their fight over “contract re-renderings”.

Had it not been for the language that the IAM negotiated into the CBA during the COVID-19 pandemic, these workers would have received nothing.

“Since some of our members were only employed for a few weeks, we are certain they will be happy to see several hundred dollars showing up in their accounts soon,” said Corrado. “This is the advantage of being unionized and having protective language in CBAs.”

#GetUnionisedStayUnionised #DontBegBargain

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For more information:
Michael Corrado
IAM District 140 General Chairperson
mcorrado@iam140.ca

IAMAW Canada – IAM Canada’s Response to the Third Reading Adoption of the Anti-Scab Bill (C-58)

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27 May, 2024

Toronto, ON – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Canada applauds the third reading adoption of the anti-scab bill (C-58) for federally-regulated businesses.

“This bill is crucial for maintaining balance in the negotiation process between employers and unions. It is well-documented that the use of scabs unnecessarily prolongs negotiations and conflicts, as employers can replace their workers and continue operations. This practice is deeply unjust,” stated IAM Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand.

Thanks to the work of the NDP, a series of changes recommended by the CLC and affiliate unions were adopted. The time for the law to take effect was reduced from 18 months to 12 months, and the time frame for the Canada Industrial Relations Board to resolve disputes over Maintenance of Activities agreements was shortened to 82 days. The ban on scab labour in Bill C-58 now includes employees who aren’t part of the affected bargaining unit and work at another location, as well as volunteers, students, and the public. The rights of striking and locked-out workers to get their jobs back were also clarified and strengthened. IAM Canada remains concerned that a future conservative government could extend this delay.

IAM Canada appreciates the Liberal government and the NDP’s ability to set aside their differences and collaborate on developing a significant law for workers, which is essential for protecting the fundamental right to collective bargaining. However, we cannot understand why federal government employees are excluded from the future law’s anti-scab provisions.

“For IAM Canada, this has been a demand for more than four decades. The current bill is not perfect, but we are very close to achieving our goal. I also want to recognise the hard work and the lobbying efforts our members and Representatives to deliver these results. It is thanks to all of them that this important milestone was reached.” GVP Chartrand concluded.

The IAM represents more than 40,000 Canadian workers in air transport and a wide range of manufacturing including aircraft, auto parts, buses, aerospace, electronics, light and heavy machinery, tools and appliances. We are the largest airport security screeners union in Canada. The IAM also represents a growing number of workers in the health care and hospitality sectors as well as office, technical and other white-collar workers.

For more information:
Frank Saptel
IAM Canada Communications
fsaptel@iamaw.org