IAMAW – Virtual Training Sessions

VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSIONS

The Winpisinger Center is now offering Virtual Training Sessions, which differ from traditional Leadership, Staff, and Departmental programs in that members can register themselves, the trainings cover only one topic, and sessions typically last 1-2 hours. Click the links below to register. Select only one (1) session of each training unless otherwise indicated. Trainings are open to all members in good standing.

JUNE

Parliamentary Procedure for IAM Members and Leaders. Reviews the rules of order that make it possible to get Local Lodge meeting business completed in an organized and fair way.

Second Education Circle. (click for more information)

Microsoft Word Training. Word trainings will cover creating automatic populating tables of contents, headers and footers, page numbers and more.

Microsoft Excel Training. Excel trainings will cover the very basics of Excel, focusing on those who have little to no working knowledge of the program.

IAMAW – Hard Work & Hope Keep IAM Jobs Alive – A Message From International President Brian Bryant

Dear IAM Family,

Since having the honor of becoming the IAM’s 15th International President on Jan. 1, 2024, I am proud to report that myself and your Executive Council are continuing to lead our union towards a better future in a constantly evolving world. I have been traveling non-stop across North America to meet with our membership and hear your vision for our union. As a 34-year member who rose through the ranks of the IAM after building destroyers for the U.S. Navy, I continue to be in awe of the dedication of our membership and the excitement we all have for the future of the IAM.

Together, we are now embarking on a new journey, where we will continue to advocate for our members and reinforce our core values. We are being guided by you – the membership. After the IAM Committee on the Future held listening sessions with thousands of members across North America last year, the IAM Executive Council is now taking action to remake our union for the generations to come, including making our union more accessible and transparent for our members and prospective members. As our union grows, we must seize this momentous opportunity, drawing from past lessons to pave the way for the present and future generations.

This edition of the IAM Journal contains a wealth of information about IAM members’ incredible efforts and achievements. Through these pages, you will discover how our members have successfully organized and negotiated solid contracts for better working conditions and fair compensation. You will also learn how members contribute to their communities and help them thrive. Furthermore, you will see how our union’s strength has been a driving force in saving jobs and protecting workers’ rights. Each story and anecdote captured in these pages illustrates the dedication and passion of workers as they continue to shape their history through their actions and accomplishments.

In 2024, the IAM has been highly productive in empowering our union through effective organizing and bargaining. During the upcoming IAM Grand Lodge Convention in New York City, our members will shape the future of our organization for the next four years. And as we approach this year’s federal elections, it’s important to remember that our votes hold immense power to shape the future of our families, communities and society.

In honor of our roots in strengthening workers’ voices and a bright future ahead, I am proud to present the Summer 2024 IAM Journal.

In solidarity,
Brian Bryant
International President

Read the IAM Journal here.

IAMAW Canada – IAM applauds Historic Pharmacare Victory

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

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

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