IAM Canada – Workers at MVS Design outfit themselves with the IAM

MVS Design located in Bolton Ontario has been producing promotional items, including jackets, hats and shirts for sports teams, businesses and unions for many years.

Mark Pacilla, of IAM Local 2323, recently organized their workers into the IAM Union. “Both the workers and the management of MVS are excited to be working with the IAM”, said Pacilla.

Pictured above are IAM Local 2323 executive members, who toured the facility, along with the IAM’s newest members of Local 2323.

IAM Canada – New IAM members at Pearson vow to take collective action

Between 30-40 new IAM members attended their first meeting with their representatives and to ask questions. Almost immediately, they discovered the benefits of joining the IAM. The group of about 110 workers becomes part of IAM Local 2413.

From standardising shifts to health and safety concerns to favouritism, the new members asked many questions about their rights and how they could move forward in the upcoming bargaining with the employer. Due to being classified as workers in the federal sector, the new members discovered they were entitled to a host of rights they didn’t know they had.

Dan Janssen, General Chairperson for IAM District 140 and the new servicing representative chaired the meeting and fielded questions. “It is inspiring to see these workers come together with strength and solidarity in order to push back on their employer in an effort to demand decent working conditions and fair wages. The issues raised at tonight’s meeting are concerning and range from terrible working conditions to a complete lack of respect for these workers”.

Also present at the meeting were Kushang Shah, Shop Steward with IAM Local 2323 and Sam Jabbar, GLR with IAM Canada both played a major role in showing the workers the benefits of joining the IAM.

“They brought with them a wealth of questions and curiosity. But mostly were glad that they joined IAM and taking the first step towards a better future. With each passing moment, their faces lit up with hope and anticipation, knowing that their lives were about to change with significant improvement,” Shah said.

Officers and staff of IAM Local 2413, District 140 and the IAM Canadian Office were also on hand to welcome the members.

The new members work for Logixx Security providing security and monitoring services. They joined the IAM at the end of July 2024.

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For more information:
Dan Janssen, General Chairperson
IAM District 140

See all the photos on our Flickr album:

Their first union chant:

IAMAW Canada – Takeoffs and Touchdowns: Machinists Talking Football Podcast Gearing up for Season Two

Toronto. Ontario– The team behind the popular podcast Takeoffs and Touchdowns: Machinists Talking Football are thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated return of their show for Season Two.

Premiering on September 1, 2024, the new season promises to deliver even more insightful interviews that highlight the great work that is happening at the IAM and discussions about the upcoming weekly slate of National Football League (NFL) games.

“We are incredibly excited to bring back Takeoffs and Touchdowns: Machinists Talking Football for Season 2,” said Wade Bieleny, IAMAW General Chairperson Alberta and one of the show’s co-creators/hosts. Bieleny works with Kevin Timms and Keith Aiken to create and produce the weekly podcast throughout the NFL season.

Continued Bieleny – “The feedback from our listeners has been overwhelmingly positive, and throughout the upcoming NFL Season we will be working hard to bring them even more of what they love. This season, we’re not only expanding our roster of guests but also introducing new formats and hopefully interactive elements to make our show more engaging and enjoyable.”

Fans can look forward to the premiere episode on September 1, 2024, which will kick off the new season. New episodes will be released weekly, available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

For more information, updates, and exclusive content, visit the official Takeoffs and Touchdowns website at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2243632 and follow the show on social media at Takeoffs and Touchdowns – Machinists talking Football on Facebook.

Takeoffs and Touchdowns: Machinists Talking Football donates all monies to Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.

Media Contact:
Keith Aiken
IAMAW Canada Air Transportation Coordinator
kaiken@iamaw.org