IAMAW Canada – IAM Canada Deeply Concerned About Federal Air Passenger Services Consultation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2024
Toronto, ON – IAM Canada has significant concerns regarding the recent announcement by the Canadian federal government that Competition Bureau Canada will be consulting Canadians on competition within domestic air passenger services.
The IAM, representing thousands of workers in the aviation and aerospace industries across Canada, believes this consultation could have far-reaching implications for the industry and its membership. The union is concerned that the focus of the consultation may not adequately address critical issues affecting Canadian airline workers and could potentially overlook the complexities of maintaining a competitive, yet fair, market.
The allowance of international carriers to operate domestically in Canada could have a detrimental impact on the “legacy” Canadian carriers as international carriers would only want to service the most profitable routes. This would impact the ability for the legacy Canadian carriers to turn a profit in what is a very competitive market. When this happens, service will be reduced, workers compensation will be reduced and jobs will be lost.
“While we recognize the importance of ensuring competitive practices in the airline industry, we urge the Competition Bureau to consider the broader impacts on workers,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “The consultation should not only focus on market competition but also address job security, fair wages, and working conditions for the thousands of Canadians employed in this sector. It is essential that the outcomes of this consultation support a sustainable and equitable aviation industry.”
The IAM is particularly concerned the consultation may prioritize consumer costs and corporate interests at the expense of the well-being of aviation workers. The union emphasizes that a balanced approach is necessary to protect both the interests of consumers and the livelihoods of the workers who are vital to the functioning of the air travel industry.
The IAM is committed to working collaboratively with government officials to ensure that the consultation outcomes are what’s best for aviation workers in Canada.
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For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Frank Saptel
Communications Representative
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
Phone: (416) 386-1789
Email: fsaptel@iamaw.org
IAMAW Canada – Grit and determination bring 110 new members to the IAM
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
IAMAW Canada – Almost 500 members and another successful BBQ for IAM Local 2323 members!
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