Tag Archives: DL140

IAMAW Canada – Almost 500 members and another successful BBQ for IAM Local 2323 members!

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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

IAMAW Canada – Local 2413 members at SkyCafe ratify new agreement with overwhelming support

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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

IAMAW Canada – It’s finally law – IAM Canadian GVP congratulates activists on decades of hard work

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Another monumental triumph for the labour movement is the passage of Bill C-58, the Anti-Scab legislation, which received unanimous support from MPs and clearance by the Senate on 17 June, 2024.

After decades of relentless advocacy, Canada now has federal anti-scab legislation. This is crucial for protecting workers and their right to strike. The use of scab labour not only undermines this right but also exacerbates labour disputes and intensifies hostility on picket lines.

The legislation will apply to employers and workers in federally regulated sectors covered by Part I of the Code. This includes industries such as interprovincial and international air, rail, road, and marine transportation, as well as banks, telecommunications, and postal and courier services.

“I want to thank all IAM activists and those in other unions and the progressive movements who worked on this relentlessly. Together with Canada’s New Democrats who fought alongside us, we now have this law,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “Our robust political action program made sure we put the pressure on for these last few years.”

“I’ve heard countless stories from workers who have faced direct confrontations during strikes, jeopardizing their safety and livelihoods. This must never happen. We are pleased to see this long-overdue protection for workers that will significantly restore balance at the bargaining table,” added Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

The new law also mandates that employers and unions agree early in the bargaining process on which work must continue during a strike or lockout to ensure public health and safety. The parties must reach an agreement no later than 15 days after a notice to bargain is issued.

These measures will take effect on June 20, 2025, allowing the CIRB time to prepare for its new responsibilities, according to the federal government.

The passage of the Bill, not surprisingly, received condemnation from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses.