IAM Canada – Stan Theofilaktidis Appointed IAM International Auditor

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IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes has appointed longtime Local 2413 leader Stan Theofilaktidis as an International Auditor, effective Aug. 1, 2026. Theofilaktidis will help ensure the financial stewardship of IAM locals and districts in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and the state of Vermont.

“Stan has dedicated more than two decades to serving IAM members with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to our union’s values. His experience managing local finances, representing members, and leading at both the local and district levels has prepared him well for this role at the International,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “I have every confidence that Stan will help strengthen the financial stewardship and accountability that our members expect and deserve throughout Eastern Canada and Vermont.”

Theofilaktidis became a member of IAM Local 2413 in 2005 when he began working as an aircraft refueller with Consolidated Aviation (Allied) at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Early in his career, Theofilaktidis served as a Shop Steward, representing members in labour relations meetings, collective bargaining negotiations, and on the Shop Committee. His commitment to advocating for members quickly led to greater leadership responsibilities.

In 2008, Theofilaktidis was elected Secretary-Treasurer of IAM Local 2413. Throughout his tenure, he has played a key role in the Local’s financial administration, governance, and representation of the membership.

In 2011, Theofilaktidis joined the Executive Board of IAM Transportation District 140 as the Central Region Service Member. In recent years, he was appointed Vice-President of District 140, where he continues to advocate for IAM members across the transportation sector.

“Strong financial oversight is a proud pillar of our strong union, and Stan understands that responsibility firsthand,” said Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer Paul Kendall. “He has earned the respect of members and leaders alike, and I look forward to working alongside him as he helps ensure our locals and districts continue operating with financial transparency and accountability.”

Theofilaktidis has also been actively involved in political action campaigns that impact both the federal and provincial labour sectors in Canada. Beyond his union responsibilities, he is a dedicated supporter of Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see Stan’s commitment to the IAM over many years, and he has always led by example. Whether serving his local, District 140, or supporting causes like Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, he approaches every responsibility with proficiency and a genuine desire to help others,” said Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Pinette. “He will be a tremendous asset to the Office of the General Secretary-Treasurer and to the members he’ll serve in his new role.”

Theofilaktidis is a graduate of the University of Guelph in Ontario, where he completed a three-year diploma program. His years of union experience, leadership, and dedication to serving working people continue to make him a respected advocate of the IAM.

IAM Canada – IAM Union Welcomes 19 New Members at Jazz Aviation

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IAM Union is proud to announce another organizing success in the aviation sector. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has officially certified a new bargaining unit at Jazz Aviation.

The newly certified bargaining unit includes Aircraft on Ground (AOG) Coordinators and Maintenance Planners, bringing 19 new members into the IAM Union family.

This successful organizing campaign is proof to the power of solidarity and the commitment of workers who chose to stand together for a stronger voice in their workplace.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this organizing drive a success. A special thank you goes to my mentee, Stephanie Swikehardt, for her dedication and leadership throughout this process, as well as the internal coordinators who worked alongside us to make this certification possible. Most importantly, thank you to the 19 new members at Jazz Aviation for putting their trust in IAM Union. We are proud to welcome you and look forward to standing with you every step of the way.” said IAM General Chairperson Chris Lipsit.

Congratulations to our 19 newest members at Jazz Aviation. We are proud to welcome you to the IAM Union and look forward to working together to protect your rights, strengthen your workplace, and build a better future for all.

USW, IAM Urge USTR to Reconsider Canada Trade Policy

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Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org; Jonathan Battaglia, 202-579-3212, jbattaglia@iamaw.org

PITTSBURGH – United Steelworkers (USW) International President Roxanne Brown and IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) International President Brian Bryant today sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, urging him to reconsider tariffs on Canadian goods and instead employ a trade policy built on the long history and unique relationship the two nations share.

“While it’s true that workers and their communities have suffered greatly from decades of so-called free trade, Canada has never been the problem,” said Brown. “Our two nations share a deep collaboration built on decades of economic integration as well as intelligence and defense cooperation. Rather than imposing further tariffs through Section 338 or any other mechanism, we should instead work together with our Canadian allies to limit illegal trade practices and advance our shared prosperity.”

“Unfair trade has no place in the global economy, and the IAM Union supports strong trade enforcement that protects human rights, defends good-paying jobs, and holds bad actors accountable,” said Bryant. “But trade policy should also strengthen partnerships with allies that share our commitment to fair labor standards. Canada is one of our closest economic partners, and we urge the administration to work with the Canadian government to preserve the integrated manufacturing relationship that supports workers on both sides of the border.”

President Donald Trump on July 20 signed three proclamations imposing additional 50 percent tariffs on several Canadian products, which will take effect in 30 days. This and other trade actions taken by the United States under this administration have disrupted aspects of the bilateral trade relationship and created uncertainty for producers and workers in both countries. Total merchandise trade between the two countries exceeded $700 billion last year.

“USW members in Canada proudly work in coordination with their U.S. counterparts, with materials and components historically passing back and forth across our border several times before becoming a finished good,” said Marty Warren, who serves as the USW National Director for Canada. “Canadian workers also understand what’s at stake for their jobs and communities if we fail to curb the illegal trade practices that are fueling global overcapacity. Providing a united front against bad actors will help advance the interests of workers in both countries.”

“Canadian and American IAM Union members build some of the most advanced aerospace and manufacturing products in the world together every day,” said IAM Union Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand. “Our economies and our members succeed when the United States and Canada work together as partners. As these trade measures move forward, we encourage both governments to continue strengthening that relationship and protecting the manufacturing jobs that support working families.”

The unions in their letter to Greer urged him to prioritize confronting countries like China rather than “drive a further wedge between our nations” and noted that “our unions have supported several of the administration’s trade actions. We will continue our work to abandon the outdated and misguided free trade orthodoxy in favor of trade policies that address the reality of markets and the policies of many of our trade partners.”

Read the full text of the letter here.
The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of people in tech, higher education, public sector and service occupations.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.

IAM Union: Fight Forced Labour, Strengthen the U.S.-Canada Partnership

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WASHINGTON, July 27, 2026 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced new Section 301 trade actions aimed at addressing forced labour in global supply chains:

“Forced labour has no place in the global economy. Companies and countries that profit from exploitation should not be rewarded with access to the U.S. market at the expense of workers who play by the rules.

“The IAM Union supports strong trade enforcement that defends human rights, protects good-paying jobs and prevents unfair trade practices from undermining American and Canadian manufacturing. When foreign governments allow forced labour to persist in their supply chains, they create an artificial cost advantage that hurts workers everywhere.

“Trade enforcement is most effective when it is focused on changing the behavior of the worst offenders while strengthening partnerships with nations that share our commitment to higher labour standards and fair competition.

“That is why we are deeply troubled to see Canada, which shares the United States’ commitment to ban goods manufactured with forced labour, included in these actions. The IAM Union proudly represents workers in both the United States and Canada, and our members build products together every day through one of the most integrated manufacturing relationships in the world. As this policy moves forward, we encourage the administration to work with Canada to preserve the strong economic and labour partnership that has benefited workers on both sides of the border for generations.”

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.

IAM Canada – IAM Members Ratify A New Collective Agreement with Air Canada

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Toronto, Ontario – The IAM Union, (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is proud to announce that members in the Air Canada Technical Maintenance and Operational Support (TMOS) bargaining unit have voted to ratify a new collective agreement that establishes a new benchmark for aviation workers across Canada.

This agreement covers Ramp Workers, Cargo Workers, Ground Service Equipment Mechanics, Central Load Planning Agents, Aircraft Grooming Agents, Customer Service Agents, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and many other highly skilled workers through many different classifications.

“This agreement is a tremendous victory for our members and raises the bar for the entire Canadian aviation industry,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “Our members stood together throughout this process and made it clear they expected an agreement that recognized their skill, professionalism, and critical role in Air Canada’s success. This contract delivers on that expectation.”

Among the key achievements of the new collective agreement are:
• Canadian industry-leading wages that recognize the highly skilled work performed by TMOS members.
• Significant pension improvements, including pension indexing for retirees to help protect retirement income against inflation.
• The complete elimination of the ‘B’ and part-time wage scale, ensuring fairer wages and greater equity for all members.
• Increased premium pay that better reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities performed by IAM members.
• Enhanced health and welfare benefits to provide greater support for members and their families.
• A Sick Bank Payout program, allowing members to receive payment for unused sick leave or convert those accumulated days into additional time off.
• A vacation purchase plan allowing members to purchase 2-weeks extra vacation.

“This agreement is about more than wages and benefits,” said Keith Aiken, Air Transport Coordinator for IAM Canada. “It reflects the value of our members’ work and recognizes the vital role Technical Maintenance and Operational Support employees play in keeping Air Canada’s operation safe, reliable, and running every day, and our Ramp worker who are the backbone of the day to day operations. Our bargaining committee remained focused throughout negotiations, and our members’ solidarity gave them the strength to achieve meaningful gains that will benefit both current members and future generations.”

The agreement also reinforces the IAM’s commitment to protecting quality jobs while improving the economic security and quality of life of its members.

The IAM congratulates the Negotiations Committee, Local leadership, Shop Committees, and every member who participated throughout the bargaining and ratification process. Their solidarity, engagement, and resolve were instrumental in securing this agreement.

Together, they have achieved a contract that not only rewards today’s workforce but establishes a strong foundation for the future of Technical Maintenance and Operational Support employees at Air Canada.

The agreement runs from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2030.

About the IAM
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most respected labour organizations, representing more than 600,000 active and retired members, including tens of thousands across Canada in the air transport, aerospace, manufacturing, health care, hospitality, transportation, and service sectors. The IAM is dedicated to improving the lives of working people through collective bargaining, political action, organizing, education, and community engagement.

Media Contact:
info@iamaw.ca
Website: www.iamunion.ca