Category Archives: News
IAM Canada – IAM Union Stands in Solidarity with CUPE and Air Canada Flight Attendants in Fight for Fair Contract
The IAM Union (previously known as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers – IAMAW) proudly expresses its full support for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the more than 9,000 flight attendants at Air Canada in their ongoing struggle for a fair and just collective agreement.
“The IAM stands shoulder to shoulder with CUPE and Air Canada flight attendants,” said David Chartrand General Vice-President of the IAM Union in Canada. “These workers are the heart of the airline experience. They ensure passenger safety and deliver exceptional service. It’s time for Air Canada to step up and treat them with the dignity and fairness they’ve earned.”
The IAM, representing thousands of airline and transportation workers across Canada and North America, believes that strong, united unions are the key to lifting standards across the aviation industry. IAM members understand the power of collective action and the importance of solidarity when one group of workers stands up for their rights.
“We urge Air Canada to return to the bargaining table with CUPE and negotiate a fair deal,” continued Chartrand. “This is about more than a contract. It’s about respect, security, and basic human dignity for those who keep our skies safe.”
IAM calls on the public and fellow labour organizations to support CUPE members in their fight. Their struggle is not just for flight attendants—it’s a fight that impacts all workers at Air Canada, the airline industry and beyond.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Vanessa Breidy
Communications Representative
IAM Union Canada
Email: vbreidy@iamaw.org
Website: iamaw.ca
IAM Canada – Thank you, Frank
Celebrating the Heart and Voice Behind 25 Years of Labour Stories.
After 25 remarkable years at IAM Union Canada, we say congratulations to Frank Saptel as he heads into retirement. It’s not goodbye, it’s a celebration of a legacy built on purpose, passion, and workers empowerment.
Frank has been so much more than a Communications Specialist at the IAM Canadian Office. He’s been a storyteller, an advocate, and a constant force for good in the labour movement. His ability to bring workers’ stories to life, honestly, powerfully, and with conviction, has shaped how we speak, what we fight for, and how we show up for each other at the IAM Union.
From fighting for job security and fair wages to creating platforms that gave workers a voice, Frank’s impact reaches far beyond the Canadian office walls. His passion has been felt everywhere; from founding the Canadian Labour International Film Festival (CLiFF) to serving on the boards of the Toronto Workers’ History Project, CALM, Our Times Magazine, and more. Through it all, he helped preserve the history, shape the present, and inspire the future of working-class storytelling.
Frank’s career has also been a powerful reflection of his commitment to equity and inclusion. As a former OFL Vice President Representing Workers of Colour, and through his work with the Douglas-Coldwell Foundation and the Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadians, Frank made sure every voice was heard, no matter the background.
He conducted countless trainings over the years, and he loved it.
Teaching, mentoring, and empowering others came naturally to him, just another way he helped lift the labour movement every single day.
He brought intellect, courage, and heart to everything he did. Frank was also, without question, the go-to resource for everything. Seriously, he knew it all. Better than the internet or ChatGPT.
Thank you, Frank, for the stories you shared.
Thank you for the causes you championed.
Thank you for the care and dedication you brought to the IAM and its members.
Every district, every local, every member and every staff at the Canadian office is grateful for all your hard work, dedication, commitment, loyalty and for being you.
Wishing you joy, rest, and adventure in this exciting new chapter.
IAM Canada – The involvement of our Canadian General Vice-President, praised by our brothers and sisters from L-3 Harris in Mirabel
During a visit to L3-Harris on July 16th, the Canadian General Vice-President of the IAM union, David Chartrand, was presented with a scale model of a CF-18 entirely manufactured by members of the union local to recognize his commitment to defending workers and our aerospace industry.
Born from a collaboration between L3 Harris and IAM members, the base of the scale model features the names of the people involved in the project, the IAM logo, and the following message: “In recognition of David Chartrand’s involvement, IAM union leader and passionate ambassador of Quebec and Canadian aerospace.“
In response to this recognition, David Chartrand made the following statement: “It warms my heart to receive such recognition. I want to warmly thank everyone behind this initiative. Representing IAM members, defending their rights, and promoting the improvement of their working and living conditions is for me a passion, a way of life that has inhabited me for 35 years now and is still very much present.“
A member of Local 712, David Chartrand began his union involvement in 1993 as a delegate within the Bombardier unit. He has been Canadian General Vice-President of the IAM union since 2021.
IAM Canada – IAM District 140 Secures Another Big Arbitration Win
IAM District 140 is pleased to report a significant arbitration victory concerning the improper reconciliation of General Holidays for union members.
In a recent decision, Arbitrator Corinn Bell ruled that Air Canada’s practice of using General Holidays as part of vacation reconciliation was a violation of the collective agreement and the Canada Labour Code. This decision restores full vacation pay entitlements to affected members and reinforces the union’s ongoing commitment to defending negotiated and legislated rights.
“The arbitrator’s decision confirms what we’ve said all along — our members are entitled to full General Holiday benefits, without reduction from our vacation pay entitlements in the Canada Labour Code,” said IAM District 140 General Chairperson Chris Lipsit. “This win is a testament to our union’s vigilance in holding employers accountable.”
The arbitration ruling ordered the employer to cease the improper reconciliation practices immediately and to provide full redress back to when the grievance was filed in May 2024, including retroactive compensation, to all affected members. IAM General Chairpersons are currently working with the employer to ensure swift and accurate implementation of the award.
Continues Lipsit “This victory not only puts money back in our members pockets but also reinforces the importance of strong collective bargaining language and diligent grievance enforcement.”
IAM District 140 remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting members’ rights and securing fair treatment for all.
The IAM Union is the leading union in the aerospace sector and air transportation industry; representing over 55,000 members across Canada, of which 22,000 work in the aviation, aerospace and air transportation sector.