Local 2413 members working at AAS Canada at Toronto Pearson International Airport secured significant victories at the bargaining table this week, marking a major milestone in their fight for better wages and benefits.

These dedicated workers are essential to the daily operations of the airport, handling the circulation of luggage carts used by passengers as they arrive at Toronto Pearson. Their hard work behind the scenes is crucial to ensuring smooth airport operations, and this contract represents a hard-earned win for their efforts.

The new contract was accepted with immense support as 94% of the members voted in favor.

Key provisions of the deal include the introduction of a wage scale that immediately increases wages by up to 13% based on seniority. The agreement also provides additional vacation weeks for workers with 15 and 20 years of service, a significant benefit for long-serving members.

General Chairperson Dan Janssen praised the bargaining committee’s hard work: “I have to give credit to the bargaining committee for their hard work and dedication throughout this process. They knew what the members wanted and held firm in order to achieve these gains.”

The IAM union represents thousands of airport workers, including hundreds of members across three departments at AAS Canada at Toronto Pearson. This contract victory serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity and the importance of strong representation at the bargaining table.

Rise and shine! It’s 6:30 AM, and the sun’s barely up, but not a union woman — she’s already awake, ready to start the day with determination, strength, and a mug of strong coffee (because how else can anyone face the world?).

She’s got a full day ahead: whether she’s working hard in a long-term care home, hospital, on a construction site, an airport, a hotel or managing an office, a union woman knows her worth and what it takes to get the job done right.

First stop: the morning meeting. She’s not just there to punch in and punch out. She’s there to make a difference. She’s the one pushing for better working conditions, equitable pay, and the rights that all workers deserve.

Between advocating for mental health initiatives, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and pushing for equal representation at the table, she’s constantly working to build a better, more inclusive future for everyone — one contract, one vote, one conversation at a time.

But it’s not just about the big wins. It’s about the small victories, too. The solidarity she shares with her coworkers as they organize, the solidarity she builds with other women fighting the same battles across the country. She’s part of something bigger than herself, and that’s something truly empowering.

By mid-morning, she’s already solved a few problems and made a few allies (because solidarity isn’t just a word, it’s her middle name). She’s the first to speak up when she sees injustice and the first to jump into action when workers need support. She’s the one pushing for a safer workplace, better benefits, and fighting for women to have equal representation in leadership positions.

By lunchtime, she’s making connections, getting inspired, and brainstorming creative ways to demand change. Her energy is contagious, and her fellow union sisters are all-in with her.

And then, of course, there’s the hustle. Whether she’s negotiating contracts or rallying for fairer treatment of women in leadership roles, she’s always juggling multiple priorities. But that’s the power of being a union woman: the ability to tackle obstacles with both grace and strength, all while inspiring others to join the cause.

As the workday wraps up, she’s still going strong. Whether she’s attending an evening training session on collective bargaining or hitting the gym for a quick workout (because let’s face it, a union woman knows how to multitask), she knows how to balance the hustle with the self-care. She is aware that she is not just building a better future for today, but for every worker who will come after her.

And when the day ends, she reflects on her journey. She’s not just a union woman; she’s a force. Her actions today are changing tomorrow, and her legacy will inspire future generations of women to keep breaking barriers.

So here’s to the union women of Canada: the fighters, the dreamers, the warriors. You’re making history with every contract you sign, every meeting you attend, and every policy you challenge. You’re not just part of a union — you’re part of a movement.

International Women’s Day is just one day, but for a union woman, every day is a reminder of the power we have when we stand together.

Keep fighting, keep shining, and keep inspiring!

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It’s been a busy start to the year for the IAM Union, with our General Vice-President of Canada (GVP) David Chartrand hitting the ground running.

From meeting with Executive members in Local 2323, Local 2413, Local 1295, and Local 235, along with the Chief of Staff Ralph Martin and Confidential Secretary Magaly Fadel, to planning even more visits to engage with members of all locals across Canada, this year is all about connection, collaboration, and driving our shared vision forward.

Since his first nomination, GVP David Chartrand has been committed to meeting and listening to every local, understanding their unique needs, and ensuring we are all working toward a stronger future. Unfortunately, the pandemic slowed these efforts, but now nothing can stand in our way.

We are here to stand strong for workers, especially in these challenging times that are affecting workers everywhere. That’s why we’re not only connecting with locals but also engaging with the Prime Minister at key events like the Canada-US Economic Summit and traveling to Washington for critical discussions with the Premiers. Our commitment to driving positive change remains firm, and we will keep pushing forward on all fronts.

The IAM Union is more energized than ever, and with more local visits and initiatives on the horizon, we are shaping a brighter future for all our members.

Together, we will keep pushing boundaries and setting the vision for success to give workers what they deserve.