Category Archives: News

IAM Canada – Moncton Hosts 2025 IAM Atlantic Council

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The IAM Atlantic Council (previously known as the Maritime Council of Machinists) held its 2025 conference on September 12–13 at the Delta Beauséjour in Moncton, New Brunswick. IAM delegates from locals across Atlantic Canada came together to learn, share ideas, and help shape the union’s future in the region.

The event brought together key labour leaders from across Canada and the United States, creating a strong platform for dialogue and collaboration. With a focus on organizing, the conference featured engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and brainstorming sessions to identify strategies for growing the IAM throughout Atlantic Canada.

A key highlight of the conference was the approval of a bylaw change to officially include Newfoundland in the Council’s Atlantic network. The newly elected executive board is already looking ahead, beginning preparations for the next conference, scheduled for 2027.

The 2025 IAM Atlantic Council conference provided an important opportunity to strengthen the union’s presence in Atlantic Canada, foster collaboration, and empower members to drive meaningful change in their communities.

IAM Canada – IAM Gears Up for Air Canada 2026 Negotiations

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As preparations begin for the 2026 Air Canada negotiations, IAM members gathered for a week-long series of training sessions at the William W. Winpisinger Center (W3). IAM Union Canada leaders, General Chairpersons, President and Directing General Chairpersons, International Representatives, and other key officials joined members from Air Transportation to engage in in-depth discussions on the issues that matter most to our members.

It was used as a time to gather all the subcommittees in one place and hear from them directly on issues impacting them. During the sessions, members reviewed surveys, shared their experiences, and identified the key challenges affecting their day-to-day work. Each subcommittee worked intensively to draft proposals on priorities, debating and refining their ideas to ensure they accurately reflected members’ concerns.

While wages, pensions, benefits, and the impact of AI on the jobs, remain key priorities, members were reassured that these issues will be addressed through a separate process. The IAM will be working with its team of professionals, including actuaries for pension matters and legal experts to protect members’ job security, to prepare strong and informed proposals on behalf of members.

The sessions further benefited from the guidance of IAM leaders and experts, including Peter Greenberg, Director of International Affairs, and Tom Regan, Special Assistant to the International President. Regan, who previously served as Airline Coordinator in the United States, shared valuable insights from past negotiations, bringing additional perspective from both sides of the border.

“Our subcommittees worked long days reviewing the surveys, writing and debating their proposals. I am extremely proud of how hard these groups worked and am looking forward to our team getting to the table with Air Canada to address our members’ concerns. Throughout the storied history of Air Canada, it has been crisis after crisis. Our members sacrificed to keep Air Canada operational. It is time our members are rewarded for their sacrifices. We are done waiting.” said David Chartrand, General Vice-President at IAM Union Canada.

TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 140 – Labour Day with IAM Local 16, 764 & District 250

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On Labour Day, IAM Local 16, Local 764, and District 250 came together to sponsor popcorn at the NWDLC and VDLC joint celebration. Under sunny skies and union tents, members fired up the popcorn machine and handed out fresh bags to families, fellow workers, and community supporters.

It wasn’t just about snacks—it was about showing up. The IAM presence was strong, with members proudly wearing their blue union shirts and connecting with others across the labour movement. Whether scooping kernels or chatting with passersby, the day was a reminder of what solidarity looks like in action.

IAM Canada – IAM Canada Announces Ratification of 4-Year Collective Agreement with SkyCharter Ltd.

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September 8, 2025 | Toronto, ON

IAM Canada is proud to announce the ratification of a new 4-year collective agreement with SkyCharter Ltd. (Execaire Aviation) at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This agreement delivers significant gains for our members, including historic wage increases, improved benefits, and enhanced workplace protections.

Key Achievements:

Wage Increases

  • Starting rate to rise by 17.32%, with current employees seeing an increase of 35.95% over the term.
  • Top rate to increase by 40.96%, with the average increase across the 4 years exceeding 36%, and some members receiving up to 57.88%.
  • Lead premiums increased by 33%.
  • All wage increases are retroactive to August.

Additional Benefits

  • Paid Lunch Break now included in the Collective Agreement.
  • Statutory Holidays: Members now receive Family Day in addition to 10 existing statutory holidays and their birthdays.
  • Paid Medical/Sick Leave: Members begin each year (April 1) with 10 paid days.
  • Vacation Entitlements: Improved for all members, with a 5th week for senior employees.
  • Overtime: Enhanced overtime rates and a banking system allowing for more paid time off.
  • Bereavement Leave: Expanded for the loss of a spouse or child.

“I would personally like to thank Andy Louro for his hard work, expertise, professionalism, and dedication throughout this round of collective bargaining,” said IAM District 140 General Chairperson & Organizer, Michael Corrado.