Category Archives: News
IAM Canada – Strike Committee Gathers to Prepare for Potential Collective Action
Members of the Strike Committee recently convened at Local 1751 to discuss the strategic plan ahead and clarify the roles and responsibilities of each participant. This meeting marks the start of essential preparation in anticipation of potential collective action.
Attending the meeting were Nasr Kairouz, Samir Zahabi, Vincent Constantineau, James Murray, Costa Kripouris, Nicolas Piecharski, Jesenia Morales, Perpetua Okpanachi, Benoit Demers, and Léo Giuliani.
The Strike Committee holds a pivotal role within the organization. Its primary mission is to prepare and coordinate members’ efforts in the event of a labour dispute. By fostering unity and ensuring readiness, the committee helps members act together effectively and communicate their collective voice clearly.
To achieve this, the committee establishes necessary structures, organizes resources, supports communication among members, and plans actions both before and during a potential strike. When active job action occurs, the committee functions as the central coordination body — overseeing team organization, communication, logistical support, and maintaining relationships with the community and the media. It may also set up a Strike Headquarters, a space where decisions are made and strategies are adjusted in real time.
This initial meeting laid the foundation for the work ahead, emphasizing the importance of careful preparation. Clear organization, effective communication, and structured mobilization were highlighted as key elements to protect and advance members’ interests with determination and coherence.
In the photo: from left to right — Nasr Kairouz, Jesenia Morales, Benoît Demers, Vincent Constantineau.
IAM Canada – Melissa Marsman Makes History as NSFL President
At the 2025 Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) Convention, IAM member Melissa Marsman made history as she was acclaimed the new President of the NFSL; becoming the first woman and first person of colour to hold this prestigious position.
With a commitment to workers’ rights and social justice, Melissa brings more than 25 years of labour activism to the role. Her journey in the labour movement began with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU), where she served on the Finance Committee. Her dedication and passion quickly led her to serve on the Human Rights Committee, Board of Directors, and the Provincial Executive as 3rd Vice President.
Over the years, Melissa’s advocacy has consistently focused on equity, inclusion, and fairness in the workplace. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that marginalized voices are heard and that workplaces across Nova Scotia reflect the diversity and strength of their communities.
Four years ago, Melissa joined the IAM Union, continuing her advocacy by serving on the Human Rights Committee. She represented both the NSGEU and later the IAM on the NSFL Anti-Racism and Human Rights Committee, further strengthening her role as a bridge-builder between unions and as a champion for equity across the labour movement.
In November 2023, Melissa was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the NSFL, where she worked closely with Past President Danny Cavanagh. Through this experience, she gained valuable insight into the day-to-day operations and strategic priorities of the Federation, helping strengthen collaboration among affiliates and advance key issues such as workplace safety, fair wages, and public services.
Melissa’s election marks a new chapter for the NSFL; one that celebrates progress, representation, and unity.
In addition, the convention saw an outstanding turnout from the IAM delegation. Together, members pushed forward and successfully passed several resolutions aimed at improving workers’ lives across the province. The energy, unity, and commitment from all IAM delegates made this convention truly impactful. The IAM also celebrated important victories, with Cynthia Black from Local 2797 elected as Vice President for unions under 1,000 members, and Sarah Covey chosen as the Alternate Vice President for the same category.
Congratulations to President Melissa Marsman on this historic achievement and for continuing to inspire members across the country with her dedication, leadership, and commitment to justice.
IAM Canada – We are standing up for Canadian workers!
The IAM Union Canada is making sure your voice is heard in shaping trade agreements like CUSMA – the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement that governs trade between the three countries.
By submitting detailed recommendations to Global Affairs Canada, we are working to protect Canadian jobs, strengthen labour rights, and support unionized manufacturers in critical industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and transportation.
Read the full letter from our General Vice-President David Chartrand and access the complete report to see how we’re advocating for working Canadians: https://iamaw.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EN-Nov-3-CUSMA-Consultation-Briefing.pdf
IAM Canada – CQF: A Worn-Out and Disconnected Government
The list of bad decisions and repeated scandals from this government is so long that we can already guarantee it a place in the Hall of Fame of the worst governments in Quebec’s history.
Its inability to manage the crises in health and education, its inaction in the face of the rising cost of living, the housing shortage, the growing number of job losses, and the increase in homelessness all demonstrate that this government is completely disconnected and overwhelmed by events.
To hide its poor record and avoid losing face in the next election, the CQF is trying to divert attention by proposing bad solutions to fake problems. Instead of acting responsibly, owning up to its mistakes, and addressing the concerns of Quebecers, the Legault government prefers to criticize unions and working people.
The dangers of Bill 3
Minister Jean Boulet’s Bill 3 is a direct attack on our autonomy. Under the pretext of wanting to modernize our practices, this reform will jeopardize our independence and freedom of action.
The goal of this bill is not truly to make our organizations more transparent and democratic, but rather to interfere in our affairs and impose costly accountability mechanisms that employers will be able to use against us.
This process will force your union representatives to spend time dealing with paperwork and filling out government forms, require them to give part of your union dues to accounting firms, and make public certain information that could benefit your employer during future negotiations.
This is an attack on union democracy and on your right to freely and collectively decide which issues you want to defend.
We will not allow ourselves to be silenced by an irresponsible government that prefers to take care of its business friends instead of helping the people of Quebec.
That’s why the Quebec Council of Machinists is inviting all its members and the Quebec population to make their voices heard by participating in the Major Inter-Union Rally.
When: November 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Place du Canada (Montreal)
This will be a large march starting from Place du Canada and heading toward the Premier’s Office at the corner of McGill College and Sherbrooke.
For more details: https://ftq.qc.ca/bloquons-le-recul/