Category Archives: News

IAM Canada – IAM Union Delegates Visit Seaspan Members

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This week, IAM Union General Vice-President, David Chartrand alongside Mike Ferns (Business Representative, District 250), Walter Gerlach (Directing Business Representative, District 250), Steve Prinz (International Representative), David Sullivan (Eastern Territory GVP), George Edwards (Eastern Territory Coordinator), Lori Wilson (Chief of Staff, Eastern Territory), and Neil Douglas (International Representative), visited Seaspan in Vancouver, British Columbia, to see the incredible work our members are doing in support of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

The delegation met with company representatives to discuss the importance of shipbuilding in Canada and the critical role it plays in our economy, our national security, and the future of our marine infrastructure. They also explored the current and upcoming projects that will keep our shipyards busy for years to come.

David Chartrand said, “Visiting Seaspan Shipyard reminds us of the extraordinary skill and dedication of our members. Our members are building Canada’s future and strengthening our national security, and contributing to a thriving maritime industry that benefits us all.”

Our members, including Machinists, Millwrights, Safety professionals, Marine and Heavy-Duty Mechanics, are at the heart of this work, building and maintaining vessels for the Canadian Navy and Coast Guard.

Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is delivering a wide range of ships, including:

  • Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OSFV): Delivered
  • Joint Support Ships (JSS): Under Construction
  • Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV): Under Construction
  • Polar Icebreaker: In Construction Engineering
  • Multi-Purpose Vessels: Initial fleet in basic design

The IAM proudly represents members at the Seaspan dry docks and wet docks in Vancouver and at the Esquimalt site in Victoria. Their skills, dedication, and craftsmanship ensure that Canada’s Navy and Coast Guard are equipped with world-class vessels built right here at home.

IAM Canada – Air Transat Passenger Service Workers Ratify Their First Collective Agreement

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The IAM Union is proud to announce a major milestone for its newest bargaining unit at Air Transat Passenger Service in Montréal (YUL). Following a ratification vote held from August 14 to August 15, 2025, members voted strongly in favour of their very first collective agreement, with 81% support.

This ratification is an achievement. First contracts are often the most challenging to secure, as they establish the foundation for a fair and respectful working relationship between employees and the employer. The newly ratified agreement provides meaningful improvements and sets strong foundations for the years ahead.

“The success at the bargaining table is a proof to the determination and solidarity of our members,” said IAM General Chairperson (GC) Peter Tsoulakas. “We are proud to have secured important gains that will directly improve the quality of life for our members and their families.”

The new contract will be in effect from August 16, 2025, to August 15, 2028, providing stability and clarity for the next three years.

IAM leadership and the bargaining committee extended their gratitude to the membership for their engagement throughout the bargaining process. “This victory belongs to you, the members,” the committee noted. “Your patience, support, and unity were essential in achieving this first agreement. Together, we’ve just started making a difference; but it will take continued solidarity to build on this progress.”

With this ratification, IAM reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Air Transat Passenger Service workers at YUL have a strong voice in the workplace, fair representation, and the tools they need to keep advancing their rights and protections.

IAM Canada – IAM Union Meets Samsic Employees Following TSAS Acquisition

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This week, IAM Union Local 2309 hosted a meet-and-greet at the Marriott In-Terminal Hotel at Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) following Samsic’s acquisition of TSAS. The event provided an opportunity to connect with Samsic employees, answer questions, and prepare for upcoming meetings with TSAS employees in the weeks ahead.

The event also highlighted the strong partnership between IAM Union and the Samsic management team. Over the past several months, both parties have worked closely to ensure that the agreement delivers tangible benefits for employees, protecting rights, strengthening job security, and improving working conditions. This collaboration has also resulted in the complete elimination of non-unionized companies from Montréal-Trudeau Airport, a significant milestone for the local aviation services sector.

“Working together with management and Union leadership is crucial for organizational success,” said IAM Union General Chairperson (GC) Peter Tsoukalas. “This partnership has now eliminated any non-unionized company from the Montreal airport. Promoting collaboration between companies and unions is essential for the health and safety of all employees and passengers traveling from Montreal. The deal we struck today not only ensures we are able to retain the employees of TSAS but has given our new members wage increases, better working conditions, and added job security.”

This meeting highlights the IAM Union’s ongoing dedication to fostering positive labour-management relations and supporting workers at every stage of industry change and growth.

In this picture (From left to right): Cedric Vogt, Duwayne Ballantine, Bob Cejovic, Peter Tsoukalas, Mario Christodoulopoulos, Kenny Thomas Rose, David Jean Baptiste.

IAM Canada – Air Transat Passenger Service Team Secures First Tentative Agreement

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The Bargaining Committee representing Air Transat passenger service employees is proud to announce a significant milestone: after an extensive and diligent bargaining process, including conciliation, a tentative agreement has been reached.

This First Contract Tentative Agreement has received the full endorsement of the bargaining committee and now awaits ratification by the membership.

Key highlights of the agreement include:

  • Wage increases to recognize and reward the valuable contributions of all passenger service employees.
  • Job security and increased flexibility, aimed at improving work-life balance and providing stability for our members.
  • Enhanced shift language and improved scheduling that better accommodate the needs of the workforce.
  • Paid breaks, ensuring fair rest periods during shifts.
  • A 3-year contract term, providing certainty and a strong foundation for the years ahead.

There is even more within this agreement that addresses various aspects of working conditions and employee well-being, all designed to support a stronger, more resilient team.

Members are encouraged to review the full details of the tentative agreement carefully and participate in the upcoming ratification vote.

Together, we have taken a crucial step forward in shaping a better future for Air Transat passenger service employees.