Category Archives: News

IAM Canada – IAM Union Condemns Government Interference in Air Canada Negotiations

Posted on

The IAM Union strongly condemns the recent use of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code by the Canadian government in the ongoing dispute involving Air Canada flight attendants. This move undermines the principles of free collective bargaining, a fundamental right for all workers.

Collective bargaining should occur at the table, not be curtailed by government-imposed arbitration.

The IAM Union stands in full solidarity with Air Canada flight attendants, advocating for their right to negotiate fair working conditions without interference.

We are sharing our official letter sent to Minister Patty Hajdu, which outlines our concerns and calls for the government to respect workers’ rights and the integrity of the collective bargaining process.

Télécharger (PDF, 167KB)

IAM Canada – IAM Union Stands in Solidarity with CUPE and Air Canada Flight Attendants in Fight for Fair Contract

Posted on

 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

Posted on

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

Posted on

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.