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

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 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

TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 140 – IAM Districts 140 and 78 Engage MP Charles Sousa on Contract Flipping in Canadian Airports

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IAM District 140, together with District 78, continues its fight against contract flipping at Canada’s airports—a long-standing issue affecting countless IAM union members. In a productive meeting, IAM District 140 PDGC Brother Dave Flowers and IAM District 78 President Brother Mike Edwards sat down with MP Charles Sousa to discuss the urgent need for reform.

MP Sousa offered valuable feedback and committed to helping schedule further discussions with additional Members of Parliament, marking a meaningful step forward in our advocacy efforts.

“I want to thank Mike for his dedication and efforts in making this meeting happen and ensuring its success,” said Brother Flowers. “I also extend my gratitude to MP Sousa for making time to hear the struggles of our membership.”

IAM Districts 140 and 78 remain steadfast in their mission to end contract flipping and secure fair treatment for all airport workers.

We also extend our gratitude to Brother Mike Edwards for setting up this crucial meeting.

IAM Canada – Thank you, Frank

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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.