IAM Canada – Roya Rismankar Appointed IAM Canadian Research Analyst

IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Roya Rismankar as a Research Analyst in the Canadian Territory, effective March 10, 2025.

Rismankar will play a crucial role in providing members with accurate and timely information to support their success.

With her experience and dedication, we are confident that Roya will make meaningful contributions to our research efforts and help set strategies to advance our goals,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand.

Rismankar graduated in 2021 and has gained four years of research experience, specializing in public policy. She has worked with the Government of Canada on an ongoing qualitative research project for the Privy Council Office, advising the Prime Minister on key issues such as housing, government benefits, and cost of living.

As a Research Analyst, it is a foundational component of my role to provide our fellow members with timely and accurate information to set them up for success,” said Rismankar. “The collective IAM Union will continue to set the standards for workers’ rights at all stages, from employment wages and benefits to retirement and pensions. I am elated to start my journey with the IAM and contribute toward a meaningful cause to amplify workers’ voices all across Canada.

In addition to her professional work, Rismankar is actively involved in several humanitarian organizations, volunteering her time to support various causes.

IAM Canada – IAM Union at the PRLC International Women’s Day CelebrationIAM Canada –

On this year’s International Women’s Day, the IAM Union, alongside other unions, attended an inspiring Women’s Day Brunch that celebrated the power of women in the labour movement. The event brought together incredible women who shared their stories, insights, and experiences.

Among the powerful voices was Bea Bruske from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), Debra De Angelis from UFCW, Dr. Crystal Garvey from OPSEU, and Joy Brown, a retired member of the Peel Regional Police Service.

The event featured performances by students from Meadowvale Secondary School, as well as a lively set by the Tri-Service Band. With raffles and a live auction, attendees had the chance to come together in support of women’s initiatives. It was a celebration of progress, unity, and the strength of women in the labor movement, highlighting their ongoing impact in creating a more inclusive future.

IAM Canada – The message is clear: Solidarity knows no borders

As tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalate due to the current administration’s policies, it is important to remember that many Americans do not support their government’s actions toward Canadian neighbours. Many Canadians may be unaware of the significant support they have from their American counterparts. At the recent Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) conference in New Orleans, the IAM Union reinforced the idea that unity and solidarity go beyond political divides.

During the event, the International President of the IAM Union, Brian Bryant, delivered a speech in support of Canadian workers. He emphasized that despite the political challenges, we are all united in the fight for workers’ rights. The conference highlighted that our collective strength surpasses any national boundary. Whether in Canada or the U.S., the true power of our union lies in the unity of its members.

At the conference, the Canadian General Vice-President of the IAM Union David Chartrand, was met with a standing ovation by the delegates, in support of Canada, symbolizing the strong bond between the two nations in the pursuit of fairness and equality. The International President also took the opportunity to express his support for Canada, particularly in opposition to tariffs that harm not only Canadian workers but the collective strength of workers everywhere.

Supporting these movements is crucial, but we must also remember that the struggles of our brothers and sisters across the border are our struggles too. These challenges don’t stop at the border. They affect all of us.

United as one, we can ensure that the strength of our workforce remains unshaken. The mission of the IAM Union transcends national boundaries, political divides, and party lines.

Now more than ever, solidarity is key.

IAM Canada – IAM Union opposes any privatization at Canada’s airports

In the 2024 Federal Budget, there was a reference to privatization of parts of Canadian Airports. At the time, the IAM Union sought out clarification and held meetings with the Federal Labour Ministers office and the office of the Finance Minister to seek further clarification and advise the Federal Government that the IAM Union was against any privatization whatsoever at Canadian Airports. This past week, the Federal Government provided a policy statement on their intentions with regards to privatization at Canadian airports.

As the federal government continues to push for privatization efforts across Canada’s airports, the IAM Union is calling for a firm stand against this dangerous trend, warning of the detrimental effects it could have on Canadian workers, travelers, and the economy.

David Chartrand, General Vice-President at the IAM Union in Canada, expressed deep concerns over the federal government’s growing encouragement of privatization in Canada’s aviation sector. He emphasized that such actions would suppress wages for airport workers and only serve to line the pockets of private corporations at the expense of Canadian workers and the public.

Privatization will undermine the quality of services that travelers rely on, from increased fees to reduced accessibility, this isn’t just about workers; this is about the entire Canadian aviation industry. We cannot allow private corporations to prioritize their profits over the needs of the public.” said David Chartrand.

Chartrand further explained that privatizing airports would, decrease job security, and lead to higher costs for travelers, all while enriching private companies.

Airport services should remain under public control to ensure that profits are reinvested into improving services for travelers and strengthening the economy. Public ownership of airports ensures that they are run efficiently, with the needs of Canadians at the forefront.

The IAM represents over 10,000 members across Canada in the aviation industry, we call on both the federal government and airport authorities to halt any moves toward privatization and to focus on investing in the workers and infrastructure that make Canada’s airports a vital part of the country’s transportation network.

The IAM Union is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.