IAM Canada – IAM Union at the 2025 Canadian Aerospace Summit

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The IAM Union, previously known as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), was present at the 2025 Canadian Aerospace Summit, hosted by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC). Held under the theme “Challenges & Opportunities,” the event brought together hundreds of Canadian and international aerospace companies, government officials, industry executives, academics, and innovators to explore the future of aerospace and defence in Canada. Over 20 speakers took the stage during the two-day summit, offering valuable insights, strategies, and forward-looking perspectives on the evolving challenges and emerging opportunities shaping the aerospace sector.

The Canadian Aerospace Summit is recognized as one of the country’s most influential industry gatherings, providing a world-class platform for collaboration, strategic dialogue, and innovation.

The Summit opened with remarks from Mike Mueller, President and CEO of AIAC, who reaffirmed the importance of strengthening Canada’s defence industrial base and strategy. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s ongoing commitment to increasing defence spending as a share of GDP, setting a confident and forward-looking tone for the event.

Following the opening, Pierre Pyun took the stage to discuss the evolving landscape of the aerospace industry. He emphasized that while the sector faces many challenges, it also holds immense potential for growth, innovation, and technological leadership.

Further remarks from Philippe Jr Ngassam, Director of National Aircraft Certification, and Uwe Zachau, Chair of the AIAC Board, reinforced the importance of maintaining world-class safety, certification, and sustainability standards, all key to ensuring Canada’s continued leadership on the global stage.

One of the day’s most anticipated speakers was The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport for the Government of Canada. Minister MacKinnon described aerospace as one of the hallmark industries of the nation, noting that it contributed over $34 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024 and supports more than 225,000 jobs across the country.

He highlighted the industry’s role not only as an economic driver but also as a hub for STEM-related careers and advanced technological innovation. MacKinnon described the ongoing transformation as the “third revolution of aerospace”,a period defined by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and drone technologies. These innovations are reshaping the industry, creating both new challenges and exciting opportunities for growth. He also emphasized the importance of strong supply chains and continued collaboration between government, industry, and labour to sustain Canada’s global competitiveness.

Later in the program, Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, CD, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), addressed the audience with a thought-provoking discussion on modern defence and security. She highlighted the growing threats of cyberattacks, misinformation, and unconventional warfare, stressing that these emerging challenges require new strategies, technologies, and partnerships across the aerospace and defence sectors.

Other speakers and panelists also took part in the Summit, representing a diverse cross-section of the aerospace and defence ecosystem.

For the IAM, participation in the Canadian Aerospace Summit represents an important opportunity to engage with key decision-makers, advocate for the aerospace workforce, and ensure that the voices of skilled workers are heard in shaping the future of the industry.

IAM Canada – Sage Parts Members Ratify A New Three-Year Agreement

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On Friday, October 24, members of IAM Local 2413 employed at Sage Parts in Toronto ratified a new three-year collective agreement with a strong 85% approval rate.

The ratification vote saw full participation from members, reflecting strong engagement and support for the new deal, which delivers substantial improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

Significant Wage Increases
In addition to the wage adjustments provided when the previous agreement ended on May 6, 2025, the IAM successfully negotiated an additional retroactive wage increase to that same date, resulting in an average increase of $2.12 per hour.
These retroactive payments will provide most members with $2,000 or more in back pay.
Moving forward, members will receive wage increases every six months, with the next increase taking effect on November 6, 2025. These improvements ensure members continue to earn living wages.

Paid Sick Leave
An additional 24 hours of paid sick leave was secured. Increasing paid sick days was the second-highest priority identified by members during bargaining.

Rest Breaks
Members working 10-hour shifts or longer will now receive a new 30-minute paid break, which can be divided into two paid 15-minute breaks for added flexibility.

Vacation Flexibility
The agreement introduces single vacation days, allowing members more flexibility and options when scheduling paid time off.

Statutory Holidays
Members working 10-hour or longer shifts on a statutory holiday will now receive increased pay, along with greater flexibility to take a paid day off if a statutory holiday falls during their vacation period.

Probationary Period
The probationary period has been reduced, and new language regarding training responsibilities has been added to support fair onboarding and development.

IAM Local 2413 extends its appreciation to Gabriel Syriani and Henry Pulido for their commitment and contributions to the bargaining committee.

It doesn’t cost to belong to the IAM, it pays!

IAM Canada – Wasaya Ground Operations Workers Achieve Gains in New 3-Year Contract

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IAM members working in Ground Operations at Wasaya Airways in Thunder Bay have ratified a new three-year collective agreement that brings important gains and protections.

The new deal introduces a new pay scale with Consumer Price Index (CPI) protection, ensuring members’ wages keep pace with inflation. Members will receive a 3–5% increase on ratification, followed by 1.5–3% annual increases in Years 2 and 3, depending on the Ontario CPI rate.

Other improvements include enhanced pension contributions based on years of service, the introduction of 10 federal sick days in the collective agreement (with up to 5 paid out annually if unused) and increases to per diems and shoe and boot allowances.

“This agreement reflects our members’ hard work and dedication,” said Chris Greniuk, General Chairperson at IAM Union. “We were committed to achieving a fair deal that recognized the rising cost of living and the critical role our members play in keeping Wasaya operations running safely and efficiently.”

With this deal, IAM members continue to strengthen their position and ensure their voices are heard at the bargaining table.

IAM Canada – Working Together for Workers’ Rights

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IAM Union representatives recently met with The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State for Labour, to address a pressing issue affecting airport employees: contract flipping.

The meeting included IAM District 78President Mike Edwards, Directing Business Representative Eric Johnston, and District 140 President & Directing General Chairperson Dave Flowers.

Contract flipping occurs when airport contracts with third-party providers are renewed. When a contractor loses a contract, workers’ negotiated rights can be jeopardized. New employers aren’t obligated to keep existing employees, and even if they do, workers may lose some of the benefits they had under the previous contract.

The IAM Union stressed the importance of protecting workers through successor rights and sufficient notice periods, allowing employees to navigate the uncertainty that comes with changing contractors.

This collaborative effort across districts demonstrates the power of working together to drive meaningful change for workers.