Tag Archives: Canada

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 – The involvement of our Canadian General Vice-President, praised by our brothers and sisters from L-3 Harris in Mirabel

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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.

IAM Canada – IAM District 140 Secures Another Big Arbitration Win

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IAM District 140 is pleased to report a significant arbitration victory concerning the improper reconciliation of General Holidays for union members.

In a recent decision, Arbitrator Corinn Bell ruled that Air Canada’s practice of using General Holidays as part of vacation reconciliation was a violation of the collective agreement and the Canada Labour Code. This decision restores full vacation pay entitlements to affected members and reinforces the union’s ongoing commitment to defending negotiated and legislated rights.

“The arbitrator’s decision confirms what we’ve said all along — our members are entitled to full General Holiday benefits, without reduction from our vacation pay entitlements in the Canada Labour Code,” said IAM District 140 General Chairperson Chris Lipsit. “This win is a testament to our union’s vigilance in holding employers accountable.”

The arbitration ruling ordered the employer to cease the improper reconciliation practices immediately and to provide full redress back to when the grievance was filed in May 2024, including retroactive compensation, to all affected members. IAM General Chairpersons are currently working with the employer to ensure swift and accurate implementation of the award.

Continues Lipsit “This victory not only puts money back in our members pockets but also reinforces the importance of strong collective bargaining language and diligent grievance enforcement.”

IAM District 140 remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting members’ rights and securing fair treatment for all.

The IAM Union is the leading union in the aerospace sector and air transportation industry; representing over 55,000 members across Canada, of which 22,000 work in the aviation, aerospace and air transportation sector.

IAM Canada – IAM Union Secures Grievance Victory

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A recent grievance outcome marks a significant win for the IAM Union and reinforces the critical role we play in defending the rights of our members. The grievor, in this case, was accused of filing multiple harassment complaints in bad faith and was subsequently fired by Air Canada.

After more than two years of persistent advocacy and formal arbitration proceedings, a decision has been rendered in favour of the IAM Union, highlighting the importance of fair representation in the workplace.

Mahmoud Khatib, General Chairperson for District 140, led the case on behalf of the IAM Union. “This is a win,” said Khatib. “I want to thank the entire District team for their tireless support and commitment. This case proves that when we stand our ground and advocate smartly, we can achieve real results for our members, even in the most challenging situations.”

Continued Khatib “What makes this decision particularly impactful is that it emerged from a full evidentiary arbitration process, rather than the typical expedited route. This full hearing required extensive preparation, detailed evidence, and multiple arbitration dates. The result not only delivers justice in this particular case, but also sets a precedent that strengthens future grievance efforts across the board.”

The Arbitrator ruled in favour of financial compensation, including full back pay and an additional award to reflect the long-term impact of the employment decision.

This outcome is a firm reminder that wrongful actions in the workplace carry consequences, and that with dedicated representation, fairness can prevail.

The full arbitration award is now public and available on CANLII for reference.