IAM Canada – Peter Tsoukalas Appointed IAM Canadian Special Representative

IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Peter Tsoukalas as Special Representative in the Canadian Territory, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Tsoukalas is a 25-year member of IAM Locals 1751 and 2309.

Tsoukalas, who most recently served as an IAM District 140 General Chairperson since 2017 in Quebec, will help lead organizing efforts in Canada.

“Peter has earned the respect of members through his commitment, integrity, and tireless advocacy for working people,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “He will play an important role in strengthening our union and advancing workers’ rights throughout Canada.”

During his time as a trade unionist, he has serviced collective agreements and negotiated numerous contracts that established industry-leading standards in wages and working conditions.

Peter Tsoukalas is a proven leader who understands how to organize, bargain, and deliver real results for our members,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “His experience and dedication will be a major asset as we continue growing the IAM across Canada.”

Throughout his 25 years of membership, Tsoukalas has held leadership positions at every level of the union, including Shop Steward, Chief Steward, Local Executive Board member, and Executive member of the Quebec Machinists Council (QMC).

“Strong unions are built on trust, unity, and results,” said Tsoukalas. “When members believe in their union and stand together, no challenge at the bargaining table or beyond can divide us.”

Tsoukalas remains deeply committed to strengthening the IAM, defending workers’ rights, and raising standards for working families across the industry.

IAM Canada – Envoy Air Members in Calgary Ratify First IAM Collective Agreement

A major milestone has been achieved for Envoy Air employees in Calgary, as members officially ratified their first collective agreement with the IAM Union on January 15, 2026.

Envoy Air was certified with the IAM on May 29, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter of collective representation. Following certification, the parties entered bargaining on August 12, 2025. After months of dedicated negotiations, a Tentative Agreement was reached in January 2026 and brought to the membership for a ratification vote.

The agreement was approved with strong participation and support from the membership. Approximately 80% of eligible members voted, with 66% voting in favour of ratification showing clear engagement and confidence in the gains achieved.

Over the three-year term of the agreement, members secured wage increases ranging from 18.8% to 23.5%, along with a $3.25 Lead Premium. In addition to wage improvements, the contract includes several important protections and benefits, such as:

  • Profit-sharing language
  • RRSP provisions with company matching
  • Boot and shoe allowance
  • Clear seniority language
  • Shift bidding and vacation bidding language
  • Layoff and recall protections

This agreement also expands the IAM’s presence at Envoy Air, welcoming 51 new members into the union.

These gains were made possible through the hard work and commitment of the bargaining committee, Kunal Dhawan and Ezan “Bobby” Luvaha. Their leadership and dedication, alongside the support of the membership, were instrumental in delivering a strong first contract.

This ratification represents a significant step forward for Envoy Air IAM members, strengthening workplace protections, improving compensation, and laying the foundation for future progress.

In the photo, bargaining committee members: Kunal Dhawan and Ezan “Bobby” Luvaha