Tribute to Dave Thompson, President of IAM Local 905

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With deep gratitude, we honour Dave Thompson as he retires at the end of the month after 25 years as President of IAM Local 905 and more than three decades with Safran Landing Systems since 1995, 31 Years! Your leadership has been the steady hand that guided our lodge through tough negotiations, safety improvements, and the everyday work of protecting members’ rights.

A legacy of leadership
Dave’s tenure was defined by tireless advocacy for fair wages, safer workplaces, and stronger member representation. He led difficult negotiations at the bargaining table, supported stewards on the shop floor, and helped expand training and safety programs that protect our members every day. His steady hand and principled approach strengthened Local 905 and set a high standard for those who follow.

What Dave gave our union
Representation: He consistently put members first in bargaining and grievance work.
Mentorship: He invested time in developing stewards and future leaders.
Community: He fostered solidarity across departments and prioritized member engagement.

Accomplishments:
Area Vice President on the OPCM, Ontario Provincial Council of Machinists for several years.
In 2019 Dave was instrumental in bringing our Local into the IAM Pension Plan which will provide a dignified retirement for all its members.

Each of these contributions has lasting impact on our union culture and on the lives of members and their families.


A personal note of thanks
On behalf of the executive board and every member of Local 905, thank you, Dave. Thank you for your long hours, your integrity, and your unwavering commitment. We honour the sacrifices you made and the progress you helped secure for our membership.

Find here a Q&A video from 2025 as part of IAM Union Stories series:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ufMSampM8Gs

Quebec Machinists Council Prepares Union Representatives for Successful Collective Bargaining

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From January 14 to 16, 2026, the Quebec Machinists Council (QMC) hosted a collective bargaining training session in Sherbrooke. The program, led by District 11 representatives Alessandro Bernardelli and Christian Bilodeau, brought together union representatives from Locals 712 and 922.

Negotiating a work contract is a core responsibility of union representatives. Successfully reaching an agreement that meets the needs of fellow members requires strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of labour laws, and expertise in negotiation. Recognizing this, QMC provides comprehensive training to bargaining committees, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to engage effectively with employers. Access to high-quality training strengthens the capacity of all IAM union members, ensuring fair and well-negotiated contracts.

We congratulate all participants on their commitment to professional development.

Training participants:
Local 712: Yan Jalbert, Jean-Michel Bourbeau, Jérôme Denault, Patrick Sears
Local 922: Isahi Salvador Rojas, Jimmy Cantin, Hugo Ducharme, Isabel Martel, Edmond Roy, Albano Rojas, David Bellerose, Pascal Yann Dufour, David Rousseau