Tag Archives: Canada

IAM Canada – Building Canada’s Industrial Strategy: IAM Union at the Business Council of Canada

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On May 27, General Vice President (GVP) of the IAM Union in Canada, David Chartrand, joined national leaders at a closed-door session hosted by the Canadian Club of Toronto and the Business Council of Canada. This meeting brought together CEOs from major firms like Bombardier, ATCO, and Nokia, alongside government officials, union representatives and business representatives to discuss how to build a modern, sovereign industrial strategy for Canada.

With Canada preparing to boost defence spending and meet its NATO commitments, including a pledge to invest 2% of GDP in defence by 2030, the timing of the conversation couldn’t be more critical.

Speaking on behalf of labour, GVP Chartrand stressed that Canada’s defence base has been neglected for too long. “This isn’t just about national security,” he said. “It’s about economic opportunity, strategic independence, and good Canadian jobs.”

He called for urgent action to:

  • Strengthen Canada’s ability to defend itself without relying on foreign infrastructure
  • Invest in domestic manufacturing and workforce development
  • Source steel, aluminum, and critical components from within Canada
  • Rebuild supply chains to support long-term innovation and global competitiveness

During the meeting, the federal government was also urged to increase investment in Canada’s military capacity not just to reduce dependence on foreign allies, but to strengthen our own readiness and become a more capable, strategic partner on the world stage.

Canada is one of only four countries that can design and assemble a full aircraft. “We were once an industrial powerhouse, and there’s no reason we can’t be again. We’ve got the skilled labour and the institutional knowledge – we just need to activate it with the right strategy,” he added.

“To succeed, we’ll need a whole-of-nation approach. Our government cannot do it alone. Business cannot drive this in a vacuum. And, of course, workers must be part of the solution from day one,” Chartrand emphasized, highlighting the importance of collaboration in building a resilient industrial future.

The event highlighted a growing consensus: Canada must take bold steps to secure its place in a changing world and steps that will require vision, coordination, and a commitment to invest in the talent and capacity that already exists across the country.

One thing is clear if Canada wants to protect its sovereignty and economic future, the time to act is now.

TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 140 – ATTENTION AIR CANADA TMOS – We saw the recent letter addressed to you by AMFA’s U.S. National President

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We find it strange that he was just now introducing himself mid-way through your representation vote.

This is AMFA’s latest attempt at a charm offensive – and just like a snake oil salesman, they’re telling you everything you want to hear, without mentioning what’s really at stake for you and your family.

Meanwhile, AMFA as a whole is missing in action throughout this entire process – sitting on the sidelines while asking you from afar to gamble away your futures.

All talk. Nothing to back it up.

Besides being riddled with falsehoods, what’s most telling is what AMFA’s American President doesn’t mention in his letter. He didn’t bother to address the issues that most affect your pocket book.

There’s a reason – the facts aren’t on their side.

  • AMFA didn’t mention your pension.
  • FACT: Switching to AMFA means Air Canada Tech Ops hired after 2012 will lose their pension.
  • AMFA didn’t mention outsourcing.
  • FACT: AMFA just negotiated a contract with WestJet that gives the carrier full authority to outsource jobs. AMFA has allowed thousands of tech op jobs to be outsourced at United, Northwest, and more.
  • AMFA didn’t mention the Share Trust.
  • FACT: The IAM Union exclusively holds more than $93 million in Air Canada stock that will be paid out ONLY to IAM Union members. For some members, the payment will be over $100,000.

As voting continues through this Saturday, May 31, please make your decision using the facts. Your livelihoods and your futures are at stake.

Let’s win better wages, benefits, and working conditions for all of our members in upcoming negotiations with Air Canada. Vote IAM Union.

In solidarity,

David Chartrand
IAM Canadian General Vice-President

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IAM Canada – One Union, No Borders: IAM’s 2025 Staff Conference Builds Power in Quebec City

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The IAM Union rolled into beautiful Quebec City this year for its 2025 Staff Conference; and wow, what a week it was!

From inspiring speakers to powerful conversations, this event brought together IAM leadership, staff, and representatives from both sides of the border in the name of unity, solidarity, and moving forward together.

The energy was strong right from the start. The Chief of Staff, Ralph Martin kicked things off, setting the tone for what turned out to be a powerful few days. Then the General Vice-President of the Canadian Territory, David Chartrand, took the mic to welcome everyone, touching on the big picture: how important it is to gather like this, especially in times where working people are facing serious challenges. His message was clear: solidarity as an International union is how we push through.

One of the most powerful moments? When the IAM Union’s Executive Council showed up from the U.S. in person to support their Canadian siblings in the labour movement. At a time when there’s so much noise trying to divide us, their presence was a reminder that true solidarity doesn’t stop at the border. The International President, Brian Bryant  highlighted that the IAM is, and always will be, an international union and that it’s always going to be here for workers, Canadian and American alike.

We also heard from General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, who gave us a peek at some exciting things the union has in the works. Lots of energy around the future and the projects that will keep IAM growing and evolving.

On the communications front, the IAM Communications Representatives, Vanessa Breidy, gave a great talk about why strong communication matters in our movement. They broke down how social media and rebranding are helping the union connect better with members, and the world.

There was also a great session on the Winpisinger Center (W3), presented by the Director of the W3, Mary McHugh, showing how education is a key piece of our power. From leadership training to building skills, W3 is all about equipping our people for the fight ahead.

Jennifer O’Bamaswin Director & Leader, First Nations and Inuit Relations Political Columnist, RDI, took the stage and brought a fresh and powerful perspective, speaking on Indigenous realities.

Chief of Staff, Ralph Martin, presented the IAM Union’s favourite charity, Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines came through. His presentation showed the amazing ways they’re helping people live fuller, more independent lives.

We had a session from the Communications Director, Jonathan Battaglia, who broke down how important global communication has become for the union, and how we keep our message strong, clear, and unified across countries and cultures.

Our Research Analyst, Roya Rismankar, presented crucial insights into the tariffs currently affecting workers, shedding light on the economic challenges many of our members are navigating.

We also heard from our Political Action International Representative, Derek Ferguson, who laid out the political landscape and the results of the recent Canadian elections and their impact on workers. The message was clear: political engagement isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Chief of Staff Ralph Martin also walked us through administrative procedures and essential forms. Important tools that keep the union organized and efficient behind the scenes.

One of the most talked-about and moving moments came when Fae Johnstone, Executive Director of the Society of Queer Momentum, took the stage. She spoke powerfully about what it means to be trans in today’s world, emphasizing resilience, inclusion, and the need for solidarity across all identities. Her voice brought urgency and inspiration to the table, reminding us that a truly united labour movement includes everyone.

TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 140 – ATTENTION AIR CANADA TMOS – What are you willing to lose?

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In AMFA’s ChatGPT-written release on May 20, 2025, their silence on the Share Trust rang loud and clear.

Like the other Air Canada unions, the IAM was given shares for concessions made in 2012. These shares belong to the IAM. The packages and payouts have been agreed to by all the Air Canada unions, the company, and the Canadian government. We are simply awaiting a final approval from Revenue Canada.

AMFA’s silence on the Share Trust is acknowledging that there is nothing they can do.

For those who qualify for a retirement package or payout of the shared trust… Are you willing to flush away up to one year of salary and/or additional payments?

Don’t let empty promises take money out of your pocket.

When casting your confidential vote, choose a union that protects all workers – not just specific skill sets.

VOTE IAM!

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IAM Canada – A day with IAM Cares: How a Montreal non-profit is transforming lives, one job at a time

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When the IAM Union communications team visited IAM Cares – AIM CROIT in Montreal, they expected to learn about employment services. What they discovered was something far more powerful; a vibrant community working every day to restore confidence, dignity, and purpose to people living with sensory and physical disabilities.

At first glance, the office looks like any other: staff gathered in morning huddles, employees focused on computer screens, quiet one-on-one coaching sessions in progress. But behind the scenes is a team dedicated to one mission: breaking isolation and helping Montrealers with physical and sensory disabilities find their way back into the workforce.

Patronized by IAM Union and funded 100% by Service Québec, IAM Cares – AIM CROIT offers free, personalized support to citizens, permanent residents and refugees of Montreal aged 16 and up.

Clients live with a wide range of sensory, physical and invisible disabilities: from amputations and diabetes to chronic pain. For many, isolation is a bigger barrier than any resume gap.

That’s where AIM CROIT steps in.

Led primarily by women, the staff includes employment counsellors, partnership coordinators, trainers, and admin support who guide clients through every step of their journey. Services include personalized coaching, resume building, career planning, and access to a fully equipped computer lab. In their multiservice training rooms, clients not only build skills, they build confidence.

“People often come to us feeling disconnected,” said Executive Director Christina Cobein during the IAM Union team’s visit. “We’re here to help them reconnect: with work, with routine, and with their own sense of purpose.“

This year, IAM Cares – AIM CROIT celebrates its 35th anniversary! A milestone marking decades of dedication. Over the years, they’ve helped thousands of individuals find meaningful employment. But their true impact goes far beyond job placement: by providing structure, community and quite often, mental support, IAM Cares – AIM CROIT empowers people to regain their independence and envision a brighter future.

IAM Cares – AIM CROIT isn’t just helping people find work, it’s transforming lives, creating opportunities, and proving every day that inclusion works.