IAM Canada – Melissa Marsman Makes History as NSFL President

At the 2025 Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) Convention, IAM member Melissa Marsman made history as she was acclaimed the new President of the NFSL; becoming the first woman and first person of colour to hold this prestigious position.

With a commitment to workers’ rights and social justice, Melissa brings more than 25 years of labour activism to the role. Her journey in the labour movement began with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU), where she served on the Finance Committee. Her dedication and passion quickly led her to serve on the Human Rights Committee, Board of Directors, and the Provincial Executive as 3rd Vice President.

Over the years, Melissa’s advocacy has consistently focused on equity, inclusion, and fairness in the workplace. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that marginalized voices are heard and that workplaces across Nova Scotia reflect the diversity and strength of their communities.

Four years ago, Melissa joined the IAM Union, continuing her advocacy by serving on the Human Rights Committee. She represented both the NSGEU and later the IAM on the NSFL Anti-Racism and Human Rights Committee, further strengthening her role as a bridge-builder between unions and as a champion for equity across the labour movement.

In November 2023, Melissa was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the NSFL, where she worked closely with Past President Danny Cavanagh. Through this experience, she gained valuable insight into the day-to-day operations and strategic priorities of the Federation, helping strengthen collaboration among affiliates and advance key issues such as workplace safety, fair wages, and public services.

Melissa’s election marks a new chapter for the NSFL; one that celebrates progress, representation, and unity.

In addition, the convention saw an outstanding turnout from the IAM delegation. Together, members pushed forward and successfully passed several resolutions aimed at improving workers’ lives across the province. The energy, unity, and commitment from all IAM delegates made this convention truly impactful. The IAM also celebrated important victories, with Cynthia Black from Local 2797 elected as Vice President for unions under 1,000 members, and Sarah Covey chosen as the Alternate Vice President for the same category.

Congratulations to President Melissa Marsman on this historic achievement and for continuing to inspire members across the country with her dedication, leadership, and commitment to justice.

IAM Canada – We are standing up for Canadian workers!

The IAM Union Canada is making sure your voice is heard in shaping trade agreements like CUSMA – the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement that governs trade between the three countries.

By submitting detailed recommendations to Global Affairs Canada, we are working to protect Canadian jobs, strengthen labour rights, and support unionized manufacturers in critical industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and transportation.

Read the full letter from our General Vice-President David Chartrand and access the complete report to see how we’re advocating for working Canadians: https://iamaw.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EN-Nov-3-CUSMA-Consultation-Briefing.pdf

IAM Canada – CQF: A Worn-Out and Disconnected Government

The list of bad decisions and repeated scandals from this government is so long that we can already guarantee it a place in the Hall of Fame of the worst governments in Quebec’s history.

Its inability to manage the crises in health and education, its inaction in the face of the rising cost of living, the housing shortage, the growing number of job losses, and the increase in homelessness all demonstrate that this government is completely disconnected and overwhelmed by events.

To hide its poor record and avoid losing face in the next election, the CQF is trying to divert attention by proposing bad solutions to fake problems. Instead of acting responsibly, owning up to its mistakes, and addressing the concerns of Quebecers, the Legault government prefers to criticize unions and working people.

The dangers of Bill 3

Minister Jean Boulet’s Bill 3 is a direct attack on our autonomy. Under the pretext of wanting to modernize our practices, this reform will jeopardize our independence and freedom of action.

The goal of this bill is not truly to make our organizations more transparent and democratic, but rather to interfere in our affairs and impose costly accountability mechanisms that employers will be able to use against us.

This process will force your union representatives to spend time dealing with paperwork and filling out government forms, require them to give part of your union dues to accounting firms, and make public certain information that could benefit your employer during future negotiations.

This is an attack on union democracy and on your right to freely and collectively decide which issues you want to defend.

We will not allow ourselves to be silenced by an irresponsible government that prefers to take care of its business friends instead of helping the people of Quebec.

That’s why the Quebec Council of Machinists is inviting all its members and the Quebec population to make their voices heard by participating in the Major Inter-Union Rally.

When: November 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Place du Canada (Montreal)

This will be a large march starting from Place du Canada and heading toward the Premier’s Office at the corner of McGill College and Sherbrooke.

For more details: https://ftq.qc.ca/bloquons-le-recul/

IAM Canada – IAM Union at the 2025 Canadian Aerospace Summit

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

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!