Tag Archives: IAM

IAM Canada – First collective agreement for Garda World bargaining unit

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Working as industrial firefighters at the Airbus Canada facility in Mirabel, the 21 members of the Garda World bargaining unit, Local 712 of the IAM union, have accepted a first three-year collective agreement, with a 17% pay increase over the term of the contract.

The contract also provides the following improvements to working conditions:

  • Improved vacation benefits: Introduction of a fourth week of vacation after 10 years of service, paid at 8% of eligible earnings.
  • Strengthened union protection: Incorporation of clauses concerning the recognition and protection of union work (non-discrimination, time off, representation) and outlining the role of management in grievance and arbitration procedure.
  • Shift swapping: Members can swap shifts over a period of four weeks without affecting their 40-hour weekly pay.
  • Seniority and wage rates: Establishment of the principle of seniority and recognition of continuous service within the company in the new wage scale. Thanks to this measure, an increase of up to 15.5% will apply to the workers concerned as soon as the contract comes into effect in January 2026.

Addition of a clear distinction regarding seniority:

  1. Site seniority (Airbus Canada) for the choice of vacation schedule, when posting positions and layoffs.
  2. General seniority (Garda World) for vacation recognition and starting salaries.
  • Premiums:  Addition of a $1.50 per hour bonus for the team lead and a team lead substitute (when they have to replace)

A negotiation marked by the perseverance and determination of the members

Etienne Trottier-Zalums, District 11 business representative, responsible for the Garda World bargaining unit, summarized the negotiations as follows: 

“I would like to highlight the remarkable courage, patience, and determination of this group of workers who chose to join the IAM in order to improve their working conditions and quality of life.

I would also like to thank Maxime Delisle and Alexis Dupuis for their involvement and unwavering support. They fulfilled their mandate as bargaining committee members. They stood up to the employer from the outset and proudly represented their brothers and sisters at the bargaining table to conclude their first collective agreement!

I would also like to thank Alessandro Bernardelli, Directing Business Representative and President of IAM District 11, who began the bargaining process before passing the torch to me. He was present and available in support of the negotiation committee until the very end.“

IAM Canada – Peter Tsoukalas Appointed IAM Canadian Special Representative

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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.