Walter Gerlach has dedicated 45 years to the IAM Union, leaving a mark on both the union and his community. His journey began in September 1980 when he was initiated into Automotive Local 1857. That same year, he started his career as an apprentice at an IAM-certified General Motors dealership in Vancouver, British Columbia. Through years of dedication and skill, Walter earned Red-Seal Certification as an Automotive Service Technician, proof to his professional excellence.

Walter’s commitment to workers’ rights and union leadership has been strong. He first stepped into leadership as an IAM Shop Steward and Bargaining Committee Member in 1995, quickly followed by his election as Recording Secretary of Automotive Local 1857 in 1996. In 1997, he joined the Northwest District 250 Executive Board, and by 2002, he was elected Business Representative and Organizer. His leadership continued to grow, culminating in his appointment as Directing Business Representative for Northwest District 250 in 2013.

In addition to his district roles, Walter represented Canadian members on the IAM Committee on Law from 2014 to 2020 and has served on the IAM Committee on the Future. He has also been an active member of the BC Federation of Labour Executive Council, representing IAM locals from 2013 through 2025, and chairs the Poly Party Council of Unions at Vancouver Shipyards. For nearly two decades, he has shared his knowledge as a labour educator at the Harrison Winter School through the Canadian Labour Congress, shaping the next generation of union leaders.

Walter’s has long been a passionate advocate for his community, serving as Member at Large Labour on the BC NDP Provincial Executive Board and chairing the Affiliated Unions to the BC NDP Caucus. In 2021, he was appointed to the BC Shipbuilding Innovation Advisory Council, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing the industry. He also co-founded the Northwest District 250 Annual Guide Dogs of America Charity Golf Tournament and has played key roles with the United Way of the Lower Mainland, serving on its board, co-chairing the Labour Campaign Cabinet, and co-leading the Waterfront United Workplace Initiative.

Walter Gerlach’s decades-long commitment reflects a rare combination of professional excellence, union leadership, and community service. His work has strengthened the IAM, advanced labour rights, and left a lasting impact on countless individuals and organizations throughout British Columbia.

Thank you, Walter & happy retirement!

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

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