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

IAM Canada – Envoy Air Members in Calgary Ratify First IAM Collective Agreement

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A major milestone has been achieved for Envoy Air employees in Calgary, as members officially ratified their first collective agreement with the IAM Union on January 15, 2026.

Envoy Air was certified with the IAM on May 29, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter of collective representation. Following certification, the parties entered bargaining on August 12, 2025. After months of dedicated negotiations, a Tentative Agreement was reached in January 2026 and brought to the membership for a ratification vote.

The agreement was approved with strong participation and support from the membership. Approximately 80% of eligible members voted, with 66% voting in favour of ratification showing clear engagement and confidence in the gains achieved.

Over the three-year term of the agreement, members secured wage increases ranging from 18.8% to 23.5%, along with a $3.25 Lead Premium. In addition to wage improvements, the contract includes several important protections and benefits, such as:

  • Profit-sharing language
  • RRSP provisions with company matching
  • Boot and shoe allowance
  • Clear seniority language
  • Shift bidding and vacation bidding language
  • Layoff and recall protections

This agreement also expands the IAM’s presence at Envoy Air, welcoming 51 new members into the union.

These gains were made possible through the hard work and commitment of the bargaining committee, Kunal Dhawan and Ezan “Bobby” Luvaha. Their leadership and dedication, alongside the support of the membership, were instrumental in delivering a strong first contract.

This ratification represents a significant step forward for Envoy Air IAM members, strengthening workplace protections, improving compensation, and laying the foundation for future progress.

In the photo, bargaining committee members: Kunal Dhawan and Ezan “Bobby” Luvaha