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

IAM Canada – Honouring Paul Gaudet for 51 Years of Dedicated Service

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After more than five decades of dedication, Brother Paul Gaudet has officially retired, closing an extraordinary chapter of service to his trade, his country, and his Union.

Paul began his career in 1974 as a member of Local 1723, working out of the Naval Armament Depot (NAD) as an Armament Fitter. Early on, he demonstrated a strong commitment to his fellow workers by serving as a Shop Steward, a role that reflected his lifelong dedication to union leadership and member advocacy.

In approximately 1985, Paul transitioned into a supervisory role, where he served until 1995, navigating the challenges of workforce reductions with professionalism and integrity. Following this period, he transferred to Bedford Magazine, where he spent close to ten years as a technician maintaining torpedoes. When torpedo maintenance operations were terminated, Paul once again adapted, returning to the dockyard as a Periscope Maintenance Technician.

Throughout his postings, Paul played a critical role in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) work for the Oberon- and Victoria-class submarines, contributing his expertise to projects vital to Canada’s naval operations. As these long-term projects were completed and workloads diminished, Paul returned in 2010 to CFAD, where he served as an Instrumentation Maintenance Technologist. He concluded his distinguished civil service career with an incredible 51 years of service.

In parallel with his professional career, Paul was deeply committed to the Union. He served for many years as Secretary-Treasurer of Local 2797 and previously held the same role with Local 1723 until the two locals merged. Paul was also a longtime Shop Steward for both Local 1723 and 2797, always standing up for members with fairness, compassion, and resolve.

Beyond the local level, Paul’s leadership extended across Atlantic Canada through his service as President of the Maritime Council of Machinists (MCM), now known as the IAM Atlantic Council, where he worked tirelessly to strengthen unity and collaboration among IAM members throughout the region.

On his retirement, David Chartrand, General Vice-President of the IAM Union in Canada reflected on the lasting impact of Paul’s leadership:

“Paul is known across the territory for his warmth and kindness, and also for bringing IAM members together in Atlantic Canada through his leadership at the IAM Atlantic Council. We sincerely thank Paul for his distinguished service and dedication to his vocation, to his community, and to his Union siblings. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement. Congratulations.”

Paul Gaudet leaves behind a legacy defined by service, solidarity, and quiet leadership. His contributions to the workplace and to the IAM will continue to be felt for years to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Brother Gaudet and wish him nothing but health, happiness, and fulfillment in this next chapter of life.

Congratulations, Paul, on a truly remarkable career.