Tag Archives: Labour

IAM Canada – Hands off Canadians!

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Canadians will suffer an economic terrorism…

President Trump’s 25% tariff on all Canadian goods exported to the United States is not just an economic setback, it is an all-out assault on Canadian workers, industries, and families. This protectionist measure threatens jobs, disrupts economies, and undermines the quality of life for both Canadians and Americans. It’s a policy that cannot be ignored, and it’s more critical than ever that we stand united to push back against these unjust measures. But it is more important than ever now that we come together and stand united to counter the devastating policies of a schoolyard bully.

“Trump’s tariffs harm every sector of our economy, and the fallout will be felt on both sides of the border. These tariffs benefit Trump and his billionaire allies, but they will leave ordinary workers and consumers in both countries paying the price, it’s economic terrorism.” stated David Chartrand, General Vice-President of the IAM Union in Canada.

Canada is a vital supplier to the U.S. market, accounting for:

  • 35% of the lumber consumed in the U.S.
  • 50% of aluminum
  • 60% of crude oil
  • 15% of food products
  • Over half (57.38%) of the commercial and military aviation industry exports

This level of economic interdependence means that any tariff or trade barrier will have serious consequences for industries across both nations. The impact will not only be felt in Canada, it will also affect workers and consumers in the U.S. as well.

This trade relationship represents more than just economic ties; it is a bond between two countries built on cooperation, shared interests, and mutual support. Tariffs, however, create artificial barriers that divide workers, communities, and industries. This runs contrary to the spirit of unity that has defined U.S.-Canada relations for over a century. In many ways, tariffs represent a form of economic terrorism, one that increases inequality and deepens divisions.

It is time for Canada to take action and defend itself from these bullying tactics. “We must work together to strengthen our economy through bold policies; policies that protect Canadian workers, promote local procurement, and ensure that we don’t fall victim to protectionism. Our focus should be on building a more resilient, self-sufficient economy that prioritizes the well-being of our citizens”, added Chartrand.

The path forward is clear: we must unite across political, economic, and labour lines to confront this challenge head-on. The time has come to put aside our differences and form an alliance to protect our economy, our jobs, and our way of life against a bully like Donald Trump, who seeks to divide and conquer.

The only way forward is unity.

Together, we are stronger. And together, we can defend Canada’s future.

The IAM Union has represented more than 50,000 workers in Canada and 600,000 workers across North America since 1890. The IAM proudly stands as a leading union, advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better working conditions across a wide range of industries. With a history of over 130 years, the IAM continues to fight for the dignity and well-being of workers, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

CTC – Déclaration du Congrès du travail du Canada : unis contre les menaces tarifaires américaines

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Les syndicats du Canada sont profondément préoccupés par la menace de l’administration américaine d’imposer un tarif de 25 % sur les produits canadiens. Il s’agit d’une attaque directe contre les travailleuses et travailleurs des deux côtés de la frontière, menaçant de bons emplois syndiqués dans des secteurs clés comme la fabrication, l’exploitation minière, l’énergie et l’agriculture – des emplois qui forment le pilier de notre économie.

Ces tarifs provoqueraient des conséquences désastreuses, touchant des familles et des collectivités entières. Les enjeux sont immenses : hausse du coût de la vie, stagnation des salaires et, maintenant, menaces tarifaires de Trump, menaçant le gagne-pain des travailleuses et travailleurs.

Il ne s’agit pas seulement d’une question commerciale; il s’agit d’une urgence économique et sociale qui exige une mobilisation de nos ressources afin de défendre les intérêts des travailleuses et travailleurs du Canada tout entier. Il est temps que les dirigeants politiques du Canada reconnaissent l’urgence de la situation et d’y faire face avant qu’elle ne devienne une crise majeure.

Le gouvernement fédéral doit traiter cette menace avec l’urgence qui s’impose. Les travailleuses et travailleurs ont besoin d’un leadership qui accorde la priorité à leur bien-être, protège leurs emplois et défend nos industries. Capituler devant ces menaces tarifaires reviendrait à trahir les millions de travailleuses et travailleurs dont le gagne-pain est menacé.

Les syndicats du Canada demandent au gouvernement de rejeter catégoriquement ces attaques, d’agir de manière décisive pour protéger les emplois et de s’engager à élaborer une stratégie industrielle à long terme qui protège les travailleuses et travailleurs canadiens des lubies de toute administration étrangère.

Les travailleuses et travailleurs et les syndicats de tout le pays sont unis et prêts à riposter.

Notre force réside dans notre solidarité et nous ne permettrons pas que les travailleuses et travailleurs canadiens fassent les frais de conflits commerciaux irresponsables.

Le Congrès du travail du Canada exhorte le gouvernement à transmettre un message clair : les travailleuses et travailleurs et les industries du Canada ne seront pas déstabilisés. Nous tiendrons bon, agirons de manière décisive et défendrons sans relâche nos travailleuses et travailleurs.

CLC – Statement from the Canadian Labour Congress: Standing united against U.S. tariff threats

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Canada’s unions are deeply alarmed by the U.S. administration’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian products. This is a direct attack on workers from both sides of the border, threatening good, unionized jobs in key sectors like manufacturing, mining, energy, and agriculture—jobs that form the backbone of our economy.

These tariffs would create a devastating ripple effect, impacting families and entire communities. The stakes are immense: escalating costs of living, stagnant wages, and now the Trump tariff threats, putting workers’ livelihoods at risk.

This is not just a trade issue; it is an economic and social emergency that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach when it comes to standing up for working people across Canada. It’s time for Canada’s political leadership to recognize the urgency and address this before it becomes a full-blown crisis.

The federal government must treat this threat with the urgency it demands. Workers need leadership that prioritizes their well-being, protects their jobs, and defends our industries. Capitulating to these tariff threats would be a betrayal of the millions of Canadians whose livelihoods are on the line.

Canada’s unions call on the government to reject these attacks outright, act decisively to safeguard jobs, and commit to developing a long-term industrial strategy that protects Canadian workers from the whims of any foreign administration.

Workers and unions across the country are united and ready to fight back.

Solidarity is our power, and we will not allow Canadian workers to become collateral damage in reckless trade disputes.

The Canadian Labour Congress urges the government to deliver a clear message: Canadian workers and industries will not be undermined. We will stand strong, act decisively, and unwaveringly defend our workers.

AIM Canada – Kevin Timms de l’IAM parle des syndicats avec les élèves de l’EAMS

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Les étudiants de l’École Airdrie Middle School à Airdrie, en Alberta, ont récemment eu l’opportunité d’en apprendre davantage sur l’importance des syndicats grâce à la visite de Kevin Timms, représentant international du syndicat de l’IAM.

Lors de sa visite pendant l’heure du déjeuner, Timms a expliqué le rôle essentiel que jouent les syndicats pour protéger les droits des travailleurs et travailleuses, améliorer les conditions de travail et défendre un traitement équitable sur le lieu de travail.

Timms a pris le temps de partager des informations sur l’IAM, expliquant comment le syndicat fonctionne et comment les représentants internationaux soutiennent les travailleurs et travailleuses à l’échelle locale et mondiale. Il a également expliqué comment on devient syndicaliste, quelles sont ses parties préférées de sa carrière et les défis qu’il a rencontrés tout au long de son parcours.

La séance n’était pas seulement informative, mais aussi inspirante, car Timms a offert aux étudiants un aperçu exclusif de ce que signifie faire partie d’un syndicat et de la valeur de lutter pour des conditions de travail équitables. Sa visite a permis aux étudiants de mieux comprendre le mouvement syndical et le travail vital des syndicats pour défendre les droits des travailleurs et travailleuses.

Dans l’ensemble, il s’agissait d’une séance à la fois éducative et captivante, qui a permis aux étudiants de mieux apprécier les syndicats et leur rôle au sein du monde du travail.

IAM Canada – IAM’s Kevin Timms Talks Unions with EAMS Students

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Students at École Airdrie Middle School in Airdrie, Alberta, recently had the opportunity to learn about the importance of unions from IAM Union International Representative Kevin Timms. During his lunchtime visit, Timms explained the essential role unions play in protecting the rights of workers, improving working conditions, and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace.

Timms took the time to share insights about the IAM, discussing how the union operates and how international representatives support workers both locally and globally. He also explained how someone becomes a unionist, what his favorite parts of his career are, and the challenges he has encountered along the way.

The session was not only informative but also inspiring, as Timms offered students a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a part of a union and the value of fighting for fair working conditions. His visit gave the students a deeper understanding of the labour movement and the vital work unions do to support workers’ rights.

Overall, it was a highly educational and engaging session that left students with a greater appreciation for unions and their role in the workplace.