IAM Canada – Stan Theofilaktidis Appointed IAM International Auditor

IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes has appointed longtime Local 2413 leader Stan Theofilaktidis as an International Auditor, effective Aug. 1, 2026. Theofilaktidis will help ensure the financial stewardship of IAM locals and districts in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and the state of Vermont.

Stan has dedicated more than two decades to serving IAM members with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to our union’s values. His experience managing local finances, representing members, and leading at both the local and district levels has prepared him well for this role at the International,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “I have every confidence that Stan will help strengthen the financial stewardship and accountability that our members expect and deserve throughout Eastern Canada and Vermont.

Theofilaktidis became a member of IAM Local 2413 in 2005 when he began working as an aircraft refueller with Consolidated Aviation (Allied) at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Early in his career, Theofilaktidis served as a Shop Steward, representing members in labour relations meetings, collective bargaining negotiations, and on the Shop Committee. His commitment to advocating for members quickly led to greater leadership responsibilities.

In 2008, Theofilaktidis was elected Secretary-Treasurer of IAM Local 2413. Throughout his tenure, he has played a key role in the Local’s financial administration, governance, and representation of the membership.

In 2011, Theofilaktidis joined the Executive Board of IAM Transportation District 140 as the Central Region Service Member. In recent years, he was appointed Vice-President of District 140, where he continues to advocate for IAM members across the transportation sector.

Strong financial oversight is a proud pillar of our strong union, and Stan understands that responsibility firsthand,” said Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer Paul Kendall. “He has earned the respect of members and leaders alike, and I look forward to working alongside him as he helps ensure our locals and districts continue operating with financial transparency and accountability.

Theofilaktidis has also been actively involved in political action campaigns that impact both the federal and provincial labour sectors in Canada. Beyond his union responsibilities, he is a dedicated supporter of Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.

I’ve had the opportunity to see Stan’s commitment to the IAM over many years, and he has always led by example. Whether serving his local, District 140, or supporting causes like Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, he approaches every responsibility with proficiency and a genuine desire to help others,” said Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Pinette. “He will be a tremendous asset to the Office of the General Secretary-Treasurer and to the members he’ll serve in his new role.

Theofilaktidis is a graduate of the University of Guelph in Ontario, where he completed a three-year diploma program. His years of union experience, leadership, and dedication to serving working people continue to make him a respected advocate of the IAM.

IAM Canada – IAM Union Welcomes 19 New Members at Jazz Aviation

IAM Union is proud to announce another organizing success in the aviation sector. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has officially certified a new bargaining unit at Jazz Aviation.

The newly certified bargaining unit includes Aircraft on Ground (AOG) Coordinators and Maintenance Planners, bringing 19 new members into the IAM Union family.

This successful organizing campaign is proof to the power of solidarity and the commitment of workers who chose to stand together for a stronger voice in their workplace.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this organizing drive a success. A special thank you goes to my mentee, Stephanie Swikehardt, for her dedication and leadership throughout this process, as well as the internal coordinators who worked alongside us to make this certification possible. Most importantly, thank you to the 19 new members at Jazz Aviation for putting their trust in IAM Union. We are proud to welcome you and look forward to standing with you every step of the way.” said IAM General Chairperson Chris Lipsit.

Congratulations to our 19 newest members at Jazz Aviation. We are proud to welcome you to the IAM Union and look forward to working together to protect your rights, strengthen your workplace, and build a better future for all.

IAM Union: Fight Forced Labour, Strengthen the U.S.-Canada Partnership

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2026 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced new Section 301 trade actions aimed at addressing forced labour in global supply chains:

“Forced labour has no place in the global economy. Companies and countries that profit from exploitation should not be rewarded with access to the U.S. market at the expense of workers who play by the rules.

The IAM Union supports strong trade enforcement that defends human rights, protects good-paying jobs and prevents unfair trade practices from undermining American and Canadian manufacturing. When foreign governments allow forced labour to persist in their supply chains, they create an artificial cost advantage that hurts workers everywhere.

Trade enforcement is most effective when it is focused on changing the behavior of the worst offenders while strengthening partnerships with nations that share our commitment to higher labour standards and fair competition.

That is why we are deeply troubled to see Canada, which shares the United States’ commitment to ban goods manufactured with forced labour, included in these actions. The IAM Union proudly represents workers in both the United States and Canada, and our members build products together every day through one of the most integrated manufacturing relationships in the world. As this policy moves forward, we encourage the administration to work with Canada to preserve the strong economic and labour partnership that has benefited workers on both sides of the border for generations.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.