Tag Archives: IAM

IAM Canada – IAM Union Secures Grievance Victory

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A recent grievance outcome marks a significant win for the IAM Union and reinforces the critical role we play in defending the rights of our members. The grievor, in this case, was accused of filing multiple harassment complaints in bad faith and was subsequently fired by Air Canada.

After more than two years of persistent advocacy and formal arbitration proceedings, a decision has been rendered in favour of the IAM Union, highlighting the importance of fair representation in the workplace.

Mahmoud Khatib, General Chairperson for District 140, led the case on behalf of the IAM Union. “This is a win,” said Khatib. “I want to thank the entire District team for their tireless support and commitment. This case proves that when we stand our ground and advocate smartly, we can achieve real results for our members, even in the most challenging situations.”

Continued Khatib “What makes this decision particularly impactful is that it emerged from a full evidentiary arbitration process, rather than the typical expedited route. This full hearing required extensive preparation, detailed evidence, and multiple arbitration dates. The result not only delivers justice in this particular case, but also sets a precedent that strengthens future grievance efforts across the board.”

The Arbitrator ruled in favour of financial compensation, including full back pay and an additional award to reflect the long-term impact of the employment decision.

This outcome is a firm reminder that wrongful actions in the workplace carry consequences, and that with dedicated representation, fairness can prevail.

The full arbitration award is now public and available on CANLII for reference.

IAM Canada – IAM Union International Officers Sworn in for New Term During Ceremony Honoring Union Democracy, Member-Led Leadership

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The IAM Union marked a powerful moment of renewal as its newly elected International Officers were sworn in for a four-year term during an installation ceremony that celebrated the union’s democratic foundation and its future-facing vision.

Held before an audience of IAM members, retirees, staff, and labor allies, the ceremony at the IAM’s Headquarters was a reminder that in the IAM Union, leadership is chosen by the membership. Each officer sworn in was elected directly by the IAM’s rank-and-file membership. 

WATCH: 2025 IAM Union International Officer Installation Ceremony

International President Brian Bryant, a longtime member of Local S6, was sworn in to continue to lead the IAM through a period of bold organizing, strategic growth, and deep commitment to equity and inclusion. In his remarks, Bryant offered heartfelt thanks to the membership, his fellow Executive Council members, the IAM’s staff, and his family. 

PHOTOS: 2025 IAM Union International Officer Installation Ceremony

“To our membership—thank you,” said Bryant. “Thank you for placing your trust in this leadership team. That trust is not something we take lightly. It’s something we earn—every day, in every fight, in every shop floor conversation, contract campaign, organizing drive, and legislative battle.”

Bryant also reinforced the union’s evolving identity. 

“We must be clear: This union stands for all workers. No matter where you were born. No matter who you love. No matter who you worship. No matter how you got here,” said Bryant. “If you work for a living—you deserve justice on the job. You deserve the power of a union contract. And you deserve to be treated with dignity.”

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler also delivered remarks during the ceremony, celebrating the IAM Union’s legacy and applauding the union’s future-facing leadership. 

“What brings us together is this belief that all work has dignity and that we all deserve the freedom, fairness and security,” said Shuler. “Those are the values that unite every worker, and that’s what we’re going to fight for every single day. We’re going to organize everywhere — just like the IAM is by taking on the largest companies in the world.”

The following officers were sworn in for a four-year term, beginning July 1, 2025: 

International President
Brian Bryant (Local S6) 

General Secretary-Treasurer
Dora Cervantes (Local 2198) 

Canadian General Vice President
David Chartrand (Local 712)* 

U.S. General Vice Presidents
David Sullivan (Local S6)
Richie Johnsen (Local 1781)
Craig Martin (Local 470)
Jody Bennett (Local 2771)
Sam Cicinelli (Local 701)
Robert “Bobby” Martinez (Local 933) 

Law Committee
Eric Johnston (Local 235)
Ryan Haehnlein (Local 701)
Teressa Peart (Local 774)
Olu Ajetomobi (Local 1781)
Sal Vasquez (Local 311) 

Delegates to the AFL-CIO
E. Michael Vartabedian (Local 264)
Sharon Sugiyama (Local 2339G)
Richard Jackson (Local 751A) 

Delegate to the Canadian Labour Congress
Christy Slauenwhite (Local 764)*

*Elected solely by IAM members in Canada

Administering the oath of office was retired IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger, who led the union from 1997 to 2016. Buffenbarger’s presence and role in the ceremony served as a bridge between generations of IAM leadership and reinforced the enduring principles that guide the union.

The installation ceremony featured spiritual and inspirational reflection from Derrick Monk, a member of IAM Local 1776, a District 141 Trustee, and Senior Pastor of the Divine Covenant Outreach Center in Philadelphia. Monk set the tone for the ceremony with an invocation that called on unity, courage, and the shared responsibility of leadership.

As the IAM Union looks ahead, this newly installed leadership team is charged with growing the union across traditional and emerging industries, empowering members through strong contracts, and continuing to lead with integrity, inclusion, and determination.

“All of us, together, are the stewards of something powerful,” said Bryant. “We inherit this union not just to protect it, but to grow it. To make it bolder, more inclusive, and more powerful than ever.”