Tag Archives: Union

IAM Canada – Bernie Wood Honoured with Art Coulter Award for Outstanding Labour and Community Service

Posted on

The IAM Union is proud to announce that International Representative Bernie Wood received the prestigious Art Coulter Award at the Annual Labour Community Awards ceremony, an event hosted by United Way Winnipeg in collaboration with the Winnipeg Labour Council. This award is given each year to a trade unionist who has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of working people and the Winnipeg community through volunteerism, activism, education, and support for United Way.

Bernie has been a tireless labour activist, deeply engaged in empowering workers and strengthening communities. His work with United Way Winnipeg includes volunteering on the United Way Cabinet and the Labour Executive Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Community Unemployed Help Centre, a partner agency of United Way Winnipeg.

In addition to these roles, Bernie serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Winnipeg Labour Council. Over the years, he has played an important role as the Canadian Labour Congress representative to Manitoba, forging strong connections between labour and United Way. Today, as an international representative for the IAM Union, Bernie continues his advocacy with dedication.

Bernie lives by the IAM Union motto, “Justice on the job and service in the community.” His commitment goes beyond union work; he actively promotes United Way initiatives and generously volunteers his time. Bernie also supports Indigenous groups in Winnipeg by sharing resources from his hunting activities, helping them create protective gear for Indigenous youth.

Colleagues and community members alike know Bernie as a reliable friend and advocate, someone always ready to help and make a difference. His contributions to the labour movement and the broader Winnipeg community exemplify leadership and solidarity.

The IAM Union congratulates Bernie Wood on receiving this well-deserved recognition. His passion for fairness, equity, and community service continues to inspire us all.

IAM Canada – IAM Opens the Floor to Queer Perspectives: A First with Fae Johnstone

Posted on

At this year’s IAM Union Staff Conference in beautiful Quebec City, a lot of firsts happened, but one moment stood out as truly groundbreaking.

For the first time in IAM history, the union invited a trans rights advocate to speak directly to leadership, staff, and members. That speaker was none other than Fae Johnstone, Executive Director of the Society of Queer Momentum, and her presence sparked one of the most talked-about and eye-opening sessions of the week.

Why did IAM make this move? Because it matters.

The union proudly represents a diverse membership, including many from the LGBTQIA2S+ community. As an international organization committed to solidarity, we knew it was time to go deeper: to listen, to learn, and to make sure we’re building a union culture that doesn’t just tolerate difference, but embraces it.

And Fae delivered.

In a bold, heartfelt, and deeply informative talk, she pulled back the curtain on what it means to be trans in today’s world and what real allyship looks like, especially within the labour movement. She didn’t sugarcoat the challenges. From misinformation to outright hostility, trans folks, particularly trans youth, are facing mounting pressure and harm.

But Fae’s message wasn’t one of despair. It was one of empowerment and education.

She spoke passionately about how her organization is working to protect future generations by advocating for inclusive education, public awareness, and policy change. “Being trans is a choice that deserves respect,” she told the room. “We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking to be seen, to be heard, to be respected and to be safe.”

Her words hit home.

As union members, we know what it means to fight for dignity, fairness, and a better future. Fae reminded us that those same values extend to our queer and trans siblings and that showing up for them means more than just words. It means learning, asking questions, and confronting our own blind spots.

She challenged us not to look down on what we don’t understand but to lean in. To embrace our differences, not fear them. To treat gender identity and expression not as political talking points, but as human realities worthy of compassion and respect.

For many in the room, it was an emotional experience. It sparked conversations, reflection, and, most importantly, a commitment to do better, for all members.

By the end of her session, the room wasn’t just applauding Fae Johnstone’s words, they were changed by them.

This was more than a speech. It was a moment.

A moment that showed IAM is ready to walk the talk when it comes to equity and inclusion.

TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 140 – ATTENTION AIR CANADA TMOS – THIS VOTE IS CRITICAL FOR YOUR FUTURE!

Posted on

This is not only about representation. It is about your job, your security, and your retirement.

Our members are reaching out and telling us they are scared for their future. Worried about their jobs being outsourced, worried about AMFA’s ability to service, worried about losing critical years in their retirement savings planning without a real plan – just promises.

And their concerns go deeper.
Not one AMFA staff member has shown up.
Not at meetings.
Not even in the parking lot.
If they can’t show up now, when it matters most, when will they?

Our members are worried that their voices will not be heard as they are now the minority in a larger group.

Ensure you vote for a Union that delivers!
Ensure you vote for a Union that is present!
Ensure you vote for a Union that protects all workers!

VOTE FOR YOUR FUTURE. VOTE IAM!

Voting period ends Saturday May 31st, 2025

Télécharger (PDF, 2.7MB)

IAM Canada – One Union, No Borders: IAM’s 2025 Staff Conference Builds Power in Quebec City

Posted on

The IAM Union rolled into beautiful Quebec City this year for its 2025 Staff Conference; and wow, what a week it was!

From inspiring speakers to powerful conversations, this event brought together IAM leadership, staff, and representatives from both sides of the border in the name of unity, solidarity, and moving forward together.

The energy was strong right from the start. The Chief of Staff, Ralph Martin kicked things off, setting the tone for what turned out to be a powerful few days. Then the General Vice-President of the Canadian Territory, David Chartrand, took the mic to welcome everyone, touching on the big picture: how important it is to gather like this, especially in times where working people are facing serious challenges. His message was clear: solidarity as an International union is how we push through.

One of the most powerful moments? When the IAM Union’s Executive Council showed up from the U.S. in person to support their Canadian siblings in the labour movement. At a time when there’s so much noise trying to divide us, their presence was a reminder that true solidarity doesn’t stop at the border. The International President, Brian Bryant  highlighted that the IAM is, and always will be, an international union and that it’s always going to be here for workers, Canadian and American alike.

We also heard from General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, who gave us a peek at some exciting things the union has in the works. Lots of energy around the future and the projects that will keep IAM growing and evolving.

On the communications front, the IAM Communications Representatives, Vanessa Breidy, gave a great talk about why strong communication matters in our movement. They broke down how social media and rebranding are helping the union connect better with members, and the world.

There was also a great session on the Winpisinger Center (W3), presented by the Director of the W3, Mary McHugh, showing how education is a key piece of our power. From leadership training to building skills, W3 is all about equipping our people for the fight ahead.

Jennifer O’Bamaswin Director & Leader, First Nations and Inuit Relations Political Columnist, RDI, took the stage and brought a fresh and powerful perspective, speaking on Indigenous realities.

Chief of Staff, Ralph Martin, presented the IAM Union’s favourite charity, Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines came through. His presentation showed the amazing ways they’re helping people live fuller, more independent lives.

We had a session from the Communications Director, Jonathan Battaglia, who broke down how important global communication has become for the union, and how we keep our message strong, clear, and unified across countries and cultures.

Our Research Analyst, Roya Rismankar, presented crucial insights into the tariffs currently affecting workers, shedding light on the economic challenges many of our members are navigating.

We also heard from our Political Action International Representative, Derek Ferguson, who laid out the political landscape and the results of the recent Canadian elections and their impact on workers. The message was clear: political engagement isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Chief of Staff Ralph Martin also walked us through administrative procedures and essential forms. Important tools that keep the union organized and efficient behind the scenes.

One of the most talked-about and moving moments came when Fae Johnstone, Executive Director of the Society of Queer Momentum, took the stage. She spoke powerfully about what it means to be trans in today’s world, emphasizing resilience, inclusion, and the need for solidarity across all identities. Her voice brought urgency and inspiration to the table, reminding us that a truly united labour movement includes everyone.

TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 140 – ATTENTION AIR CANADA TMOS – While Costs Rise, Where is AMFA?

Posted on

After decades of failure and outsourced jobs in the United States, AMFA is trying to sell the same bad representation in Canada. They say they understand our issues. Yet, AMFA can’t be bothered to speak up against the tariff war on Canada.

Has AMFA issued a single public statement opposing tariffs and rising costs on Canadian workers? Have they done any lobbying against the trade war? Does AMFA even know what issues are important to us as workers?

If AMFA won’t speak up for you now, will they ever?

On the other hand, the IAM has the best job protection language in the industry. The IAM has repeatedly called for an end to all tariffs on Canadian workers, and has been active legislatively on both sides of the border to defend workers from tariffs.

IAM Op-Ed in Newsweek: It’s Time To Put Workers at the Center of the Tariff and Trade Discussion | Opinion

IAM Union: U.S., Canadian Workers Still Waiting to Have Voice in Tariff, Trade Policy

IAM Union: Trump Tariffs on Canada Jeopardize Aerospace, Defense, and Manufacturing Sectors While Threatening National Security

IAM Urges U.S. Senate to Support End to Harmful, Misguided Tariffs on Canada

IAM Union Rebukes President Trump’s Erratic Tariff Policies as Economic Anxiety for Working Families Continues to Rise

IAM Union Urges End to All U.S. Tariffs on Canada, Cooperation Amongst Both Countries to Grow Worker Prosperity

IAM Union Condemns Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Canada

Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum Would Be a Gut Punch to Workers

IAM Union: U.S. Tariffs on Canada Hurt Workers in Both Countries, Weaken Alliance in Trade Fight Against China, Others

When casting your confidential vote, choose a union that protects all workers.

VOTE IAM!

Télécharger (PDF, 2.62MB)