Tag Archives: Union

IAM Canada – A Conversation with David James Varnes

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60 Years of IAM Membership

For this edition of Union Stories, we sat down with David James Varnes, a longtime IAM member, whose six decades of service reflect a deep commitment to unionism, democracy, and fairness for working people.

1. Which local are you part of, and what is your role?

My name is David James Varnes. I am a member of Local 764 (Air Transportation). I am retired, but I remain active in my local as:

  • Chair of the History Committee
  • Secretary of the Bylaw Committee
  • Member of the Building Committee (our Local owns its own Union Hall)

I have also served as a Delegate to 10 International Conventions, beginning with Seattle in 1984.

2. What are your hobbies?

I read widely and often. I love to travel, I’ve visited six continents (only Antarctica left!),  and I enjoy gardening.

3. How long have you been an IAM member?

I have been an IAM member in continuous good standing for 60 years, initiated in November 1966. I am proud to be a Gold Card Member.

4. Why do you believe in unions? What does being part of a union mean to you?

Trade unionism helps equalize the playing field between workers and concentrated corporate power. It exists to ensure fair wage compensation and fairness in the workplace.

Younger members entering today’s workforce need to understand that being in a union significantly increases their chances of receiving fairness for their labour.

5. What’s something important about union work that you wish more people understood?

I have learned many important lessons about Local administration. It is a vital aspect of providing service to the membership, and it deserves focused education and attention.

Strong administration strengthens member service — and strong member service strengthens the union.

6. Why is union solidarity important today?

In a world with increasing corporate concentration and growing right-wing sentiments, trade unionism remains a vital force.

It challenges the “might makes right” philosophy.
It offers an alternative.
It is one of the bastions of democracy.

7. Can you share a moment when you felt proud to be in the IAM?

In 1988, I was part of an effort by Canadian IAM members to amend the IAM Constitution so that members in Canada could elect their Territorial Vice-President solely by Canadian members.

Before that change, members voted on a “slate” determined by the American majority. The process to achieve this reform took eight years. I helped initiate the change — and it was a change for the better.

It strengthened democratic representation for Canadian members.

8. What’s one thing you want the world to know about the IAM?

I believe in democracy.

The IAM does its best to embrace democratic principles. There is no better training ground for democracy than the regular meeting of a local.

The IAM educates vigilant citizens.
And democracy needs vigilant citizens — now more than ever.

To read more, visit https://djvaviationstories.wordpress.com/ by David Varnes, where he shares written highlights of the contributions of the Machinists Union to aviation in Canada.

IAM Canada – IAM Union Begins Bargaining with Menzies Aviation at Toronto Pearson

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On February 26, the IAM Union officially commenced bargaining with Menzies Aviation at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Menzies Aviation currently provides a range of above- and below-the-wing services for seven airlines operating out of Pearson, including WestJet, its largest customer. The negotiations mark an important step forward for approximately 530 members of IAM Local 2413 who are employed in Menzies’ ground handling operations.

The Bargaining Committee presented a full and comprehensive proposal to the employer, ensuring that each item was clearly explained and fully understood at the table. The committee’s approach reflects the priorities and concerns raised by the membership and demonstrates the Union’s commitment to securing meaningful improvements for these workers.

Both parties are scheduled to meet again in mid-March and have expressed a shared interest in working toward a fair collective agreement in a timely manner.

In addition to ground handling negotiations, the IAM Union has also commenced the bargaining process with Menzies Cargo. The goal is to secure two strong collective bargaining agreements that recognize the vital contributions of Local 2413 members across both operations.

Pictured (left to right): Sophia Bailey (PAX Steward), Phil Honsberger (Chief Steward), Amon Gill (Ramp Steward), Michael Corrado (District 140 GC & Organizer), and Koren Hillier (Bag room Steward).

IAM Canada – Supreme Court Ruling Reinforces Need for Fair Trade Policies

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Toronto/ Washington Feb.20, 2026 – The IAM Union is responding to the Supreme Court’s recent decision striking down President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, emphasizing the impact on workers on both sides of the border.

David Chartrand, Canadian General Vice-President of the IAM Union, stated: “Workers are not responsible for these arbitrary tariff decisions, yet they are the ones paying the price. The Supreme Court ruling underscores the importance of predictable and fair trade policies, which are essential to protecting jobs and ensuring stability in industries such as aerospace and manufacturing. Canadian workers and businesses need certainty to plan for the future, and measures like these tariffs disrupt that stability.”

Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union, added: “Arbitrary, snap tariff decisions—especially those targeting close allies like Canada—create uncertainty that endangers jobs in highly interdependent industries such as aerospace and manufacturing, raises prices for consumers, and makes it harder for businesses and workers to plan for the future. That instability also complicates collective bargaining, where predictability is essential to securing strong contracts and long-term job security.

The Supreme Court decision reinforces the U.S. Constitution’s clear assignment of authority to Congress to impose tariffs on foreign imports. Trade policy must be grounded in that framework and carried out with care.

Trade policy should strengthen manufacturing and workers—not create unnecessary economic chaos.”

The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America, advocating for trade policies that strengthen workers rather than create economic uncertainty.

IAM Canada – IAM Union and Air Canada Begin Contract Negotiations

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February 25, 2026 – The IAM Union has officially launched a new round of contract negotiations with Air Canada, marking the start of discussions following a 10-year agreement and what union leaders describe as a critical moment for members.

The kickoff meeting brought together a broad delegation of IAM representatives from Canada and the United States, including leadership, general chairpersons, coordinators, and experts from legal, strategic resources, communications, Air Transportation, International Representatives, and staff. The goal: to ensure members are fully supported and prepared at every stage of bargaining.

During the meeting, the union sat down with Air Canada’s leadership from Legal, Labour Relations, Cargo, Finance, and Technical Operations, reflecting the scope and importance of the discussions ahead.

International President Brian Bryant opened the meeting by reinforcing the strength and responsibility of the IAM Union at the table.

“We represent thousands of Air Transportation workers across North America,” Bryant said. “Air Canada is one of the best airlines in the world, and that is because of its employees. We are proud of our members, and their contributions must be recognized in this contract.”

Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand emphasized the sacrifices IAM members made to help the airline through difficult years.

“Our members sacrificed to keep Air Canada afloat for the past 30 years,” said Chartrand. “Now that the company is in a strong position, they expect to share in that success. We shared the pain; now we want to share the gains too. This is about fairness, respect, and recognizing the people who make this airline successful.”

Chartrand also highlighted the union’s unified bargaining approach, ensuring all groups and classifications are represented equally at one table.

“We are here for everyone,” he said. “Our members want the company to succeed, but success comes from a respected and fairly treated workforce. This is an important contract, and we intend to meet the expectations of our members.”

Negotiations Updates

Update 1: Both parties agreed to establish bargaining dates structured around key main items, ensuring each session focuses on specific topics within the contract package.

Update 2: For every scheduled meeting, both the IAM and Air Canada will bring the appropriate subject-matter experts based on the issues being discussed, allowing for informed and efficient negotiations.

Update 3: Both sides expressed a shared interest in maintaining momentum and working as efficiently as possible to move the process forward and reach a fair agreement in a timely manner.

Air Canada representatives acknowledged the significance of the negotiations and expressed their commitment to engaging in a productive process.

Both sides left the meeting aligned on continuing discussions in the weeks ahead.

The IAM bargaining committee remains focused on securing a fair agreement that reflects members’ contributions and strengthens the future of both Air Canada and its workforce.

More updates will be shared as negotiations progress.

Attendees from the IAM Union: Brian Bryant (International President) – David Chartrand (Canadian General Vice-President) – Tom Reagan (Special Assistant to the International President) – Vinny Addeo (Chief of Staff to the International President) – Keith Aiken (Airline Coordinator) – Dave Flowers (President & Directing General Chairperson) – Michel Richer (Quebec Coordinator) – Lou Pagrach (International Representative) – Kevin Timms (International Representative) – Steve Prinz (International Representative) – Peter Tsoukalas (Special Representative) – Craig Chard (General Chairperson)- Chris Lipsit (General Chairperson) – Chris Greniuk (General Chairperson) – Mahmoud Khatib (General Chairperson) – Nasr Kairouz (Interim General Chairperson) – Rene Grenon (General Chairperson) – Matt Pyne (IAM Research Economist) – Ilana Boivie (IAM Assistant Strategic Resources Director) – Aaron Farrant (Mentee) – Roya Rismankar (Senior Research Analyst) – Sean Fitzpatrick (Lawyer at Cavalluzzo) – Lucie Morillon (Communications Representative) – Vanessa Breidy (Communications Representative).