Machinists back a winner – Singh takes NDP leadership!
trbo 2 October, 2017
Toronto, ON – Jagmeet Singh is the new leader of the federal New Democratic Party with a resounding first-ballot victory by a margin of 53 per cent in the NDP leadership in Toronto Sunday night.

“Earlier last month the IAM endorsed Jagmeet Singh to be our new leader after a vigorous internal debate,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall. “At that time we concluded that he was the right person for the job because he most closely represents the values and the direction of IAM. I’m pleased that the rest of the party agrees with us.”

Singh, 38, defeated challengers Niki Ashton, Charlie Angus and Guy Caron. Singh, a criminal defence lawyer who speaks fluent French and Punjabi, has represented the riding of Bramalea-Gore-Malton in the Ontario legislature since 2011. He was named deputy leader of the Ontario NDP in 2015. Singh says he will not immediately seek a seat in the House of Commons until he has had time to increase his profile outside of the House.

Singh has been a frequent visitor to IAM rallies, meetings and demonstrations regarding precarious work, the Fight for a $15 an hour minimum wage, contract flipping and privatization of Canadian airports. “We look forward to working with Jagmeet to build power within the Party as we prepare for the next chapter,” said Pickthall. “Our next battle is in 2019, with the Trudeau Liberals; there is much work to be done along the way.”

Montréal, QC – Machinist members will be out in full force Wednesday in the streets of Montréal for a rally and march to the US Consulate to protest trade complaints and court action by Boeing Corporation against Bombardier.

“The International Association of Machinists (IAM) helped build the infrastructure of the Quebec Aerospace industry, we built it and we will protect it,” explained IAM Quebec Coordinator Dave Chartrand.

Boeing filed trade complaints and took court action against Bombardier for its sale of 75 C-Series 100 narrow-body passenger aircraft to Delta Airlines. Boeing claims the Canadian aircraft manufacturer poured the C Series into the American market at unfair low prices. Boeing claims Bombardier is able to do this because of subsidies from the federal and Quebec governments. “Boeing’s arguments are hollow” said Chartrand. “Boeing did not even bid on the Delta contract and the C-Series poses no threat to Boeing’s 737 because it’s not in the same size class.”

The IAM is the largest union in Canadian aerospace with more than 6,000 members employed by Bombardier at plants in Montreal and surrounding area. The IAM is also the largest union at Boeing. “Let’s make this very clear, this is a court battle between two corporations,” explained IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall. “Our members will be out there to protect to protect their jobs and defend the aerospace industry in Canada. In the context of the NAFTA talks underway, we must protect this industry and the livelihood of our members in Montréal and across the country.”

Toronto, ON – Labour Day in Canada was declared a National holiday back in 1894 and trade unionists have been marching through the streets of Toronto and across the country on the first Monday of September ever since.

Labour Day 2017 in Toronto was highlighted by the largest turnout of Machinist members on record, in excess of 250 IAM members marched the 7 kilometer route from the heart of downtown Toronto to the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition. “This was a solid turnout, perhaps one of the best we have ever had. It was a great day for a walk through Sunny Toronto streets, and our members came out to show Solidarity and support of working people in Toronto and across Canada,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall.

Toronto, ON – The IAM is endorsing Jagmeet Singh for leader of the federal New Democratic Party.

The decision came after lengthy and passionate debate among IAM Canadian office staff, national staff, District Lodge Directing Business Representatives, Business Representatives and General Chairpersons from across the country who are members of the NDP.

“We had a healthy discussion today from all of our staff and representatives and the message was clear, we are looking for someone to grow this party not just for the next election but beyond and Jagmeet Singh is our choice,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall.

Singh, an Ontario MPP has crisscrossed the country bringing in 47,000 new members into the party since he began his quest for the leadership.

“There is no doubt he is a populist candidate, he connects to the people, he’s a campaigner who can reach out and pull voters in and that’s what we need to combat the Liberals,” added Pickthall “He has been there with us on our issues and I will be speaking to him today to let him know he has our support.”

“This was a lengthy and engaged debate of the IAM Canadian leadership,” said Pickthall. “We agreed that all four candidates were strong NDP leaders. It is great to have so many good political activists to choose from. Ultimately the IAM is standing with Jagmeet Singh in the leadership process.”

The party membership votes on who will be the new leader starting on September 18th.

IAM members and staff from across Canada got together last week at the IAM’s Training and Education Center near Baltimore, Maryland. Attendees debated and ultimately unanimously endorsed Jagmeet Singh in the upcoming federal NDP leadership race. Plans were made for a number of other concerns, including organizing and political action for the next year.

With Organizing and Strengthening the IAM our first priority, District 78 sign is up at our satellite office in Ottawa.

Thursday August 24, 2017 For Immediate Release Toronto, ON – Members of IAM Local Lodge 1922, representing clerical workers at UFCW offices in Toronto and Montreal, have ratified a new collective agreement. The three-year agreement, retroactive to April 1, 2017, provides wage increases in each year. Other agreement high lights include: Improved RRSP contributions Improved Health care benefits Reinstatement of contract language for alternate summer work schedules The IAM also

Responding to the U.S. Department of Labor, the IAM has agreed to a DOL-supervised rerun of the 2017 Grand Lodge elections for International Union officer positions, including International President, General Secretary-Treasurer and seven U.S. General Vice Presidents. The election excludes the Canadian General Vice President position.

The DOL struck down the IAM members’ convention action requiring that candidates for Grand Lodge office show a minimal 10 percent level of support in the union’s local lodges before becoming candidates for election. The members adopted this provision to assure that elections took place only when there was at least some possibility that more than one candidate for each position would prevail. The DOL also found that even though incumbent candidates received 749 or more local lodge endorsements, while challengers received no more than 7 endorsements, a new election is required. Continue reading →

Monday August 21, 2017 For Immediate Release Thunder Bay, ON – Members of IAM Local Lodge 1120 are back on the job today ending a 16 day strike following the ratification of a new agreement late Thursday. “We held a special general membership meeting Thursday night to vote on a tentative agreement and it was ratified by a margin of 84 per cent,” said IAM Local Lodge 1120

IAMAW will be leading the Toronto Labour Day Parade this year.

LET’S MAKE THIS THE BEST TURNOUT EVER.

THE IAM HOSTED BY DISTRICT 78 AND
LOCAL LODGE 2323, WILL BE PARTICIPATING
IN THE PARADE.
Parade route starts at University and Queen St. West
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
THE FREE ADMISSION TO THE CNE.

Bus pick-up is first come first serve at 2580 Drew Rd. @7:15am and 557 Dixon Rd.@7:45am

Please RSVP to numbers below if you require assistance with mobility issues or walking the route
For More Information Contact:
District Lodge 78 at (416) 225-9003
Local Lodge 2323 at (905) 678-0010