FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 5, 2024

Toronto, ON – IAM Canada has significant concerns regarding the recent announcement by the Canadian federal government that Competition Bureau Canada will be consulting Canadians on competition within domestic air passenger services.

The IAM, representing thousands of workers in the aviation and aerospace industries across Canada, believes this consultation could have far-reaching implications for the industry and its membership. The union is concerned that the focus of the consultation may not adequately address critical issues affecting Canadian airline workers and could potentially overlook the complexities of maintaining a competitive, yet fair, market.

The allowance of international carriers to operate domestically in Canada could have a detrimental impact on the “legacy” Canadian carriers as international carriers would only want to service the most profitable routes. This would impact the ability for the legacy Canadian carriers to turn a profit in what is a very competitive market. When this happens, service will be reduced, workers compensation will be reduced and jobs will be lost.

“While we recognize the importance of ensuring competitive practices in the airline industry, we urge the Competition Bureau to consider the broader impacts on workers,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “The consultation should not only focus on market competition but also address job security, fair wages, and working conditions for the thousands of Canadians employed in this sector. It is essential that the outcomes of this consultation support a sustainable and equitable aviation industry.”

The IAM is particularly concerned the consultation may prioritize consumer costs and corporate interests at the expense of the well-being of aviation workers. The union emphasizes that a balanced approach is necessary to protect both the interests of consumers and the livelihoods of the workers who are vital to the functioning of the air travel industry.

The IAM is committed to working collaboratively with government officials to ensure that the consultation outcomes are what’s best for aviation workers in Canada.

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For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Frank Saptel
Communications Representative
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
Phone: (416) 386-1789
Email: fsaptel@iamaw.org

August 6, 2024

TOWSON, Md., Aug. 6, 2024—The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) has overwhelmingly ratified a historic three-year agreement with Apple that improves work-life balance, raises pay, and helps protect job security.

Workers at the Towson, Md., Apple retail store, the first in the country to unionize, are now the first in the nation to ratify a contract with Apple. 

“The historic agreement secured by the courageous IAM CORE members at the Towson Apple store sets a new standard for Apple retail workers nationwide, proving the undeniable power of collective bargaining,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM has proven once again that we have the strength to take on some of the biggest companies in the world and win.” 

IAM CORE represents approximately 85 employees at Apple’s retail store in Towson, Md. IAM CORE members, who in June 2022 became the first Apple retail store to organize into a union in the United States, had been negotiating with Apple management since January 2023. In May 2024, IAM CORE members voted overwhelmingly to approve a strike sanction against Apple as management continued to stall negotiations.

“Through tireless dedication, the IAM CORE Negotiating Team secured a contract that not only meets but exceeds the needs and expectations of our members but sets a standard for Apple workers,” said the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee. This ground-breaking agreement will undoubtedly serve as a model for future negotiations, empowering retail workers across the industry. Now we must grow the IAM CORE in Maryland and beyond.” 

Highlights of the new three-year agreement include:

• Work-Life Balance: Scheduling improvements with protections for both current and part time members.

• Pay Increases: Average raises of 10% over the life of the contract and increases in starting pay for 80% of job classifications.

• Job Security: Limits on contracted employees and a severance clause.

• Transparency: A fair and clear disciplinary process with protections and accountability.

The agreement maintains all current benefits and includes an agreement to bargain over any future additions.

“The landmark agreement achieved at Towson Apple is a direct result of the unwavering strength and solidarity of IAM CORE members,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “I am extremely proud of the patience displayed by IAM District 4 Directing Business Representative Jay Wadleigh, Eastern Territory Grand Lodge Representative David DiMaria, and the entire IAM CORE Negotiating Committee.  This victory not only significantly improves pay and job security but also guarantees a fair and equitable workplace for all employees. Now we must work on securing a contract for more Apple workers throughout the nation.” 

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

Source: www.goIAM.org

 My name is Kim Valliere and I have been an active member of the Machinist Union for approx 22yrs.   I believe that together we can build a strong Labour movement in Ontario and through union activity and community involvement help workers understand the importance of their involvement and voice in the constant fight for “Good Jobs”

The mandate  of the Ontario Provincial Council of Machinists is to promote the interests of the membership in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers throughout the province of Ontario, to unite within its fold all I.A.M.A.W Lodges in the province, fostering unity of purpose and action, providing leadership and direction and give effective voice to our mandate.

The labour Movement with the support of the Machinists Union has been fighting strong against the Governments that would like nothing more than to rip  the heart of the Labour / Union movement in this Province apart, we need to stand strong in solidarity together now more than ever, and show that we will not walk away from the challenges  that are before us and we will not sit idle while the governments of the day tear apart the very essence what we as workers in Ontario have fought long and hard  for.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the work you do every day supporting each other as Machinist Union members, stay strong, in solidarity always

Sister Kim Valliere (OPCM, Pres)