History of the IAM
 

Some people say history isn’t going to provide answers to today’s challenges.

On the other hand we all know that it’s easier to get to where you’re going if you know where you’ve been.

And when you have more than 100 years of experience under your belt, you have a vast wealth of knowledge and talent to draw on.

The IAM was founded by a group of railroad workers in a locomotive pit in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1888.  Two years later, in 1890, a similar group of railroaders established the union at Stratford, Ontario.

Since that time, Machinists in Canada, from Newfoundland to British Columbia have been in the forefront of every campaign to better the conditions of working people on the job.

Machinists led the fight for the 10-hour day, the nine hour day and the eight hour day.

They established the wage rates throughout much of Canadian industry which became the target for other unions to match.

Machinists were in the front ranks to win the campaign for better health care through Medicare.

It was a machinist who helped ensure all Canadians had access to free blood

The IAM was a key partner in the battle for public pensions; and privately negotiated pensions which are among the very best anywhere in Canada.

The list of IAM achievements is impressive; better sick leave, longer vacations, more holidays, dental insurance, maternity leave… the list goes on.

And today…..

Today, we continue to build on that record with IAM contracts which are among the best in Canada.  Our members are among the top wage earners.  We set as our target a fair settlement which takes account of protection against increases in the cost of living, the productivity of our members and the profitability of our employers.

Most IAM agreements contain job security provisions, protecting our members from layoffs, and regulating technological change and automation.

Promotions, under an IAM contract, are based on merit and seniority – not on being buddy – buddy with the manager or foreman. We have protection against unfair firing or discipline.

Security in retirement is crucial to all working Canadians.  That’s why IAM contracts reflect pensions as a priority.

Rounding off these agreements are provisions guaranteeing good vacations, education leave, drug plans, eye plans, holidays, jury duty pay, bereavement leave and sickness and life insurance.

Today we negotiate important new protection like indexed pensions, equal pay for work of equal value, refusal of unsafe work, prepaid legal aid and innovative work schedules.

            It’s all there in an IAM agreement. !

 For more information contact the IAM
All calls are kept  Strictly confidential
Email us at admin@iam250.org
Or call (604) 513-3883