Author Archives: Glenn Buchanan

2024 Canadian Political Action Symposium

It was a successful 10th anniversary for the Canadian Political Action Symposium. IAM activists from across Canada gathered at the crown jewel of the IAM, the Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland for the Symposium. By all accounts, it was the best ever!

IAM Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand underscored the importance of political action, especially in light of the upcoming federal election in 2025. “Engaging our members is crucial because it affects our working lives. This means it affects our families and our home lives.”

Derek Ferguson, IAM Canadian GLR for Political Action, said, “80 IAM political activists from all over Canada gathered at the W3 where we developed and improved our communication strategies and member mobilization plans in the lead up to the 2025 federal election. Together we will make a difference!” Ferguson has held the Canadian Political Action portfolio for five years and has attend every single Symposium.

Facilitators Brent Farrington and Laurie Antonin, from the Canadian Labour Congress, led the two-day training and strategizing. They are also both members of IAM Local 3111CULR. See a short video of Laurie here.

Attendees broke up into mainly regional teams and each team designed their own campaign with members of each team responsible for a variety of functions. The teams designed complete campaigns and their various components – one team even made an Instagram video!

International President, Brian Bryant made a surprise visit to the Symposium to congratulate the Canadians on a successful 10th anniversary and the continuing expansion of their political action training and actions. Bryant also updated members on much of what is going on in the IAM. See a short video here

The first Canadian PAC was initiated by retired General Vice-President Dave Ritchie and then-Political Action Coordinator Gord Falconer in 2014. Gord retired as Chief-of-Staff in December 2023.

Article from IAMAW Canada

It is with profound sadness that the family of Jerry Tarnawsky announce his sudden and unexpected passing on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at the age of 66 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with family by his side.

Jerry worked at Lakehead Motors for 46 years in the parts department, retiring last year.

To honour Jerry’s love of animals, in lieu of flowers, the local has made a donation to Thunder Bay District Humane Society in his name.

Grand Lodge Convention delegate and alternate nominations to be held, April 16 at regular monthly meeting and elections to follow, May 21 at regular monthly meeting.

          International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers LL 1120

ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST FORM

I.A.M. & A.W. CONSTITUTION – ARTICLE II– SECTION 3

Members who reside in outlying Districts more than 25 miles (40 km) from the designated balloting place, members who are either confined because of a verified illness or on leave qualifying under U.S. and Canadian family leave laws, or on vacation, retirees more than 25 miles (40km) away from their residence on election day, or on official I.A.M. business approved by the Local Lodge or District Lodge or Grand Lodge, or on an employer travel assignment, or reserve military leave, as the case may be, shall be furnished absentee ballots. Members applying for an absentee ballot on the basis of residing in an outlying district more than 25 miles from the designated balloting place, shall have their eligibility to vote by absentee ballot determined by the Recording Secretary and the Secretary Treasurer before the ballot is mailed. Members found not to be eligible to vote by absentee ballot will be so notified within 10 days of the receipt of their application.

Having read and understood the Article and Section above, I request an Absentee Ballot for this

Election because:

______I live more than 25 miles (40 km) from the place of balloting

______ I am a retiree who will be more than 25 miles (40 km) from my residence on election day

______ I will be on vacation

______ Company Travel Assignment

______ Official I.A.M. Business

______ Verified Illness

To ensure that your Absentee Ballot is received without delay, please PRINT all the information requested and forward by Canada Post or HAND DELIVERED by the REQUESTEE to the Recording Secretary of the Local Lodge.

ALL AREAS MUST BE COMPLETED

Name __________________________    Union Card No.____________________

Home Address___________________________________________________

Postal Code ___________       Work Location__________________________

Signature __________________________

The Absentee Ballot should be addressed to:     Recording Secretary

                                                                                     1200 Walsh Street W

                                                                       Thunder Bay, ON P7E 4X4

* Absentee Ballot Request forms must be received 15 days prior to the Election.

LL1120 members at Dominion Motors in Thunder Bay ratify new contract

06 September, 2023 – Although negotiations didn’t start well, Local Lodge 1120 in Thunder Bay, Ontario managed to negotiate improvements to their collective bargaining agreement. The vote, held on 06 September, 2023, was ratified by 90% of the membership.

The Company’s only offer was an increase in wages and pensions over 5 years with no retro-activity on the pension contributions. The Bargaining Committee, consisting of Ron Paquette and Glenn Buchanan, Directing Business Representative for IAM Local Lodge 1120, rejected the offer. The company told the union to file for conciliation as that would be the only offer. 

Local 1120 then held a strike vote to gauge the conviction of the membership. Upon learning of the results of the strike vote (100% in favour) and the looming conciliation the company requested to return to the table.

The results were very positive with an 11.5% increase in wages and pension over 3 years with full retro-activity to March 1, 2023. Members also negotiated a $150 per year tax-free boot allowance, as well as doubling eye care coverage to $400 every two years.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was added as a paid floater per year until it becomes a provincial statutory holiday.

Dominion Motors is a full-service GMC auto dealer providing mechanical servicing, collision repair, parts sales and installation to residents in the Thunder Bay area. There are 24 members working there.

Glenn Buchanan


Local Lodge 1120 members in Badanai Motors (Chevrolet) ratify new contract

15 August, 2023 – Aug 15/2023 the membership at Badanai Motors (Chevrolet) in Thunder Bay ratified a renewed 3-year contract with full retroactive pay for wages and pension back to March 1, 2023. Members bargained for, and received an 11% increase for wages and pension over the 3-year life of the contract.

New to the contract was a $250 per year tax-free boot allowance per member. The Negotiating Committee also succeeded in increasing eye care coverage to $600 every two years!

“Additionally, and importantly, members negotiated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) as a yearly paid floater day,” said Glenn Buchanan, Directing Business Representative for IAM Local Lodge 1120. “This was a very important item for the membership, the community and myself. I negotiated 6 contracts over the summer and made sure everyone received this day.”

The new agreement was accepted with a 75% approval.

Badanai Motors is a full-service automotive dealer with 23 members, including mechanics, body men, shipping and receiving, parts, and general helpers.

Glenn Buchanan
Directing Business Representative & Organizer

Local Lodge 1120 Ratifies Contract with Mascarin Collision Centre in Thunder Bay

[Thunder Bay, ON] – Local Lodge 1120 is pleased to announce the successful ratification of a renewed contract with Mascarin Collision Centre, an auto collision repair and painting facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario

The contract, which was officially ratified on 11 July, 2023, covers 12 dedicated members and spans a three-year term from 1 March, 2023, to 28 February, 2026. The agreement encompasses essential aspects, including wages, pensions, and benefits.

Members received 4%, 3% and 3% increases in wages and pension in the three years of the contract, with full retro-activity to 1 March, 2023.

Additionally, the contract includes the enhancement of employee benefits:

  • Boot Allowance increased to $175 per year.
  • Tool replacement and purchase allowance of $200 per year.
  • Introduction of Truth and Reconciliation Day (30 September) as a paid floater day per year.

The bargaining committee, comprised of Teuvo Pehkonen and Glenn Buchanan, Directing Business Representative for Local Lodge 1120, worked diligently to negotiate these favorable terms. An overwhelming majority, 92%, voted in favor of accepting the renewed contract.

Local Lodge 1120 expresses its gratitude to the membership for their solidarity and support in reaching this agreement. This achievement reflects the commitment to fair compensation and improved working conditions for the dedicated members of the lodge.

The IAM represents workers at seven auto dealerships in Thunder Bay. They are among more than 1,500 members at auto and truck dealerships on Vancouver Island, the lower mainland of British Columbia, Edmonton, Calgary, Fort Frances, Sault Ste. Marie, Markham, Toronto, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Glenn Buchanan
gbuchanan@iamaw.org

IAM Local Lodge 1120 Celebrates Successful Contract Renewal for Members at Half-Way Motors Mazda

Thunder Bay, ON, September 2023 — IAM Local Lodge 1120 in Thunder Bay is pleased to announce the ratification of a renewed contract for our members at Half-Way Motors Mazda. The agreement, ratified on June 21, 2023, represents a significant milestone in securing fair wages and benefits for our members.

The renewed contract spans a three-year term, effective from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026, and focuses on enhancing wages and benefits. Year one will see a substantial 7% wage increase, followed by 5% increments in both the second and third years. Importantly, pension contributions will remain unchanged during the contract term, ensuring financial security for our members.

In a meaningful step towards recognizing the importance of Truth & Reconciliation Day (September 30), our members will now enjoy this day as a paid floater day each year. Additionally, a boot allowance of $200 per year has been introduced to prioritize the safety and well-being of our members.

We are proud to report that this renewal received unanimous support from our membership, with a 100% acceptance rate, emphasizing the strength and unity within our union.

IAM Local Lodge 1120 remains committed to championing the rights and well-being of our members. This contract renewal is a testament to our dedication to fair compensation, job security, and the continued support of our members at Half-Way Motors Mazda.

The IAM represents workers at seven auto dealerships in Thunder Bay. They are among more than 1,500 members at auto and truck dealerships on Vancouver Island, the lower mainland of British Columbia, Edmonton, Calgary, Fort Frances, Sault Ste. Marie, Markham, Toronto, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Glenn Buchanan
gbuchanan@iamaw.org