Unprecedented Solidarity Nets New Members for Machinists!
Montréal, QC – IAMAW Local Lodge 1660 has new members thanks to unprecedented solidarity within the Québec Federation of Labour.
In an organizing campaign lasting more than a year, 51 mechanics, machinists, millwrights, electricians and general labourers employed by the Montréal Transportation Agency, are now members of the Machinists.
“When we started this campaign we asked the QFL for organizing help,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 11 Directing Business Representative David Chartrand. “What we got was the greatest example of union solidarity I have ever witnessed. Not only did the QFL supply an organizer, but also four other unions, CEP, USW, UFCW and SEIU, all supplied us with their organizers to help close the deal. It shows you what organized labour can accomplish when we work together.”
The new group has already elected a bargaining committee and will soon begin negotiations for their first collective agreement. The new members provide maintenance, repair and overhaul of MTA trains. They will work at the new major overhaul centre currently under construction in Cote St.-Luc in Montréal. The new overhaul centre serves MTA trains providing commuter service to the South Shore, West Island and Laurentian districts of Montréal.
In an organizing campaign lasting more than a year, 51 mechanics, machinists, millwrights, electricians and general labourers employed by the Montréal Transportation Agency, are now members of the Machinists.
“When we started this campaign we asked the QFL for organizing help,” explained IAMAW District Lodge 11 Directing Business Representative David Chartrand. “What we got was the greatest example of union solidarity I have ever witnessed. Not only did the QFL supply an organizer, but also four other unions, CEP, USW, UFCW and SEIU, all supplied us with their organizers to help close the deal. It shows you what organized labour can accomplish when we work together.”
The new group has already elected a bargaining committee and will soon begin negotiations for their first collective agreement. The new members provide maintenance, repair and overhaul of MTA trains. They will work at the new major overhaul centre currently under construction in Cote St.-Luc in Montréal. The new overhaul centre serves MTA trains providing commuter service to the South Shore, West Island and Laurentian districts of Montréal.
