IAM District 78 delegates help shatter another glass ceiling

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9 March, 2023
For immediate release

Toronto, ON – International Women’s Day was celebrated in a special way at IAM District 78 last night. On 9 March, in the offices of the IAM District Lodge 78, history was made. Vivianne Simon, a member of IAM Local 1295, was acclaimed to the position of Business Representative (BR), becoming the first woman of colour to hold this position in Canada and only the second woman at District 78 to becoming a servicing representative.

Historical events have always been noted, talked about and even taught to future generations to come, but to have the privilege of witnessing an event like this in person is something most members rarely get to experience.

More than 20 delegates, visitors, staff, executive and retirees attended the event. Eight locals from different parts of Ontario were represented.

“I want to thank all staff at the District, God, family and friends for their help and support. I couldn’t have done this without them. I know I have much to learn, but I also know my colleagues will support me all the way,” said Simon after she was acclaimed to the position. “I personally want to thank Kim Valliere, the first-ever female Business Representative at DL78 for her mentorship/femtorship,” she added.

“We are so happy that Vivianne has joined our team,” said Eric Johnston, Directing Business Representative of District 78. “Vivianne has been actively involved in her local and the district for some time now as we are all glad she stepped forward at this crucial time. We look forward to working together and continuing to represent our members.”

Chartered in 1953, District 78 represents a variety of job classifications in many sectors throughout Ontario.

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For more information:
Eric Johnston, IAM DL78 DBR
ejohnston@iamdl78.org

Frank Saptel
IAM Canada Communications
fsaptel@iamaw.org

LABOUR SUPPORTS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

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Courtesy of North Bay Labour Council

Every year the North Bay and District Labour Council gives back to the community. Our Labour Day Picnic is a good example. This year, however, due to the pandemic Labour Council executives and affiliate members decided to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District. On October 6th, Henri Giroux presented a cheque for $12,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters President, Mike Bissett.

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CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

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Courtesy of Ontario Federation Of Labour

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Get your pins and posters in solidarity and sisterhood!

About the Project:

For more than a decade, the OFL’s March 8 Project has been supporting women’s organizations across Ontario as they rise, resist, and organize for equity across our province.

In 2023, as the project enters its 13th year, we are honouring this work with the theme: “WOMEN POWER UNIONS.“

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DEMAND 10 PAID SICK DAYS

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Courtsey of Ontario Federation of Labour

As the tripledemic of COVID-19, flu, and RSV are peaking simultaneously, workers are still being forced to choose between staying home when they’re sick, and making ends meet. A lack of permanent, adequate paid sick leave increases community transmission and strain on our health care systems.

The best way to ensure safe and healthy workplaces is to provide universal, adequate, and permanent paid sick days. That means 10 permanent, employer-paid sick days.

Working when sick isn’t “working for workers.” It’s time for Ford’s Conservative government to finally heed the longstanding advice of health experts and workers’ advocates. It’s time to implement 10 permanent, employer-paid sick days NOW!

Tell Monte McNaughton and Doug Ford we need 10 paid sick days.