IAM International President Bob Martinez meets with newly chartered Local Lodge 1231 President Merry St. Bernard.

Four interim executive officers and 23 stewards attending leadership training class this week took part in a historic event by signing the new charter for IAM Local Lodge 1231 at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD. The newly chartered local is made up of more than 2,400 home healthcare workers employed by Spectrum Healthcare.

IAM International President Bob Martinez, General Secretary Treasurer Dora Cervantes, IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall and IAM Grand Lodge Representatives Ralph Martin and Scott Jackson witnessed the signing.

IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes observes as Stewards sign the charter for the newly formed Local Lodge 1231.

Martinez also took the opportunity to administer the Oath of Office to the new interim executive officers of Local Lodge 1231 and all of the Stewards attending this week.

“It is a rare occasion to charter a lodge this large, and watch our founding members sign a charter that will be in place forever,” said Martinez. “By joining the IAM you’re taking a big step toward a better life.”

“We are pleased and privileged to have these new members at our training center,” said Pickthall. “They’re here to learn how to do their best to represent their membership and our training center provides the best Union education in the world.”

IAM Canada General Vice President Stan Pickthall congratulates one of the new Stewards of IAM Local 1231.

Health care workers at Spectrum include more than 2,000 Personal Support Workers and 400 Registered Nurses were organized by the IAM in March of this year. They provide home health care across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).