Dear Sisters and Brothers,

In February 2014, the International Association of Machinists (IAM) are joining forces with United Steelworkers (USW) in presenting the first-ever Canadian Airport Screeners Conference. This historic joint conference will take place in Ottawa from February 4 to 6, 2014.

As you may know, close to 95% of all unionized Canadian screening officers are members of the IAM or USW. This provides our two unions a unique opportunity to work together on issues common to all screeners, in an industry that is very much in flux.

IAM Canadian General Vice-President Dave Ritchie and I are very excited about this opportunity to advance the interests of our members in the airport-screening sector.

As you can see from the agenda, we will be discussing many issues common to airport screeners across Canada. We will be joined by guest speakers who will help us address challenges as diverse as our relationships with our employers and this Conservative federal government, health and safety issues for screeners and ways our two unions can work together.

As part of the conference, we will participate in a ‘lobby day' of Members of Parliament. This will include special training for our members and meetings with key MPs on Parliament Hill.

This conference will be a great opportunity for our front-line airport screeners to come together to discuss our common issues and challenges and learn how to persuade government decision makers to recognize the importance of Canada's unionized airport screeners.

All USW and IAM Local Unions with airport screeners in their membership are encouraged to attend this unique and important conference. There is no limit to the number of delegates a local may send.

The USW has airport screeners in each of our three Canadian Districts. This is a great chance for these Steelworkers to meet, learn and plan together.

Please bring this conference to the attention of your co-workers within your local. Encourage those who are interested in attending. Please complete the forms and register early.

I look forward to seeing you at this exciting conference in February.

In solidarity,

Ken Neumann
USW National Director

P.S. If you have any questions regarding the conference, please contact your USW Servicing Staff Representative.