Pyne Appointed Canadian Representative to Education

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Matt Pyne from Local 1763 as a Representative assigned to Education, effective October 1, 2021.

“I am proud to assign Matt to the education portfolio,” said Martinez. “It is essential that we have an instructor with knowledge of Canadian labour laws, healthcare system, and labour regulations so that our Canadian sisters and brothers receive the best training possible. Matt’s knowledge and experience will be put to immediate use to the benefit of our membership. I couldn’t be more impressed with Matt’s hard work and leadership experience coming up through the ranks of the union.”

Pyne has an excellent grounding in the IAM’s education programmes, having previously attended the IAM’s Winpisinger Center Leadership programs and participated in Health & Safety and Canadian Political Action Committee conferences as well. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Labor Studies from UMass Amherst, and has been active in union leadership since 2009.

“Matt understands the educational needs of our membership because he started where many of our sisters and brothers are, took what he learned at the Winpisinger Center back home, and made a difference in his Local Lodge and workplace,” said Canadian General Vice-President, Dave Chartrand. “His familiarity with Local Lodge procedures, contract negotiations, safety and health regulations, and shop steward responsibilities will allow him to make an immediate and positive impact on our member participants.”

Pyne resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he joined Local 1763 in 2009 and has served in a variety of positions including Young Machinists Team member and President. In addition to his work for the local, he was Health and Safety Representative at Air Canada and a nationally-selected member of the equipment assessments team, which is comprised of representatives from the IAM, Air Canada, and the Government of Canada. Matt is of Acadian heritage and also speaks French.