NOTICE IAM MEMBERSHIP HEAT WARNING AND LEGAL RIGHT TO TAKE COOL DOWN BREAKS
JULY 9, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
As we push through another hot summer here in 2025, we want to remind you that your safety always comes first. With rising temperatures continuing to impact our workplaces, it’s important to know your rights and take the necessary steps to protect your health. Heat exhaustion is a serious issue, and no member should ever hesitate to take action if they’re feeling unwell due to the heat. If you’re experiencing signs of heat exhaustion, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, or excessive sweating, you have every right under the law to stop working immediately and take a break to cool down. There is no job or task more important than your health.
You must notify management and manpower if you need to step away. Taking a break to cool down is not just allowed, it’s your legal right. You should never feel pressured, or fearful about making that call. Your well-being isn’t negotiable.
We’ve been hearing growing concerns from members who feel uneasy about taking cool-down breaks, worried about how it might be perceived by coworkers or management. Let us say this loud and clear: you have the right to protect yourself, and no one has the right to make you feel otherwise. If you run into any trouble, or if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable for putting your safety first, contact your Union rep or health and safety representative immediately.
If conditions feel unsafe, let management and manpower know, and contact your health and safety rep or your Union team. We’re here to back you up. Let’s work together to ensure a safe summer for all of us.
In solidarity,
Mahmoud Khatib
General Chairperson
IAM – District 140
C: 416-897-8140
Sean Wilson
Health and Safety
Airports Co-chair
La’Koya Brown
Health and Safety
Cabins Co-chair
Michelle McDonnell
Health and Safety
Cargo Co-chair
