12 December, 2023 – IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed District 11 Business Representative Eric Rancourt as a Canadian Special Representative. The appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Rancourt, a 25-year member, joined IAM Local 712 as a fitter at Bombardier Aerospace’s Ville Saint-Laurent, Québec plant in 1998. His early union involvement included serving as a shop steward, helping to create his local’s youth committee and becoming involved with the Québec Machinists Council and the Québec Federation of Labour’s Youth Committee.
Rancourt became Local 712 Recording Secretary in 2003, a full-time shop committee person in 2004, and then served as Local 712 Vice President for nine years. In 2016, Rancourt was elected District 11 Business Representative, where he has negotiated contracts in the industrial, municipal and aerospace industries at companies such as Bombardier, Airbus, Stelia and more.
“Eric has been a long-time leader in Québec for the IAM and the entire labour movement,” said Martinez. “He has deep connections with our membership and beyond, and we look forward to his experience and skill benefitting thousands of IAM members in Canada.”
As President of the Québec Machinists council for the past 10 years, Rancourt has extensive political action and training experience. He has also served as a trainer at the Winpisinger Center for French leadership courses since 2016.
“The IAM in Canada is excited to welcome Eric into this larger role,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “Eric has always been approachable and accessible to our membership, and this new appointment will broaden his reach even further.”
Rancourt has also participated in international missions with French unions at Airbus, including three Airbus global forums with foreign unions.
“I’m determined to help build the future of the IAM by reflecting the ideology of our current members,” said Rancourt. “I can’t wait to continue the progress we’ve made as we better service our membership and grow our union.”
