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iMail for Tuesday, November 19, 2009

Cost, Not Safety, Drives Aircraft Repair Decisions

“Since 9/11, physical security at U.S. airports has been tightened and airline employees have been required to pass stringent background checks,” said Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr., at a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection. “But allowing U.S. aircraft to be maintained overseas by unqualified and often unknown personnel creates a gaping hole in the security of our air transportation system.”

Advanced Leadership Class Hits the Road

High winds, driving rain and the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida weren’t enough to deter a bus load of Advanced Leadership participants who traveled from the Winpisinger Center in Southern Maryland to Jenkintown, PA, to support an IAM organizing drive at SPS Technologies.

U.S. Congressman Visits Midwest Territory Office

Illinois Democratic Congressman Daniel Lipinski recently visited with IAM representatives at the union’s Midwest Territory office to discuss issues of importance to Machinists in Illinois and throughout the nine-state territory. Those issues include creating jobs, health care reform, passage of the Employee Free Choice Act and the development of a national manufacturing strategy.

Ft. Stewart Members Ratify New Contract

Members of Local 2917 at Ft. Stewart, GA this week voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new three-year agreement with Lockheed Martin Readiness & Stability Operations. This 417-member unit voted 98 percent to accept the new agreement.

Machinist Named to Chair Global Forest Organization

IAM Woodworkers Department GLR William Street has become the first union official ever elected to serve as chairman of the board of directors of the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the largest forest certification organization in the world.

iMAIL for Tuesday, November 17, 2009

NMB Rule Change is Historic Opportunity for Unions

With the looming prospect of additional consolidation in the airline industry, workers at United, Continental and all carriers need to understand how a rule change proposed by National Mediation Board (NMB) would dramatically increase their chances of retaining their contracts, retirement benefits and seniority rights.

Trumka Puts Spotlight on JOBS

Echoing the IAM’s months-long JOBS Now! campaign, AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka and a coalition of labor and civil rights leaders today announced they will push the White House and Congress for urgent action to address the ongoing jobs crisis.

IAM Makes the Case for Airline Regulation

In remarks delivered at a forum convened by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. reaffirmed the IAM’s long-standing position that today’s airline industry is a casualty of lax regulation and failed market policies that have sucked the life out of a once proud, efficient and stable industry.

How the GOP Brought Death Panels to Life

With the health care debate still sagging under the weight of rumors, misunderstandings and outright lies, it is worth examining how the most egregious distortion got its start.

Alabama Local 2766 Committee Completes Training

In preparation for bargaining a new agreement with Boeing in Huntsville, AL, three members of the negotiating committee from Local 2766 in Huntsville, AL, completed an intense week of training during the Negotiation Preparation for Bargaining Committees Class at the William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center in Hollywood, MD.

Hoffman Named Midwest Territory AA

Midwest Territory GVP Philip J. Gruber this week named Grand Lodge Representative Rod Hoffman to become his Administrative Assistant (AA) when current AA Roger Nauyalis retires on January 1, 2010.

iMAIL for Thursday, November 12, 2009

Washington Wakes Up to Jobs Crisis

It appears last week’s sobering unemployment numbers have finally jolted lawmakers in Washington to the reality of the nation’s ongoing jobs crisis.

Court Rules for Connecticut AG in Pratt Jobs Fight

The battle to save more than 1,000 jobs at two Pratt & Whitney plants in Connecticut took a favorable turn this week when a federal judge ruled state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal can join an IAM effort to block the company from moving about 1,000 Connecticut jobs out of state and overseas.

Service Contract Workers in Nevada Vote IAM

The Western Territory scored an important organizing victory recently with an election that drew overwhelming support from more than 200 workers employed by Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) of Indian Springs, Nevada. The win gives the CSC workers the opportunity to bargain for raises under Service Contract Act guidelines, which cover employees working for employers holding contracts with the federal government.

Susan Grundmann Confirmed as MSPB Chair

The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Susan Tsui Grundmann to serve as Chairwoman of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

Nebraska Rail Local Celebrates 110th Anniversary

Local 180 in North Platte, Nebraska, one of the oldest lodges in the IAM, is celebrating their 110th anniversary. The members work at the largest switching rail yard in the world, Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard.

iMAIL for Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Historic Health Care Legislation Clears the House

In a giant step toward providing all Americans with quality and affordable health care, the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive health insurance reform bill late Saturday night.

U.S. Jobless Rate is Worst in 26 Years

Unemployment in the U.S. climbed to the highest rate since April 1983, prompting IAM President Tom Buffenbarger to liken the crisis to ‘Midnight in America.’

Just in Time for Veterans Day

As the nation prepares for a day of remembrance and celebration of the men and women who risk their lives in service to our country, lawmakers approved new legislation providing predictable health care funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

IAM Talks Tech Careers with Maryland Students

Instructors and staff from the William Winpisinger Center showcased high-tech union careers at the 2nd annual Youth In Technology Summit, held October 31, 2009, in La Plata, MD.

Machinists Expand Membership at Toronto Airport

Two hundred employees of Toronto Ground Airport Services are the newest members of Local 2323 in Malton, ON, following a hard-fought organizing win.

Renowned Economist Offers Recession Prescription

With more than 31 million Americans still facing rising unemployment, poverty and foreclosures, PBS host Bill Moyers interviewed renowned economist James Galbraith, professor of economics at the University of Texas, about how to get the U.S. out of the current economic crisis.

iMAIL for Thursday, November 5, 2009

Crunch Time for Health Care Reform

It’s third and goal to go as the U.S. Congress gets ready to vote within days on historic legislation that will reshape the health care industry in the United States. With health care premiums growing at three times the rate of wages and 14,000 Americans losing their health insurance every day, now is time to act.

Federal Employees to Receive Retirement Credit

Included in the recent legislation that repealed the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) was a little noticed but extremely important provision extending credit for accrued sick leave to federal workers enrolled in the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).

Indiana Machinists Featured on Extreme Makeover

When the popular ABC-TV show ‘Extreme Makeover’ chose the Cowan-Brown family in Miami County, IN, for the program, IAM members of Local 2069 stepped in to help.

Stimulus Program Shows Initial Results

The $787 stimulus package passed earlier this year is being credited with creating or saving over 640,000 jobs, most in education and construction. A great start, says IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger, but far from the kind of recovery American families are in need of now.

Lounsbury Machinists Ink New Deal with Chevy Dealer

Members of Local 2418 in Newcastle, New Brunswick, have ratified a new collective agreement with Lounsbury Chevrolet. The three-year agreement provides wage increases of two per cent in the first year retroactive to September 1, 2009 and two six-month increases of one per cent in each of the remaining two years.

iMAIL for Tuesday, November 3, 2009

NMB Proposes Election Changes for Air, Rail Workers

The National Mediation Board (NMB) this week took the first step toward overhauling the union representation election rules for air and rail workers in the United States.

The Geography of a Recession

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 31 million people currently unemployed.

Arizona Members Ratify New Contract with Raytheon

Nearly three quarters of the membership of Local 933 in Tucson, AZ, turned out for a contract ratification vote on October 31 and approved a three-year accord with Raytheon Missile Systems by an overwhelming margin. The new agreement covers more than 1,700 workers and runs through 2012.

IAM Mourns Local 709 President Jeff Goen

The IAM and Local 709 in Marietta, GA, are mourning the untimely passing of Local Lodge President and DBR Jeff Goen, 55, who died on Oct. 30, after a brief illness.

2009 IAM Photo Contest Winners Announced

The results of the 2009 IAM Photo Contest are in!

COBRA Subsidy Set to Expire

A subsidy that paid 65 percent of COBRA premiums for unemployed workers is set to expire December 31 st – that’s if Congress fails to pass legislation to extend it.

iMAIL for Thursday, October 29, 2009

Boeing Gambles on Failed Strategy

After sucking hundreds of millions of dollars in tax incentives from the state of South Carolina, the Boeing Company this week concluded a months-long charade of indecision by announcing it will build a second 787 Dreamliner assembly line in North Charleston, South Carolina. The decision by Boeing executives is the latest move in an outsourcing strategy, which is credited for delaying the launch of the problem-plagued 787 by more than two years.

President Signs Defense Bill, NSPS Repealed

President Obama signed the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act this week, which included a provision to repeal the controversial National Security Personnel System (NSPS). The bill also contained several provisions impacting retirement benefits for the federal workforce.

Sole Survivor – The Amazing Story of Flight 349

Individuals often look back upon retirement. Retired IAM Organizer Phil Bradley, 83, recently spoke to a local newspaper about his experience 50 years ago when he was the sole survivor of an airline crash, and how he continues to honor his fellow passengers.

AFL-CIO Gears Up for Major Health Care Push

The AFL-CIO is calling for all hands on deck as House and Senate lawmakers prepare for the final stretch in health care reform.

Minnesota Rail Member Urges Support for JOBS Now!

IAM Railroad Local 112 committeeman Royce Braaten of Minneapolis, MN, is talking the talk and walking the walk in an effort to help millions of unemployed Americans get back to work.

Ambutrans Workers in Toronto Ratify First Agreement

Members of Local 1295 in Toronto, ON, who transport non-emergency ambulatory patients for Ambutrans have ratified their first collective agreement.

iMAIL for Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Senate Bows to Calls for Public Option

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he will present the Senate with a health reform bill that includes a public option, but one that allows individual states to opt-out.

Seattle Newspaper Distorts IAM Talks with Boeing

With articles and editorials worthy of a supermarket tabloid, the Seattle Times appears to be taking a lead role in the campaign to blame Boeing workers for any decision by the company to establish a new production line in South Carolina.

Lockheed Agrees to $1.4 Million Settlement over Firings

It’s no secret that companies frequently discharge workers engaged in organizing drives, confident that the time it takes to resolve an Unfair Labor Charge (ULP) will far exceed a worker’s resolve and financial ability to keep fighting.

IAM Mourns Service Contract Pioneer Roger Kendrick

Retired District 166 Directing Business Representative Roger Kendrick passed away on October 22, 2009, at his home in Titusville, FL, after a short illness. Kendrick, 70, was an IAM member for 34 years, and retired in 2000 after a 23-year career as DBR in District 166 in Florida.

Biden and Carnahan Meet with Missouri Machinists

Midwest Territory GVP Philip J. Gruber recently met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan at an event in St. Louis, MO.

On November 3, Make History in New Jersey

In just one week, on November 3, union members in the Garden State will have an opportunity to cast ballots for candidates and issues that will affect them for years to come. In an effort to educate members about the issues and how workers will be impacted, the New Jersey State AFL-CIO is holding a series of Election Day rallies on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.

Special Edition iMAIL for Friday, October 23, 2009

Act Now for Public Option

This is an urgent call to action to ensure the House passes health reform with the most robust public option possible.

iMail for Thursday, October 22, 2009

Support Grows for Public Option

A new Washington Post-ABC News survey on health care reform shows support for the public option is rising.

Scardelletti Testifies for High Speed Rail Workers

The merits and challenges of high speed rail service in the United States were debated recently at a House committee hearing in Washington D.C., where visitors frequently filled the hearing room to capacity.

IAM Retirees Demand Real Health Care Reform

Dozens of IAM retirees marched on Capitol Hill last week, calling for health care reform that includes a robust public option without a tax on benefits.

Mass Layoffs Impact 248,000 in September

New jobs numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor show employers took 2,561 mass layoff actions involving 248,006 workers during the month of September ...

Register Now for Advanced Federal Program

Seats are still available for the Federal Employees ‘Advanced Federal Program’ to be held December 6-11, 2009, at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, but lodges interested in participating must act quickly.

iMail for Tuesday, October 20, 2009

IAM President Addresses Business Aviation Convention

IAM President Tom Buffenbarger highlighted the importance of the nation’s business aviation industry in an address to the 62^nd Annual Convention of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

The Twisted Saga of Mercury Marine

When the nominations for the 2009 Corporate Hall of Shame are unveiled, it should come as no surprise to see Mercury Marine and parent company Brunswick Corporation leading a very crowded pack.

CLUW Convention Elects New Leadership

The Coalition of Labor Union Women’s (CLUW) 15th Biennial Convention concluded in Los Angeles, CA, after four days of collaborating on ways to strengthen the labor movement and nurture future female union leaders.

IAM Dedicates Memorial to Anna Samick

Friends, family and co-workers gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center to dedicate a memorial to Anna Samick, the first female business representative to teach at the Center and one of the IAM’s pioneering female union leaders.

Connecticut AG Battles Pratt & Whitney over Job Cuts

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is fighting back against claims by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) that his “friend of the court” brief in support of an IAM lawsuit against Pratt & Whitney is both partisan and unnecessary.

Rita Rogers Honored at NAACP Banquet

Rita Rogers, the first woman to hold the position of Business Representative in District 70 was honored recently by the Wichita branch of the NAACP with their Ronald A. Walters Civic Leadership Award.

iMail for Thursday, October 15, 2009

Flawed Health Care Legislation Advances in Senate

The IAM, along with 26 other unions, voiced its opposition to the Senate Finance Committee’s health care bill by sponsoring a full-page ad printed in The Washington Post, USA Today and Capitol Hill newspapers Wednesday.

A Matter of Life and Death in Canada

Among the biggest lies circulating in the current health care debate is the gross distortion of universal health care in Canada, which has provided free health care for all citizens since 1961.

NMB Considers Changes for Air, Rail Elections

In what would be a dramatic improvement to the rules governing union elections for airline and railroad employees, the National Mediation Board (NMB) is weighing a request from the AFL-CIO to allow representational elections to be decided by a majority of workers who cast ballots.

Report: Hydro Power Could Generate 700,000 Jobs by 2025

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell joined IAM representatives and members of Local 1400 at Voith Hydro in York, PA, to unveil a report intended to steer the U.S. towards the creation of 700,000 family-supporting jobs by 2025.

CLUW Chapter Honors Linda Henderson

Virginia State Council of Machinists Secretary-Treasurer and Local 2531 member Linda Henderson received the 2009 “Woman of the Year” award from the Western Virginia chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).

iMail for Tuesday, October 13, 2009

GOP Delays Unemployment Extension

More than 400,000 Americans exhausted their unemployment benefits on October 1, 2009. That number is expected to reach over a million by the end of the year. Still, a small minority of Republican Senators are playing politics with a compromise bill that would extend benefits for those individuals and their families.

Workers Celebrate Demise of Bush-era NSPS

“This is a great triumph for all federal workers,” said IAM Government Employees Department Director Frank Carelli, following news that congressional conferees removed the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) from the 2010 DOD Authorization bill.

Check Out IAM on Facebook, Twitter

The IAM is now on social network sites Facebook and Twitter. Join our pages to receive news and updates important to working families.

AFL-CIO Leaders Endorse Boeing Tanker Bid

Boeing's bid for the Air Force's $35 billion aerial refueling tanker contract is the clear choice for investing in American workers, skills, security and future, according to the presidents of 10 AFL-CIO state federations in a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates. “Given the current state of the U.S. economy, taxpayer dollars shouldn't be funding the economic growth of European countries.

Connecticut Lawmakers Help Preserve 3,000 Jobs

IAM District 26 took time out from their non-stop battle to save Connecticut aerospace jobs to deliver a public “thank you” to the Connecticut congressional delegation for their help defeating legislation that would have cost up to 3,000 jobs.

Mexico Seizes Power Utility, Replaces 40,000 Workers

Up to 100,000 workers and supporters are expected at a mass demonstration this week in Mexico City to protest a decision by Mexican President Felipe Calderón to seize control of Luz Y Fuerza, the publicly-owned electric utility. Calderón also ordered the firing of all employees, dissolved their union and replaced them with workers brought in from another utility.

iMail for Thursday, October 8, 2009

New Survey Confirms Need for JOBS Now!

The pain of the unemployment axe continues as new numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor show employers cut 263,000 jobs last month. The unemployment rate now stands at 9.8 percent, a 26-year high. The rate would have been much higher had 571,000 people – frustrated over not being able to find a job – not dropped out the labor force last month.

Cordone Re-Elected to DNC Senior Caucus

IAM Community Services and Retirees Director Maria Cordone was re-elected as Executive Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee Seniors Coordinating Council during the recent fall meeting of the 2009 Democratic National Committee in Austin, TX.

IAM Members on the Road to a College Degree

IAM members continue to be a big part of the college degree program at the AFL-CIO National Labor College (NLC). Out of 36 students attending the Senior Block study this year, eight are IAM members. And out of the seven women in the group, five are Machinists.

iMail for Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Media Shifts Focus to Jobs Crisis

The need for jobs and our nation’s leaders to address the growing unemployment crisis head-on, without further delay, has dominated headlines in The New York Times in recent days.

U.S. Senate Funds C-17 Program, Saves 30,000 Jobs

Thirty-thousand workers across America, including thousands of IAM members, are thankful that a bipartisan group of senators approved the continued funding of the C-17 Globemaster cargo plane.

Daimler To Stay in Portland

More than 600 union jobs, including 425 IAM workers of Local 1005, are off the chopping block at Daimler Trucks NA in Portland, OR.

The company reversed plans to close its truck manufacturing plant after signing a new contract with the U.S. Army. Daimler said it would keep the facility open to produce Western Star trucks and military vehicles.

Machinists Approve Bombardier Learjet Contract

Workers of Local Lodge 639 at Bombardier Learjet in Wichita, KS, ratified a three-year agreement by a 95 percent vote.

The agreement calls for yearly raises and a 14 percent immediate increase in the pension plan. The company and the Union entered into a partnership agreement to explore ways to hold the line on health care, leaving the cost of one plan unchanged and the other with modest increases.

Connecticut Hamilton Sundstrand Workers Gearing Up for Negotiations

As part of getting ready for upcoming contract negotiations at Hamilton Sundstrand in Windsor Locks, CT, the Local 743 Bargaining Committee attended a week-long Negotiations Preparations session at the Winpisinger Center for training that included Communications and Member Mobilization, Strategic Planning, Law and Collective Bargaining, Bargaining Strategies, Contract Costing, Power Analysis, Drafting Contract Language and Presenting Proposals.

iMail for Thursday, October 1, 2009

Senate Committee Votes Down Public Option for Health Care

Senate lawmakers voted down two amendments this week to include a public option in a bill that would reform our nation’s health care system.

Communications Conference Honors Award Winners

Winners of the 2009 IAM Newsletter and Website Contest, Kalaski Award and Kourpias Award were honored at a special ceremony at the 2009 Communications Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.

G.E. Ignored Offers to Save Albuquerque Engine Plant

The IAM this week accused General Electric Aviation with failing to seriously consider viable proposals that would have preserved the G.E. Aviation facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Despite a legal obligation to weigh alternatives, it is clear the decision by G.E. to close this plant was made long ago,” said Ernest “Red” Dow, Local 794 President and Directing Business Representative. “G.E never expressed the slightest interest in proposals or possible partnerships that could have kept this facility open and operating in Albuquerque.”

Toronto Machinists Ratify First Agreement at Blok Loc

Members of Local 235 in Toronto, ON, have ratified their first collective agreement with Blok Loc Limited, a manufacturer of metal inserts for concrete blocks used in home and commercial construction.

Escape to the Wild Offers NASCAR Weekend

One lucky member of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and a guest will win a weekend of NASCAR racing at the Texas Motor Speedway in November, compliments of the USA and Beretta.

Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009

The IAM is joining the Workforce Alliance to help pass the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, HR 3221. This legislation will provide community colleges and the broader workforce development system with the necessary resources to provide much-needed job training and related services to millions of U.S. workers.

iMail for Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Winpisinger Charity Event for GDA to be Held November 21

The 29th Annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet will be held in Las Vegas, NV, on November 21, 2009 at Bally's Las Vegas Hotel.

What Recovery? Mass Layoffs Still Rising

Despite politically motivated claims that the recession is over, new data from the Department of Labor shows some 259,307 newly laid-off workers – not to mention the 30 million already unemployed – would beg to differ.

Help Save 30,000 Jobs, Support C-17 Funding

Over 30,000 good-paying jobs across the United States are in jeopardy if funding for the production of the C-17 Globemaster III is discontinued.

GoIAM 3.0 Launches at Communications Conference

The 2009 IAM Communications Conference kicked off this week with the theme “The New Cutting Edge.”

Delegates from across the U.S. and Canada met in Vancouver, British Columbia, to discuss the union’s strategy for staying on the forefront of 21st century communications.

Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009

iMail for Thursday, September 24, 2009

Executive Pay Cuts Could Save Connecticut Jobs

After battling for months with Pratt & Whitney over ways to save more than 1,000 jobs at two facilities in Connecticut, the IAM welcomed a suggestion by Connecticut Treasurer Denise Nappier to cut executive pay as a means to keep Pratt’s Cheshire and East Hartford operations open.

U.S. House Passes Extended Unemployment Benefits

With job losses continuing and long-term unemployment reaching the highest level since 1948, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act (H.R. 5749) by a vote of 331-83.

G.E. Balks at Talks to Save New Mexico Jobs

In a move that underscores General Electric’s desire to close a jet engine facility in Albuquerque, NM, the company has refused thus far to extend the 60-day “meet and confer” period designed to find ways to keep the facility open. The 40-year old plant is responsible for more than 1,300 local jobs and generates more than $30 million in annual economic activity.

Minorities Bearing Recession’s Brunt

The issues of poverty and race took center stage at the 39 th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) this week.

WWW Center Holds New Class for Metal Trades Locals

IAM local lodge officers who are associated with Metal & Atomic Trades Councils recently attended a new class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center that was specially developed to provide the skills needed to take more active roles in their Councils.

iMail for Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Machinists to Sue Pratt & Whitney over Plant Closures

The IAM announced it would file a lawsuit in federal court following news this week that Pratt & Whitney (P&W) would close its Cheshire Overhaul & Repair facility and the Center for Airfoil Repair (CARO) in East Hartford, CT.

New Mexicans Supports Machinists at General Electric

Local 794 President and Directing Business Representative Ernest “Red” Dow, addresses the Albuquerque City Council in favor of a resolution calling on General Electric to preserve the G.E. Aviation plant in Albuquerque. The resolution passed unanimously.

Taxing Union Health Care Benefits?

On Sept. 16, Senator Baucus (D-MT), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, released a deeply flawed health care reform bill that fails to meet the most basic promise of health care reform, and threatens to shift more costs to employees represented by labor unions.

Kentucky ’s Ken Koch Honored for Decades of Service

Long-time IAM activist Ken Koch was presented this week with the 2010 Labor Person of the Year award by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.

Global Federations Demand Action on Jobs Crisis

As leaders from across the world prepare for the upcoming G20 summit in Pittsburgh, PA, three Global Union Federations, representing 55 million industrial workers, are calling on the economic powers to focus on the worldwide jobs crisis.

iMail for Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Obama Addresses AFL-CIO Convention

An appearance by the president of the United States before the nation’s largest labor federation would be a newsworthy event under any circumstances, but with the country facing the worst economic upheaval since the Great Depression and unions struggling to regain clout, the speech by Barack Obama to the AFL-CIO Convention in Pittsburgh was among the most closely watched of his presidency.

AFL-CIO Delegates Deliver on Diversity Pledge

Four years ago, the delegates at the 2005 AFL-CIO Convention in Chicago approved an historic resolution to bring more women, more minorities and more young people into the ranks and leadership of the 56-union labor federation.

IAM Members Get Message Out at State Fair

Airline Local 1833 set up housekeeping at the 12-day Minnesota State Fair held August 27 through Labor Day, September 7.

iMail for Thursday, Thursday September 10, 2009

Obama Delivers Ringing Appeal for Health Care Reform

Speaking before a rare joint session of Congress, President Barack Obama pressed lawmakers for an end to the “bickering” and for immediate action in passing comprehensive health care reform.

Local President Opposes Tax Breaks for Foreign Steel

Ohio Local 1943 President and Directing Business Representative Scott Rich testified this week in Washington D.C. on behalf of hundreds of IAM members employed at AK Steel in Middletown, OH.

Ohio Welcomes President’s Labor Day Remarks

President Barack Obama chose the AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic in Cincinnati, OH, to deliver remarks that included an eloquent reminder about the contributions of the American Labor Movement: “So let us never forget: much of what we take for granted...

Show Your Support – Drive a Union-Made Vehicle

For those who want to drive union-made wheels, the United Auto Workers union has released its 2010 vehicle guide. The guide provides a list of cars, trucks, pickups, vans, CUVs and SUVs made in the U.S. and Canada by UAW and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union members.

Wisconsin Member Wins ‘Trip of a Lifetime’

Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Local 655 President Pat Stashek has won a “dream hunting” expedition on the “Escape to the Wild” television show.

iMail for Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Escape to the Wild Plans Labor Day Marathon

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance joins VERSUS Country in celebrating the American worker and sportsman with the third annual Escape to the Wild Labor Day marathon, which will air on VERSUS on Sept. 7, from 8 a.m. to noon EDT.

Ivory Leathers Named to 5th Annual Labor Day List

Ivory Leather, Inc., of West Fargo, ND, has been recognized for respecting workers’ rights and for providing sustainable wages and family-friendly benefits to its employees. The garment maker was among 10 companies on American Rights at Work Education Fund’s fifth annual Labor Day List, which each year publicizes successful union and management partnerships.

IAM Members Speak Out at Health Care Meeting

IAM members were part of the large crowd of almost 1,500 people who showed up for a nationally televised town hall meeting on health care reform sponsored by House Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Hoyer’s 5th Congressional District covers much of Southern Maryland and includes the IAM’s Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.

iMail for Thursday, September 1st, 2009

G.E. is MIA in Albuquerque Jet Plant Talks

The IAM today sharply criticized General Electric (GE) Aviation in Albuquerque, NM, for refusing to jointly meet with state officials over a planned shutdown that could cost more than 1,300 jobs and $30 million in economic activity.

Georgia Workers Vote to Join IAM

Seeking better wages, benefits, improved work schedules and equitable duty rotation, 29 workers employed at Lockheed Martin and 38 workers employed at Fed Services Inc. at Ft. Stewart, Hinesville, GA, voted by over 90 percent to join the IAM.

Pratt Workers Continue Fight to Save Jobs

Hundreds of Pratt & Whitney workers in Connecticut marched from Local 1746 in East Hartford, CT, to nearby Pratt & Whitney headquarters, for a ‘Keep Jobs in Connecticut’ rally and to urge management to reconsider their plan to close the Cheshire overhaul facility and an airfoil repair work center.

Trumka: Higher Wages Key to Economic Recovery

In a recent speech at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka said there have been two economies operating in the United States for years: the real economy and the financial economy. The financial economy allowed for a small minority to get ahead, while those in the real economy were left holding the bag.

Spanish Educational Materials Now Available

Thanks to the hard work and efforts of the Spanish Working Group, a wide variety of educational materials like the Handy Guide to a Well Conducted Meeting and the IAM Ritual are now available in Spanish. As a result of developing the Leadership I and Leadership II programs in Spanish, the Winpisinger Center is pleased to provide a list of materials that can be used by Educators, Communicators and Local Lodge activists. Materials will be added to the list as they become available with the pilot of the Advanced Leadership program in Spanish in 2010.

Materiales Educativos Españoles Ahora Disponibles

Gracias al trabajo y los esfuerzos del Grupo de programación en Español, una variedad de materiales educacionales como el Gu í a práctico para una asamblea sindical y el Ritual de la IAM están disponibles en Español. Como resultado de los programas de Liderazgo I y II en Español, el Centro Winpisinger puede ahora ofrecer una lista de materiales para Educadores, Comunicadores, y Activistas de la Logia Local. Añadiremos materiales a la lista después del programa piloto de 2010 de Liderazgo Avanzado en Español.

iMail for August 31st, 2009

Labor Department Gets Its Groove Back

After decades of non-enforcement, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis has begun hiring new investigators to begin cracking down on employers who use illegal labor tactics.

IAM Remembers Senator Edward M. Kennedy

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers lost a valiant friend and fierce ally. Edward M. Kennedy was a champion of working families during his 47-year career in the United States Senate. His fingerprints can be found on virtually every piece of legislation that became law involving health, education, labor, tax, budget and the armed forces.

government employees

NMB Rule Change is Historic Opportunity for Unions

Tue. November 17, 2009

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Trumka Puts Spotlight on JOBS

Tue. November 17, 2009

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jobs now,
jobs