GOP War on Unions Energizes IAM Legislative Activists

Hundreds of IAM members and activists gathered in Washington, DC, this week for the 2012 Legislative Conference.

May 2012 IAM Journal Available Now

The May 2012 IAM Journal is now available on the IAM App. Digital issues of the Journal are published each month.

Eldridge Named to Hawker Beechcraft Creditors Committee

The judge overseeing Hawker Beechcraft’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case has approved the appointment of IAM Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge to sit on the official committee of unsecured creditors.  The role of the committee is to represent the interests of Hawker Beechcraft’s unsecured creditors like the IAM, and as a member of the committee, Eldridge will be a key part of the team defending the interests of all employees in the IAM bargaining unit at Hawker Beechcraft.

IAM Members Picket Lockheed World Headquarters

The IAM strike at Lockheed Martin facilities in Maryland, Texas and California grew this week to include an early morning picket line outside the defense contractors’ Washington, D.C. headquarters.

Senate Passes Ex-Im Bank Reauthorization

Despite a fierce campaign by anti-government extremists, the U.S. Senate this week passed legislation to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank through 2014. The Senate vote follows approval in the House of Representatives for the same bill, which now goes to the White House for President Obama’s signature.

Spanish Leadership Class Grows in Size, Popularity

The Winpisinger Center hosted its largest ever Leadership I class last week for a group of Spanish-speaking IAM members from all territories in addition to three international members of USTAC/Guatemala.

El Centro de Winpisinger organizó su mayor clase de Liderazgo I en Español hasta la fecha la semana pasada.

District 776 Members at Lockheed Speak Out

“Our forefathers fought for this pension plan. They fought for our insurance. They fought for our wages. Everything we have today is because of them,” says District 776 member Pauline Ramos in ‘Ain’t No Way,’ a new IAM video about the strike at Lockheed Martin.

Solidarity Rally for Machinists at Caterpillar

Hundreds of IAM members gathered under clear skies in Joliet, IL to hear lawmakers, candidates and national union leaders express support for members of Local 851, District 8, who are in the third week of a strike against Caterpillar, Inc.

Georgia Lawmaker Draws Rebuke for ‘Shameful’ Proposal

The GOP campaign to roll back voting rights for minority voters reached a new low this past week with a proposal by Tea Party favorite Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) to cut off funds for enforcement of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.

JP Morgan $2Billion Loss Proves Need for Wall St. Regulation

If the recent attempt to gut the 1965 Voting Rights Act was a reminder that eternal vigilance is indeed the price of liberty, then the $2 billion trading loss by J.P Morgan is an equally painful reminder that we can ill afford to heed the calls for less regulation by the nation’s top bankers.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for IAM Convention

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada.

Local Support Buoys Lockheed Strikers in Maryland

IAM members at the William W. Winpisinger Center this month are earning some real world extra credit in addition to classes, workshops and homework assignments. Students at the Center have been walking picket lines, and providing support for members of District 776 on strike against Lockheed Martin at nearby PAX River Naval Air Station (NAS).

May 11 is Deadline for Newsletter, Website Photo Entries

Friday, May 11, 2012, is the deadline to enter the 2012 IAM Newsletter and Website Contest and the 2012 IAM Photo Contest.

Barrett to Face Walker in Historic Wisconsin Recall Vote

The stage is set for an historic and long-anticipated recall election of anti-union Governor Scott Walker (R) in Wisconsin.

Walmart: Too Big to Obey the Law?

In an op-ed published on The Huffington Post, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka asks “Is Wal-Mart Too Big, Powerful, Influential to Obey the Law?,” following a New York Times article revealing "credible evidence that bribery played a persistent and significant role in Wal-Mart’s rapid growth in Mexico."

Ryan Budget Proposal Targets Food Stamps

The House-approved Ryan Budget aims to slash $33 billion in food stamp funding – at a time when Americans need them most.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to tell Congress to vote “No” on the House plan to cut and restructure food stamps today.

Talks Begin for New Contract at Bath Iron Works

International President Tom Buffenbarger and Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. joined District 4 and the Local S6 Negotiating Committee this week in Freeport, ME, for the opening round of contract talks with Bath Iron Works (BIW). The current IAM contract with BIW expires on May 20 and covers approximately 3,100 fitters, welders, painters, mechanics, electricians and others.

Right Wing Fails to Kill Export-Import Bank

Despite an aggressive misinformation campaign by anti-government zealots at the Club for Growth and Heritage Action, legislation to reauthorize U.S. Export-Import Bank appears headed for passage in the normally fractious U.S. House of Representatives.

Media Myths Threaten Social Security

The biggest danger to Social Security is not a shortage of funds to pay future benefits but rather the steady drumbeat from pundits and politicians who feed the media stories about how the Social Security Trust Fund is bankrupt and needs to be radically overhauled.  

TV Worth Watching: ‘Money, Power and Wall Street’

Three years after America's largest financial collapse since the Great Depression, the U.S. economy is still unsteady. While some banks received huge bailouts, countless Americans are struggling. A new four-hour documentary by PBS FRONTLINE investigates what has been done (and not done) to secure America's financial future.

Video Highlights ‘The Real Cost of Free Trade’ in Canada

A video produced by Operation Maple, an online project with a mission to “Take Back Canada,” illustrates the disastrous effects unfair trade laws and the failed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have had on the country.

District 15 Welcomes New York ‘Black Car’ Drivers

A courageous group of nearly 200 drivers employed by Town Car International in Long Island City, NY, overcame a fierce anti-union campaign to cast ballots this week for IAM representation. The new members, also known as ‘Black Car Drivers,’ gathered last summer at the Winpisinger Education & Technology Center to prepare for the fight ahead and to make plans for reaching out to nearly 10,000 Black Car Drivers across New York and New Jersey.

Babineaux Receives 2012 APRI Legacy Award

At an awards ceremony in Baltimore, MD, the president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute’s Baltimore chapter presented the group’s 2012 Legacy Award to Diane Babineaux in recognition of her decades of work for political freedom and economic justice. Babineaux, who serves as the IAM’s Chief of Staff to the International President, and also coordinates the Machinists’ myriad civil rights activities.

More Charges Loom for GOP’s ‘Mole’ at NLRB

A federal government watchdog has discovered more disturbing details in the funneling of confidential information by GOP National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Terence Flynn to groups involved in litigation and lobbying against the labor board. 

The TPP: Free Trade Run Amok

Despite an alarmingly low public profile, the latest global free trade agreement (FTA) known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) continues to make progress with advocates pressing for congressional approval by the end of the summer.

TCU Responds to GOP Attack on Railroad Retirement Benefits

TCU National President Robert Scardelletti issued a statement on the passage of the so-called Ryan Budget in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Machinists Standing Tall in Lockheed Dispute

The IAM strike to protect pensions and health care benefits at Lockheed Martin facilities in Texas, California and Maryland entered its second week with members solidly opposed to any offer from the company that pits new hires against current employees over retirement benefits.

CAT Pension Proposal Triggers Illinois Strike

A management proposal to abolish the defined benefit pension plan for IAM members of Local 851 at Caterpillar Inc., in Joliet, IL was only one reason for the overwhelming 585-37 vote to strike the heavy equipment manufacturer this week.

Workers’ Memorial Service Remembers the Fallen

Dozens of IAM members gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Center’s Workers’ Memorial in honor of the 23^rd Annual Observance of Workers’ Memorial Day.

Joint Committee Reviews Airport Safety Conditions

Members of the IAM’s Joint Air Transport Safety Committee (JASC) met this week at the Winpisinger Education Center with the goal of coordinating the ground and flight safety programs of Districts 140, 141, and 142 and to review a pair of accidents that led to the deaths of two IAM members.

Tell Congress to Take Action on WPA and CCC Acts

Congress needs to hear from working families and the unemployed on two important bills now stuck in the legislative process.

Click here to send a letter to Congress urging their support of the 21st Century WPA Act. And click here to urge their support of the 21st Century CCC Act.

Support Grows for Members Protesting DirecTV Harassment

IAM District 947 members working at DirecTV in Los Angeles, CA are engaged in an ongoing battle with their employer over unfair labor practices. It’s been more than two years since workers voted to join the IAM. After the company stalled the process through legal appeals, the National Labor Relations Board issued a final decision in December 2011 that the workers had indeed won IAM representation.

UCubed Members Say ‘Thank You’ to Jobs-Friendly Politicians

The Union of Unemployed (UCubed) launched a campaign to enable its unemployed and underemployed leaders to say “thank you” to politicians who have stood by them throughout this Great Recession.

IAM Prepares to Remember Workers’ Memorial Day

Workers’ Memorial Day, a day to remember the thousands of workers killed, injured or sickened on the job each year, is Saturday, April 28, 2012.

The IAM and Aviation High School Celebrate 10 Years of Partnership

The IAM and New York City’s Aviation High School celebrated 10 years of working together to give future aircraft maintenance technicians a unique insight into the U.S. transportation industry.

GOP Attack on NLRB Fails in Senate

With a 45 to 54 vote, a Republican-backed bill to undo a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule ensuring fair union representation elections failed in the U.S. Senate.

New Executive PayWatch Site Shows Increase in CEO Pay for Second Consecutive Year

A CEO of a company in the S&P 500 Index, on average, received $12.9 million in total compensation in 2011, according to the AFL-CIO’s new Executive PayWatch website.

Deadline Fast-Approaching for IAM Newsletter & Website Contest

Friday, May 11, 2012, is the deadline to enter the 2012 IAM Newsletter and Website Contest.

Lockheed Machinists on Strike for Health Care and Pensions

On Sunday, April 22, 2012, 3,700 Machinists at District Lodge 776 voted by an overwhelming margin to strike Lockheed Martin, and walked off the job at 12:01 AM that night. The majority work at the Ft. Worth, TX facility, where they build the F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. About 150 members each perform flight tests at Edwards AFB in California and PAX River NAS in Maryland, who are also striking.

For more information, go to www.goiamtexas.com.

IAM Balks over Secret US Airways Deals

IAM representatives from District 141 and 142 responded quickly to an announcement by US Airways that agreements were reached with the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) over terms for labor agreements in the event US Airways were to acquire American Airlines.

Tell San Francisco BART to Buy American

The Blue Green Alliance has launched a new website encouraging the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to Buy American and invest in American jobs when considering a $3 billion contract to build the next generation of BART train cars.

TAKE ACTION:  Click here to tell the San Francisco BART Board of Directors to Buy American and invest in American jobs.

April 2012 IAM Journal Ready for Download

The April 2012 IAM Journal is now available on the IAM App. Digital issues of the Journal are published each month.

Attention IAM Shutterbugs! Deadline Nears for Photo Contest

IAM shutterbugs wanting to enter the 2012 Photography Contest need to act soon. The deadline for submitting entries is Friday, May 11, 2012.

Kansas Machinists Dig Out from Tornado Damage

Several Wichita, KS aircraft plants sustained damage last week when tornadoes touched down in the area known as “Tornado Alley.” Buildings at Spirit AeroSystems sustained significant damage, while Boeing, Hawker Beechcraft and Cessna Pawnee Division were also damaged. Hourly workers at all the companies are represented by IAM District 70.

Rail Jobs Axed by Wisconsin GOP Leaders

The anti-rail agenda that first brought Wisconsin GOP Governor Scott Walker to national attention is on display again with a decision to back out of a $166 million rail maintenance contract. The move, which will trigger dozens of layoffs, follows an earlier decision by Walker to reject $810 million in federal funds for high-speed rail construction in the state.

House Approves Key Waterway Amendment

The U.S. House of Representatives this week approved language to ensure that funds designated for commercial harbor dredging and maintenance are used for that purpose and not directed toward unrelated projects. Currently, only half the $1.6 billion in taxes collected annually by the federal Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is utilized for the original intent of the fund.

Florida Auto Techs Continue to Stand United

On December 16, 2008 thirty-five committed Auto Techs voted to join IAM District 166 in Cocoa Beach, FL. Four years and more than 50 Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) complaints later, Auto Nation Mercedes Benz of Orlando finally sat down at the bargaining table on April 19, 2012.

F-35 Equals 27,000 California Jobs

A recent editorial penned by Thomas J. Brandon, describes the home field advantages for California aerospace workers who manufacture components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

IAM Urges San Francisco to Buy ‘American-Made’ Trains

In a letter to San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors, IAM President Tom Buffenbarger responded to reports that BART is considering a firm that outsources work to Mexico and China for a $3 billion contract to build 775 passenger cars.

Senate Bill Would Overhaul NLRB Voting Rules

A bill to undo a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule ensuring workers can freely and fairly exercise their right to join a union is headed for a vote in the Senate this week.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to tell your Senator to vote “no” on S.J. Resolution 36 and protect workers’ right to vote.

Machinists President at NAN Convention in Washington D.C.

Collective bargaining rights are an essential means to securing the economic equality that has been an elusive goal of the civil rights movement for decades. That was the message from IAM President Tom Buffenbarger and a panel of labor leaders at the 14th Annual National Convention of the National Action Network (NAN) in Washington D.C.

April 17 is ‘Equal Pay Day’

April 17 is Equal Pay Day, a ‘holiday’ originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996 to boost public awareness of the gap between men's and women's wages.

Plan Now for LCLAA National Convention in Orlando

The 2012 LCLAA National Convention will take place in Orlando, FL at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort on July 25 – 28, 2012, and will celebrate 40 years of service to the Latino community while serving as the launch pad to discuss the issues the labor movement and Latino working families are facing.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for IAM Convention

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. If you do not have a current passport, you should apply for, or update, your passport as soon as possible.

Workers at Port Angeles Aerospace Supplier Vote IAM

An overwhelming majority of 84 workers at Angeles Composite Technologies (ACT) in Port Angeles, WA, voted to join the IAM.

Texas, Mississippi Members Ratify New Pact with L-3 Vertex

Members of Local 18 in Meridian, MS and Local 2340 in Kingsville, TX recently ratified a new three-year accord with L-3 Vertex that features three percent annual wage increases and raises the employer contribution to the IAM National Pension Fund from $1.50 per hour to $2.00 per hour. The pension hike results in a $20 per month increase to the multiplier for the pension benefit.

Local 1681 Committee Completes Bargaining Prep Class

The Bargaining Committee from IAM Local Lodge 1681 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada are better prepared for their upcoming negotiations with Servisair thanks to a week of intensive preparations at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education Center that included simulated bargaining sessions.

Walker Repeals Wisconsin’s Equal Pay Law

The relentless anti-worker, GOP attacks on working families continues in Wisconsin as Republican lawmakers recently repealed the state’s equal pay law. Governor Scott Walker (R) quietly signed the bill last week.

Takeaways Trigger Boeing Strike in North Carolina

A sweeping series of takeaway proposals from the Boeing Company led to a unanimous strike vote by the highly-skilled members of Local 2296 in Havelock, NC. The striking Machinists maintain F15 flight simulators used for training at Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, NC.

Swimmers Rescued by Quick-Thinking Machinists

Two members of IAM Local 340 who are employed at the Port Authority Marine Division in the U.S. Virgin Islands, are being hailed as heroes for actions that saved the lives of several swimmers.

URS Negotiating Committee Completes Bargaining Prep

Members of an IAM Negotiating Committee representing more than 350 employees with defense contractor URS Federal Services Corp. at Joint Base Lewis McChord in western Washington state have completed a week of intense training at the William W. Winpisinger Center in Maryland – with the focus on moving forward toward a first contract.

Spanish Leadership Group Meets at the Winpisinger Center

Members of the Spanish Leadership Working Group met at the Winpisinger Center last week to prepare for the upcoming Spanish Leadership I and II Programs in May and June of this year.  The group met over three days to review, revise, update, and translate the curriculum materials associated with these two leadership programs.

Instructores del Liderazgo en Español se reúnen en el Centro de Winpisinger

Los miembros del Grupo de Liderazgo en Español se reunieron en el Centro de Winpisinger la semana pasada para prepararse para los próximos programas en Mayo y Junio de Liderazgo en Español I y II. El grupo se reunió durante tres días para examinar, revisar, actualizar y traducir los materiales curriculares relacionados con estos dos programas de liderazgo.

Tell Congress to Stop UI Debit Card Fees

Prepaid bank cards provide the jobless easy access to their benefits and can help those without a bank account avoid check-cashing fees and the risk of carrying cash. However, Big Banks are stinging too many unemployed Americans with unnecessary and hidden costs.

Big Victory at Spirit AeroSystems in North Carolina

The IAM racked up a huge organizing win at Spirit AeroSystems in Kinston, NC when 126 Spirit workers voted 2-1 for the IAM. The new facility, where workers build aircraft components for Airbus, could grow to more than 1,000 workers when full production ramps up.

Tell Congress to Pass the Rebuild America Act

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) has introduced new sweeping legislation to restore the U.S. economy, revitalize the middle class, put unemployed and underemployed Americans back to work and help our nation compete globally.

District 4 Committee Prepares for Bargaining with IKEA

Members of the IAM bargaining committee at the recently organized IKEA facility in Perryville, MD are preparing for upcoming negotiations on their first contract with the giant furniture company. The 400 new IAM members at the IKEA Distribution Center in Maryland receive and ship IKEA products to every IKEA store in the United States east of the Mississippi River.

MLK Assassination Anniversary Underscores Labor Fight

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 marked the 44th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was in Memphis supporting a strike by black sanitation workers when he was fatally shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.

Remembering César Chávez

IAM members across the country honored César Chávez on March 31, which would have been his 85th birthday. District Lodge 776 in Ft. Worth, TX, along with the Tarrant County chapter of LCLAA (Labor Council for Latin American Advancement), joined other labor and civil rights organizations for a parade and rally through downtown Fort Worth, TX.

Up Close and Personal: Richard Trumka

Every Sunday, the Washington Post magazine profiles a prominent area resident who describes the path that led them to their life’s work. In the latest issue, AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka recalls the events that took him from a small West Virginia coal town, to law school in Pittsburgh and eventually to the top job at the AFL-CIO.

China’s Bogus Parts Threaten American Lives, American Jobs

The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee issued a stern warning recently when he released the findings of a congressional investigation to determine if China was addressing the problem of counterfeit defense parts.

IAM Files Lawsuit to Protect Union Rights in Canada

The IAM announced it has launched a court challenge to the legislation known as Bill C-33, used by the Conservative government in Canada to deny Machinists Union members the right to strike Air Canada and to send them into a biased arbitration process.

‘60 Minutes’ Talks with Florida Shuttle Workers

For 44 years, the CBS television news magazine ‘60 Minutes’ has set the bar for high-quality investigative reporting. Continuing the tradition, CBS correspondent Scott Pelley traveled to Bevard County, FL, where more than 7,000 men and women, many of them IAM members, lost their jobs when President Obama and NASA cancelled the manned space program.

STF: A Good Program Making Solid Progress

First launched in May 2009, the Seaway Task Force (STF) was formed as a partnership between IAM and the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association (SMWIA) to promote and protect the U.S. shipbuilding industry and maritime trades workers.

Reduced Rate Cut-off Rooms for 2012 Legislative Conference

The 2012 IAM Legislative Conference is set for May 14-17, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C. You can reserve rooms by calling the Hyatt Regency directly at 202-737-1234. The cut-off date for special room rates is April 5, 2012.

Diversity Marks Georgia Free Speech Protest

Labor led a large and unusually diverse coalition of free-speech advocates recently to stop Georgia SB 469, which would have banned non-violent protests, eliminated union-dues check-off and restricted picketing in labor disputes. Machinists from across Georgia joined in the fight to stop the law, which singled out labor organizations exclusively. The bill seemed destined for passage, but Georgia lawmakers were surprised at the broad resistance to the bill.

IAM Calls for Ouster of NLRB Mole Terence Flynn

IAM President Tom Buffenbarger is calling for the immediate resignation of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Member Terence Flynn, who funneled sensitive and confidential information about Board activities to outsiders engaged in a campaign to discredit the NLRB.

Take Action Now to Support U.S. Jobs

The Export-Import, or Ex-Im, Bank’s mission is “to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets,” enabling “large and small companies to turn export opportunities into real sales that help to maintain and create U.S. jobs.”

Take Action: Click here to urge your Representative in Congress to support H.R. 4302 to increase lending authority and reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank.

ALEC-drafted ‘Model Bills’ Popping up Everywhere

In an op-ed published in the New York Times, columnist Paul Krugman puts a much-needed spotlight on the rightwing corporate front group, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

Trans Pacific Partnership: The Next Big Free Trade Mistake?

Despite a low public profile, the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is poised to become the biggest free trade agreement since NAFTA. The massive trade deal, which the White House hopes to conclude by year’s end, would link the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Also poised to join the global pact are the mega-economies of Japan, Mexico and Canada.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for 2012

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada.

IAM Opens Negotiations with Lockheed in Ft. Worth

A loud and spirited crowd of District 776 members gathered at the Cowtown Coliseum in Ft. Worth, TX this past Sunday and voted by a 99.9 percent margin to sanction a strike at the Fort Worth facility of Lockheed Martin. IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger, Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez and Aerospace GVP Mark Blondin attended the vote and addressed the large crowd.

NLRB Mole Leaked Confidential Info to Romney Official

A Republican appointee to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is facing possible sanctions following revelations that he funneled sensitive information about board matters to a former Republican board member who is now serving as co-chair of the labor policy advisory group for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Supporters Defend Export-Import Bank Mission

If the attacks on the U.S. Export-Import Bank are successful, and the agency is forced to limit its activities, thousands of U.S. jobs will be lost and billions in export-related economic activity will shift to foreign economies.

District 751 Members Win Skills Competition

A team of District 751 Machinists who work at the Boeing Co. won top honors in its category at the Aircraft Maintenance Professionals (AMT) Society’s annual maintenance skills competition. In addition, two individual Machinists recorded the best times in their individual events at the contest for aircraft maintenance technicians.

Register Now for 2012 IAM Legislative Conference

The 2012 IAM Legislative Conference is set for May 14-17, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C. You can reserve rooms by calling the Hyatt Regency directly at 202-737-1234. The cut-off date for special room rates is April 5, 2012.

Workers’ Memorial Day is April 28

Every year on April 28, the IAM and the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers’ Memorial Day to remember those who suffered and died on the job. The struggle continues this year to create good jobs that are safe and healthy and to ensure workers have the freedom to form unions.

GOP Budget Targets Federal Jobs, Pay, Pensions

A highly punitive anti-worker budget, put forth by House GOP members this week, is on its way to the House floor after the House Budget Committee approved the deeply-flawed piece of legislation Wednesday.

New Alabama Local Hall Doubles as Storm Shelter

Years of planning and months of construction came to fruition for Local 2003 in Daleville, AL this week when Daleville Mayor Wes Etheredge joined Local 2003 President Tony Barnes in a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the local’s new 15,000 square foot headquarters. Prominently located on Highway 167, adjacent to the “Welcome to Daleville” sign, the new IAM local building performs double duty as a community storm shelter.

BNSF Sick Policy Draws EEOC Discrimination Charges

The value of good union representation often goes far beyond securing good wages, benefits and working conditions. For members of TCU-IAM and Railroad District 19 employed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), it’s having the ability to challenge a management order requiring employees to report illnesses and accidents that occur outside the workplace or on an employees’ day off or vacation.

West Virginia Local Marks Three Decades of Service

For 30 years, members of IAM Local 598 in South Charleston, WV have proved they care about their neighbors and that they firmly believe in the IAM motto: ‘Service to the Community.’

Dates Set for Wisconsin Recall Election

Election dates have been set in the recall of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R), his lieutenant governor and four Republican state senators.

March IAM Journal Ready for Download

The March 2012 IAM Journal is now available on the IAM App. Digital issues of the Journal are published each month.

Long-Term Jobless Face New UI Crisis

Several states will begin dropping long-term, unemployment-insurance recipients from their rolls next month.

Aveos Closure Triggers 2,600 Layoffs in Canada

IAM leaders in Canada are responding angrily to the closure of Aveos Fleet Performance Inc. in Toronto, ON, calling the move a violation of the Air Canada Public Participation Act.

Register Now for 2012 IAM Legislative Conference

The 2012 IAM Legislative Conference is set for May 14-17, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C. You can reserve rooms by calling the Hyatt Regency directly at 202-737-1234. The cut-off date for special room rates is April 5, 2012.

First Contract Brings Retro Pay for Illinois Members

After several months of negotiations, the new IAM members of Local 124 in Joliet, IL who are employed as Clerical workers for the Village of Manhattan have a first contract that provides significant wage increases and retroactive pay of more than $7,500.

Buffenbarger Names Key Transportation Department Staff

Effective April 1, Transportation Department Communications Representative Joseph Tiberi will become Chief of Staff for the 100,000-member IAM Transportation Territory. A 23-year IAM member and former Avionics Technician, Tiberi will coordinate assignments and activities for the department’s headquarters and field staff and serve as second in command to Transportation GVP Sito Pantoja.

AFL-CIO Endorses Obama for President

Members of the AFL-CIO General Board “voted proudly and enthusiastically” this week to endorse President Obama for a second term. The board includes the Executive Council members, a chief officer of each affiliated union and the trade and industrial departments created by the AFL-CIO Constitution and four regional representatives of the state federations. The vote came during the annual winter meeting of the AFL-CIO Executive Council in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Toronto Airport Screeners Win IAM Representation

“This is a significant organizing victory for the airport security screeners at Pearson Airport,” declared Canadian GVP Dave Ritchie in response to news that the Machinists were victorious in a Canadian Industrial Relations Board authorized vote to determine representation for 1,624 airport screeners at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. “We are now representing more airport security screeners than anyone else in Canada.”

GOP Targets U.S. Export-Import Bank

In a move that illustrates how GOP leaders oppose any initiative that could reflect favorably on the current administration, regardless of how many jobs could be saved or created, House Republican leaders are pushing for legislation to eliminate the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for 2012

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. If you do not have a current passport, you should apply for, or update, your passport as soon as possible. Click here to go to the U.S. State Department website for the application form and further instructions.

New Day, Old Struggle for Selma-to-Montgomery Marchers

The 47th anniversary of the momentous 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, AL, was marked with a five-day re-enactment of the 52-mile journey to call attention to modern-day efforts to roll back voting rights and other gains made during the civil rights era.

Workers’ Rights under Attack at Air Canada

“The rights and wages of our members at Air Canada are being attacked,” declared Canada GVP Dave Ritchie in response to an effort by Canada’s government to impose ‘Final Offer Selection’ arbitration on bargaining between the union and the airline.

IAM Welcomes Plan for Manufacturing Institutes

The IAM declared it is squarely behind President Obama’s plan to fund the creation of a nationwide network of 15 high-tech manufacturing institutes.

Navajo Candidate Wins IAM Endorsement

Arizona Navajo Congressional candidate Wenona Benally Baldenegro recently added an endorsement from the IAM to her growing list of labor union support for her run to capture the seat in Arizona’s Congressional District One.

WWW Center Seeks Musicians, Poets

The William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center is looking for IAM members who are musicians, singers and/or poets and interested in producing the next chapter in the history of labor music and poetry.

Orchestrating the Historic Organizing Win at United

It was a combination of grassroots organizing, legal prowess and sophisticated communication tactics that produced this week’s organizing victory for nearly 17,000 Passenger Service and Reservation Employees at the new United Airlines.

Thousands Reenact Historic Selma-to-Montgomery March

The 47th anniversary of the momentous 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, AL began Sunday with IAM members from around the country joining thousands of other union members and human rights, faith and community activists to walk across the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge, the first leg of the five-day reenactment of the historic 52-mile march.

Aerospace Leaders Join Forces to Save 1,000,000 U.S. Jobs

IAM President Tom Buffenbarger and Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Marion C. Blakey, warned that more than one million U.S. jobs could be lost if massive cuts in defense spending required by “budget sequestration” take effect next January.

NASA Workers in Ohio Opt for IAM

A determined group of sixty-eight Ground and Facility Maintenance workers employed by Service Contract Act vendor “Call Henry Inc.” located at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH voted overwhelmingly (51-7) to join the IAM and leave their former Teamster Union.

Enroll Now for 2012 Spanish Leadership Programs

The first of the three 2012 Spanish Leadership Programs at the William W. Winpisinger Center is just around the corner.  Spanish Leadership I is scheduled for May 6 - 11 and Spanish Leadership II is slated for June 10 - 15.

INSCRÍBASE AHORA PARA LOS PROGRAMAS DEL 2012 DE LIDERAZGO EN ESPAÑOL

El primero de dos programas de Liderazgo de 2012 en español en el Centro William W. Winpisinger está acercándose rápidamente. Liderazgo I en español  está programado para el 5 al 11 de Mayo,  y  Liderazgo II  para el 10 al 15 de Junio.

Register Now for 2012 IAM Legislative Conference

The 2012 IAM Legislative Conference is set for May 14-17, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C. You can reserve rooms by calling the Hyatt Regency directly at 202-737-1234. The cut-off date for special room rates is April 5, 2012.

Machinists Union Wins Election for 17,000 at United Airlines

Washington, D.C., March 7, 2012 – In an election conducted by the National Mediation Board (NMB), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today won exclusive representation rights for nearly 17,000 Passenger Service and Reservation Employees at the new United Airlines.

IAM, Hawker Beechcraft Welcome U.S. Air Force Decision

The IAM was quick to welcome news that the U.S. Air Force was setting aside a $355 million contract award for a Brazilian company to build light-air support aircraft for use largely by U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Connecticut IAM Icon Jim Parent Retires

After a long career of leadership and commitment to Connecticut workers, Jim Parent stepped down from the position of Assistant Directing Business Representative of IAM District 26, a role that included serving as chief negotiator for IAM-represented UTC workers at Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Sundstrand and United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Power.

Machinists Opposed to $100 Airline User Fee

Lawmakers are responding to a stepped-up campaign by IAM activists who are determined to block a proposed $100 per flight user fee contained in the President’s 2013 budget proposal. The campaign includes a letter to President Obama signed by nearly 200 members of Congress.

IAM Mourns New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne

The first African American to represent New Jersey in Congress, Rep. Donald Payne, died this week from colon cancer.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for 2012

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada.

Last Week to Vote in United Passenger Service Election

There is less than a week to vote in one of the largest airline elections in history for more than 17,000 Passenger Service and Reservations employees at the new United Airlines.

Hoover Dam Anniversary a Lesson for Creating Jobs Today

Seventy-six years ago on March 1, 1936, contractors completed their work on the Hoover Dam two years ahead of schedule and turned it over to the U.S. government.

Wisconsin Judge Denies Walker Recall Extension

A Wisconsin judge has denied Republican Governor Scott Walker’s request for additional time to review recall petitions against him.

New Report Shows Unions Bring More Than Just the Weekend

A new report refutes right-wing claims about unions by revealing some of the benefits of unions that extend far beyond union members themselves.

IAM Endorses President Obama for Second Term

In a unanimous vote, the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) endorsed the reelection of President Barack Obama.

Machinists File ULP Charges against Ontario Auto Dealer

The Ontario Labour Relations Board will hear charges of unfair labour practices against Dominion Motors filed by IAM Local 1120. Local 1120 members have been locked out of their jobs at the auto dealership since February 13, 2012.

Judge Rules for IAM in Local S6 Case

A state court judge in Portland, ME this week issued a decisive ruling regarding defamation and libel charges brought against IAM leaders by former officials of Local Lodge S6 in Bath, ME.

Register Now For Regional Retirees Conferences

The Retirees, Community and Membership Services Department will be holding a series of Regional Retirees Conferences in 2012. Registration deadlines for the Eastern and the combined Western/Southern Regional conferences are fast approaching. 

Robert Reich: The Manufacturing Myth

In an op-ed published in The Baltimore Sun, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich points out the myth about manufacturing and the truth about labor unions.

Voting Period Extended at United Airlines

Nearly 17,000 Passenger Service and Reservation employees at the new United Airlines have until March 7, 2012 to cast ballots in the historic election to determine union representation for their classification.

Machinists Reject Air Canada Tentative Deal

After nine months of face-to-face bargaining, IAM members at Air Canada voted to reject a proposed tentative agreement. IAM members also voted by 78 percent to support strike action.

Brookings Study: Manufacturing Makes the Economy Work

A new paper by the Brookings Institute lends weight to the argument that a vibrant manufacturing sector is critical to the U.S. economy.

Smithsonian Breaks Ground on African American Museum

Construction has begun on the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for 2012

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada.

Download the February 2012 IAM Journal

The February 2012 IAM Journal is now available on the new IAM App

National Union of Healthcare Workers and IAM Form Partnership in First Move toward Potential Affiliation

The IAM along with the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) released a joint statement today indicating both unions have signed a letter of intent concerning a potential affiliation of NUHW with the IAM.

Ohio Unarco Workers Win IAM Representation

Twenty eight employees at Unarco Material Handling, Inc. in Pandora, OH, voted to join the IAM.

Join the Voting Rights March From Selma to Montgomery

The AFL-CIO released a flyer announcing the five-day march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama, on March 4-9, 2012.

“Brotherhood Outdoors” TV Series into Second Season

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance TV series “Brotherhood Outdoors” is now into its second season of exciting episodes showing union men and women on hunting and fishing adventures of a lifetime, all across North America. The unique show was awarded the 2011 Sportsman Choice Award as best combination show (hunting and fishing).

IAM Wins NMB Appeal - Voting Rights Restored at United

The National Mediation Board (NMB) ruled today that nearly 1,000 current IAM members whom United Airlines was seeking to remove from the voter eligibility list have the right to vote in the Passenger Service and Reservation election.

GOP Demanding Diplomas, Drug Tests for Unemployed

Millions of jobless Americans are - yet, again - slated to lose their unemployment benefits if Congress fails to extend benefits before February 29, 2012.

IAM Welcomes New Orleans Aircraft Maintenance Workers

A determined group of aircraft maintenance workers employed at the Strategic Technologies Institute at the Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans, LA voted overwhelmingly for the IAM recently.

Privatization Measure Threatens Amtrak Jobs

More than 2,000 Amtrak workers could lose their jobs if the House version of the Surface Transportation Bill (H.R. 7) is passed into law. At a time when Amtrak ridership is at record highs, privatizing those positions will adversely affect service, safety and security on every train.

Deadline Approaching for IAM Scholarship Competition

The deadline to apply for a 2012 IAM Scholarship Award is fast-approaching. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 24, 2012 to be considered.

Date limite s’approche rapidement pour le Concours de bourses de l’AIM pour 2012.

‘Special Treatment’ for U.S. Manufacturing?

IAM Urges Obama to Veto Flawed FAA Bill

Calling it “deeply flawed” and “a capitulation that upsets carefully balanced safeguards that have long existed in the Railway Labor Act,” IAM President Tom Buffenbarger urged President Obama to veto the “FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.”

United Airlines Attacks Workers’ Voting Rights

With less than two weeks before votes are counted in the representation election for nearly 18,000 Passenger Service and Reservation Employees at United Airlines, the National Mediation Board (NMB) ruled that nearly 1,000 United/Continental employees are ineligible to vote in the election that will conclude on February 21.

Machinists Reach Tentative Deal with Air Canada

The IAM, representing Technical Maintenance and Operation Support workers employed at Air Canada, have reached a tentative agreement with the carrier.

Cervantes to be Special Assistant to the GST

General Secretary-Treasurer Robert Roach, Jr., today announced the appointment of Dora Cervantes as a Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer effective March 1, 2012.

Sign Petition to Veto FAA Bill

Awaiting the President’s signature is a deeply-flawed FAA Reauthorization bill that will harm air and rail workers' rights to form unions and, in the case of mergers, endanger current union members’ bargaining rights.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to sign a petition on the White House website urging President Barack Obama to veto any FAA Reauthorization bill which includes provisions that endanger workers' contracts and the right to unionize.

Industry Award Celebrates IAM-Boeing Agreement

IAM District 751 and the Boeing Company were recently presented with the Chairman’s Award from the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) for achieving the landmark deal that ensured the 737 MAX will be built in the Northwest.

Battles Rage over Drug Tests for Unemployed

Senate Democrats have offered an emergency plan for extending unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for millions of jobless Americans whose benefits are set to expire on February 29, 2012.

Machinists in Canada Endorse Dewar for NDP Leadership

The IAM announced they are endorsing Paul Dewar for the leadership of Canada’s federal New Democratic Party (NDP).

Voting Rights Threats Bring Marchers Back to Selma

Thousands of marchers from the civil, labor and human rights community are expected to take part in a five-day march commemorating the historic 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, AL. The 52-mile march will follow the original route and highlight the current revival of GOP voter suppression efforts at the state and national level.

Delta, GOP Extremists Aim to Block U.S. Exports

In an unholy alliance that could cost tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson is teaming up with the ultra-conservative Club for Growth to lobby against any increase in the funding cap for the U.S. Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank.

Anti-Union Lawmakers in Indiana Face Recall

The fight to protect workers’ rights and defeat anti-union legislation in our nation’s statehouses continues in Indiana as working families rev-up for an expected voter referendum to repeal the state’s new right-to-work (for less) law.

Deadline Approaching for IAM Scholarship Competition

The deadline to apply for a 2012 IAM Scholarship Award is fast-approaching. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 24, 2012 to be considered.

Herrnstadt Named to State Department Advisory Board

Owen Herrnstadt, the IAM’s Director of the Trade and Globalization Department, has been appointed by the U.S. State Department to co-Chair the newly-formed Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) for implementation of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Corporate Social Responsibility Guidelines.

Winpisinger Center Seeking IAM Musicians and Poets

The William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (W3 Center) is looking for IAM members who are musicians, singers and/or poets and interested in producing the next chapter in the history of labor music and poetry.

Tell Congress to Pass a “Clean” FAA Bill

TAKE ACTION NOW!
Help defeat a purely political attack on transportation workers’ voting rights. Congress is close to passing a four-year “FAA Reauthorization” bill, but the proposed legislation contains politically-motivated provisions inserted by House Republicans to hamper airline and railroad workers’ rights in union representation elections. These changes are unnecessary and have absolutely nothing to do with aviation safety or job creation.

Shipyard Techs Win Long Battle for Justice

After a long fight for justice, 220 tenacious Radiological Control Monitor Techs (RCTs) at the Newport News, VA shipyard celebrated winning IAM representation after voting for the IAM back in 2009...

IAM’s Connection to Black History Month

The recently released movie Red Tails details the accomplishments and contributions made by African-American pilots commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen. These famed airmen fought against the enemy in the air and against racism and segregation on the ground. Their patriotism and combat success led to military integration in 1948 with President Truman's Executive Order 9981.

Aerospace Locals Complete Bargaining Prep at WWW

Getting ready for tough negotiations in the fall, two Aerospace negotiating committees met at the William Winpisinger Center for the Negotiations Preparation for Bargaining Committees class.

China’s Unfair Trade Policies Threaten U.S. Auto-Parts Industry

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) has issued a report accusing China of unfair trade policies and actions which threaten future employment in the auto-parts industry. The Report, authored by Rob Scott and Hilary Wething, concludes, “Every one of the United States’ auto-parts jobs is individually at risk from China’s unfair trade practices.”

Transportation Unions Call on Congress to Pass Clean FAA Reauthorization

As part of a consolidated effort to block anti-worker provisions inserted into the proposed FAA Reauthorization bill, 19 transportation-related unions issued a joint statement urging passage of a clean FAA Reauthorization, without drastic and unnecessary changes to the Railway Labor Act:

Despite Attacks, U.S. Union Membership Rises

A new Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report shows union membership increased in 2011, despite the year’s historic onslaught of anti-union attacks from Republican politicians.

IAM Members Attend Black Women’s Roundtable Discussion with White House

A delegation of IAM members attended The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s “Black Women’s Roundtable” (BWR) to take part in a panel discussion with special guest Heather Foster, the Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.

Enroll Now for Federal Employees Programs

The IAM Government Employees Department is conducting two programs in the first half of 2012 at the William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center in Southern Maryland, and the enrollment deadline for both classes is approaching.

IAM Nurses in Tennessee Fight for First Contract

The registered nurses at the Golden Living Center in Springfield, TN, are standing up to company officials who are preventing an IAM contract the nurses say will make their jobs better and improve life for the residents at the assisted-care facility.

Aerospace Territory Adds Key Staff Members

Effective February 1, Aerospace Coordinator Ray Moffatt will become Chief of Staff for the newly-created IAM Aerospace Territory. Moffatt brings significant bargaining and servicing experience to the position in addition to a background that includes service as a U.S. Marine Corp Officer/Pilot and bargaining unit member under the Service Contract Act.

IAM/TCU Leaders Oppose Voting Rights Sellout in FAA Bill

IAM and TCU/IAM leaders issued statements criticizing a Congressional proposal that provides long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding at the expense of airline and rail workers’ rights to join unions.

Indiana’s Republican-controlled House Votes for RTW

Republicans in the Indiana House of Representatives dealt working Hoosier families a major blow this week by ramming through right-to-work (for less) legislation.

Ohio Members Welcome Aid from Disaster Relief Fund

IAM members in Newcomerstown, OH, who were left jobless when a fire destroyed Janesville Acoustics, are getting some much needed help from the IAM Disaster Relief Fund.

IF Metall Leader Poised to Lead Sweden’s Social Democrats

The president of the powerful IF Metall union, Stefan Lofven, is poised to take over Sweden’s Social Democratic Party in a move that would elevate a highly-respected union representative to the top tier of Swedish national politics.

21st Century WPA Can Create Millions of Jobs

Speaking at the Labor Summit sponsored by the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), IAM President Tom Buffenbarger urged a renewed focus on a 21st Century Works Progress Administration (WPA).

IAM Scores Kentucky Organizing Win

In the latest example of workers in the South turning to labor unions to protect their rights on the job, 219 workers at Allsource Global Management at the Bluegrass Station base in Avon, KY voted to join the IAM. They are Material Coordinators for the distribution of military equipment.

Indiana Senate Passes Right to Work: Bill Moves to House

After two hours of debate, and despite nine Republicans and all Democrats voting against the bill, Indiana’s GOP-led Senate voted 28-22 in favor of right-to-work (RTW) legislation. The Senate voted while 10,000 workers, representing the overwhelming opposition throughout Indiana, packed the Statehouse.

Doug Sizemore Honored for Service in Ohio

In recognition of his efforts to improve public transportation, long-time IAM activist Doug Sizemore received the Royal Coachman Award from the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA). In addition to his position as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, Sizemore served as a member of the SORTA Board for more than two years.

Download the January 2012 IAM Journal!

The January 2012 IAM Journal is now available on the new IAM App.

Get the IAM App on the iPad, Android Tablet and Android Phone. iPhone support coming soon! For information on how to download the free IAM App, click here and follow the links to Apple’s iTunes Store or the Android Market.

IAM Sets Record Straight on ‘Union Stooges’ Ad

The IAM is standing up for collective bargaining rights in South Carolina and across the country with a 30-second TV ad titled “Scales.”

Maryland IKEA Workers Win IAM Representation

More than 350 employees at IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville, MD, voted by an overwhelming margin to join the IAM despite opposition from IKEA managers who hired Jackson-Lewis, the well-known union-busting law firm.

Election Begins for 19,000 Agents at United/Continental

Voting is underway in the representation election for nearly 19,000 Passenger Service and Reservation agents at the carrier formed by the merger of United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia.

IAM Contract Brings $30,000 in Raises for Rail Members

The newly-ratified contract covering nearly 8,500 IAM-represented workers at the nation’s freight rail carriers is worth at least $30,000 in increased pay over the life of the agreement, according to District 19 President and Directing General Chairman Joe Duncan.

Judge Orders Ex-Im Loan Guarantees Can Proceed

A U.S. District Court Judge rejected an attempt by Delta Airlines CEO Richard Anderson to block the U.S. Export-Import Bank from providing Air India with $3.4 billion in loan guarantees needed to secure the purchase of 30 U.S.-built Boeing aircraft.

Walker Recall Effort Tops One Million Signatures

In an unprecedented grassroots campaign, Wisconsin volunteers gathered more than one million signatures in 60 days to recall GOP Governor Scott Walker and other GOP architects of the attacks on Wisconsin working families.

Deadline Approaches for Basic Newsletter Course

The application deadline for the 2012 Basic Newsletter Development course at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Placid Harbor, MD, is Friday, January 20, 2012.

MLK Holiday Observance Features Community Service

Few states are struggling more to overcome the effects of recession than Michigan and few cities have as many challenges as Detroit. Decades of outsourcing and fierce competition from a global auto industry have left the once vibrant manufacturing center decimated with vast stretches of vacant homes and abandoned businesses.

Wisconsin Machinists Overwhelmingly Reject New Union Busting Offer

Machinist Union members on strike at Manitowoc Cranes overwhelmingly rejected a new company offer that contains union busting language.  The message is clear. IAM members believe that if you receive the benefits of a union contract, you should join the union and pay union dues just like everyone else.

District 751’s Susan Palmer Appointed College Trustee

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has appointed IAM District Lodge 751 Secretary-Treasurer Susan Palmer to the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees.

Union Plus Scholarship Deadline is January 31

You still have time to apply for 2012 Union Plus Scholarships if you submit a completed application before 11:59 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, January 31, 2012. This year's application is entirely online. Scholarships are from $500 to $4,000 and do not require repayment.

Motor City Welcomes 2012 MLK Observance

This year’s AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance is taking place in Detroit, MI, a city with a rich civil rights history.

NMB Orders Investigation into CWA Election Conduct

Acting on the election protest filed by the IAM, the National Mediation Board (NMB) announced that it will conduct an on-site investigation into the election conduct of the CWA-AFA and United Airlines in the United/Continental/Continental Micronesia Flight Attendant union representation election.

Final Push for Wisconsin Recall Efforts

Working families in Wisconsin have until tomorrow, Friday, January 13, 2012, to sign and deliver recall petitions to recall offices and union halls. Petitions to recall union-busting Gov. Scott Walker, along with Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and four Republican state Senators, will be submitted to the state Government Accountability Board on Tuesday, January 17th.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for 2012 Convention

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. If you do not have a current passport, you should apply for, or update, your passport as soon as possible.

Lawsuit Threatens Thousands of U.S. Aerospace Jobs

A decision is expected soon on a lawsuit filed by an airline industry trade group that has the potential to cost thousands of U.S. aerospace jobs and cripple the work of the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

Labor Board Expands Workers’ Legal Rights

In a ruling that affirms the importance and value of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the board declared that employers can no longer require workers to sign arbitration agreements that prohibit them from pursuing group claims in court.

Deadline Approaching for IAM Scholarship Competition

The deadline to apply for a 2012 IAM Scholarship Award is fast-approaching. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 24, 2012 to be considered.

Screener Cuts in Canada Put Passengers at Risk

IAM leaders in Canada are warning of serious potential consequences if the Canadian Air Transport Security Agency (CATSA) continues making cuts to funding for passenger screening.

Calling All Machinist Musicians and Poets

Do you play an instrument, write music, poetry, or sing?

Una llamada a todos los Musicos y Poetas Maquinistas

¿Tocas un instrumento, escribas música, declamas poesías, o cantas?

Êtes-vous Musicien, Chanteur Compositeur?

Êtes-vous interesses á  faire partie D’ungroupe qui compoerais des chants syndicaux, á partiede faits vecus.

NLRB Restored to Full Strength

Acting under authority granted by the U.S. Constitution, President Obama announced the recess appointments of two Democrats and a Republican to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), ensuring the agency will have the quorum needed to issue rules and regulations through 2012.

Boeing to Close Military Aircraft Facility in Wichita

In a move that will cost 2,100 jobs, the Boeing Company announced this week it will close its military aircraft plant in Wichita, KS and move the work to Texas and Oklahoma. The IAM represents about 450 members at the facility, which performs modifications of military aircraft, in addition to work on Air Force One.

UCubed: December Jobless Report Will Be ‘Misleading’

“The December unemployment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics will be misleading,” said Rick Sloan, Executive Director of the Union of Unemployed.

Jobs Preserved in New IAM Contract with Goodrich

Hard bargaining by Local 423 in Montreal, Quebec, produced a new four-year collective agreement and saved 22 jobs at Goodrich Engine Control Systems.

NMB Sets United Airlines Passenger Service/Reservation Election Dates

The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced that January 17, 2012 will be the starting date for a five-week election that can establish the IAM as the collective bargaining representative for 17,930 Passenger Service and Reservation employees at the airline formed by the merger of United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia.

ExpressJet/Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants Vote ‘Yes’ for IAM

In an election prompted by the merger of ExpressJet Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines, the IAM emerged as the clear winner in a contest to determine union representation rights for more than 2,160 Flight Attendants.

NLRB Approves New Rules to Minimize Undue Union Election Delays

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has approved new union representation rules to ensure workers can freely exercise one basic right we hold dear in this country – the right to vote.

New Indiana Statehouse Rules Limit Right-to-Work Protests

Indiana state officials have announced that the state will limit the number of people allowed in the statehouse. The announcement, made less than one week before the start of a legislative session where state lawmakers are expected to take up the so-called “right-to-work” bill, would limit the number of protestors allowed in the building at any given time.

IAM Announces New Aerospace Territory, Names Mark Blondin General Vice President

IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger announced today the creation of a new Aerospace Territory that will be led by General Vice President, Mark Blondin.

District 751 Welcomes New Members at URS

The 352 workers who perform site maintenance and repair work for URS Corporation in Dupont, WA, have voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation. The workers will now join District Lodge 751 in Seattle.

Anthony Named New Eastern Territory Representative

IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Lynn D. Tucker, Jr., announced the appointment of District Lodge 1 Organizer Gary Anthony to the staff of the Eastern Territory as a Special Representative, effective January 1, 2012.

Solomon Honored with NBCSL Labor Award

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) awarded IAM Legislative and Political Action Assistant Director Hasan Solomon as its 2011 Labor Leader of the Year.

Shop Union-Made This Holiday Season

The holidays are fast approaching. But never fear. American Rights at Work and the National Football League Players Association have put together a handy gift guide of union-made products made in the USA. Find great gift ideas like Play-Doh, All-Clad, Omaha Steaks, Louisville Sluggers, Snap-On tools, American Greeting cards, including a host of products made by your fellow IAM brothers and sisters.

Grand Lodge Sets Holiday Closing

IAM Headquarters will close for the holidays at the close of business Friday, December 16, and re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Best wishes to all for a safe and joyous holiday season.

IAM Welcomes NMB Ruling for United/Continental Passenger Service Employees

The IAM welcomed the National Mediation Board (NMB) single carrier ruling for Passenger Service and Reservation Employees at United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia. The ruling follows the merger of the three airlines and is necessary before union representation issues can be resolved and integration of the pre-merger Passenger Service groups can occur.

Wisconsin Unions Rally in Support of Striking Machinists

More than 2,500 union members from across Wisconsin rallied in the small town of Manitowoc, WI, to support striking Machinists at Manitowoc Cranes. IAM Local 516 members have been on strike since mid-November because of the company’s last minute “Scott Walker” style union busting proposals.

Join UCubed’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign

The right to vote and choose our leaders is at the heart of what it means to be an American.

If you've moved since the last time you voted, your right to vote could be challenged at the polls. Avoid potential problems by adding "Update voting address/register to vote" to your holiday to-do list. It's never too early! Simply click here. Fill out the form. Print it. Sign it. And drop it in the mail.

Machinists Name Republican Majority Leader Cantor 'Job Killer of the Year'

The IAM is branding Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) as 2011's “Job Killer of the Year” for his willingness to obstruct legislation that would sustain tens of thousands of American manufacturing jobs.

Take Action: A vote on legislation to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank is coming soon. Click here to tell your House Representative to vote “yes” on the bill to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank today.

Download the December 2011 IAM Journal!

The December 2011 IAM Journal is now available on the new IAM App.

Get the IAM App on the iPad, Android Tablet and Android Phone. iPhone support coming soon! For information on how to download the free IAM App, click here and follow the links to Apple’s iTunes Store or the Android Market.

Machinists Leader Sees New Era for Boeing/IAM

A key figure in the negotiations that led to the landmark agreement between the IAM and the Boeing Company welcomed the vote by members to ratify the accord and predicted additional benefits beyond the terms of the contract.

NMB Rejects Delta Employees’ Election Appeal

IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. condemned the National Mediation Board (NMB)’s indefensible dismissal of the IAM’s 2010 Delta Air Lines Fleet Service election interference complaint.

Tell the House to Support a Stronger Buy American Act

U.S. Representative Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), top Democrat of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has introduced legislation to create American jobs and revitalize American manufacturing.

TAKE ACTION:  Click here to tell your House member to support the Invest in American Jobs Act of 2011 as part of the surface reauthorization bill today.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for 2012 Convention

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada.

A Victory for U.S. Labor Law

The right-wing darlings in Congress who are so quick to wave the U.S. Constitution about and declare they favor strict adherence to the laws of the land, might want to applaud the 75-year old law that created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and set the stage for a resolution of the contentious dispute between the IAM and Boeing.

U.S. Air Force Decision Bombs in Wichita

With the U.S. light aircraft industry still in a financial tailspin, it’s hard to comprehend the recent Air Force decision favoring a Brazilian plane-maker over Wichita, KS-based Hawker Beechcraft for a $1 billion contract to build a new light air support aircraft.

Talks to Resume in Minnesota Tanker Strike

Contract negotiations are set to resume for members of District 165, Local 623 who are employed at Polar Tank in Opole, MN. The members voted overwhelmingly last week to strike after the company proposed contract language that would increase outsourcing, compromise seniority provisions and job security.

Send Congress a Lump of Coal

UCubed needs your help in collecting 5,000 signatures for its new online petition to send Congress a lump of coal for the upcoming holiday.

Vote for USA’s Brotherhood Outdoors TV Show

Brotherhood Outdoors, the outdoor TV series of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) is a finalist in the 2011 Sportsman Choice Awards. The show, which showcases hardworking union members on hunting and fishing adventures, has been nominated for the categories of Best Fish and Best Combination (hunting/fishing) Show.

Wall Street Tycoon Pushes Peacetime WPA

A 68-year-old Wall Street veteran echoes UCubed in calling on President Obama to create a 21st century version of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA).

Machinists at Boeing to Vote on 737 MAX Pact

In an announcement that made front-page news around the world, leaders of IAM District 751 in Seattle said that union members in Washington, Portland and Kansas will vote next week on a four-year contract extension that includes a commitment by the Boeing Co. to build its 737 MAX passenger jet in Washington state.

Dougan Responds to Perry’s ‘God-Awful’ Comment

After Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry stated that he would reassign government workers “to some really god-awful place” if they disagreed with his “core philosophy,” NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 President William Dougan shot back with a statement on behalf of our members and all workers in the federal government.

Ohio District 54 Responds to Factory Fire

A fire at the Janesville Acoustics factory in Newcomerstown, OH destroyed the facility and left members of Local 1285, District 54 and the local community facing an uncertain future. The facility, which manufactures automobile insulation, provided employment for nearly 60 IAM members and was poised to triple in size in the near future.

IAM Supports Dec. 8 Prayer Vigil for Unemployed

On December 8, 2011, the IAM will join the AFL-CIO and affiliates in a National Prayer Vigil for the unemployed, demanding Congress renew unemployment insurance benefits for millions of jobless Americans.

Voting Begins for ASA-ExpressJet Flight Attendants

Voting Instructions are in the mail for ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants who will now have the chance to cast ballots for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the only union that negotiates mainline-quality Flight Attendant contracts at regional airlines.

Pelosi Speaks in Support of Workers’ Rights

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor yesterday against the Republicans’ so-called Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act.

IAM President Urges ‘No’ Vote on Election Prevention Act

IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger has sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives urging lawmakers to vote “no” on a GOP-sponsored bill aimed at delaying and ultimately preventing union representation elections.

Monthly Per Capita Tax Set for 2012

The Grand Lodge monthly per capita tax for 2012 will be $31.78, reports GST Warren Mart in a letter to all IAM District and Local Lodges. The figure was calculated using the formula approved by Delegates to the 2008 Grand Lodge Convention.

Members Can Help Test the New IAM App

The IAM App for Android phones is now available, but we need your help testing it. Please search for the "IAM Journal" in the Android Marketplace. Then drop IAM Communications Director Rick Sloan an email at rsloan@iamaw.org, and let him know how it works on your ‘droid.

AT&T Mobility Deserves Union Support

With organizing rights increasingly under attack by right-wing politicians and their well-funded corporate allies, it’s unusual to find a major company that respects workers’ collective bargaining rights and their elected representatives.

GOP Legislation Targets Public Health, Workplace Safety

The Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) is the biggest threat to environmental standards, workplace safety rules, public health, and financial reform regulations to appear in decades.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to tell your House Representative to vote “NO” on the Regulatory Accountability Act.

Sito Pantoja to Lead IAM Transportation Department

Tapping into the wealth of experience that is among the IAM’s greatest resources, International President Tom Buffenbarger announced that Sito Pantoja will become the newest member of the IAM Executive Council. Pantoja will begin serving as General Vice President (GVP) of the Transportation Territory on January 1, 2012 and succeed current Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr., who will become the IAM’s General Secretary-Treasurer.

Guide Dogs of America Banquet Big Success

More than 1,000 people gathered to support Guide Dogs of America (GDA) at the 31st Annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet held in Las Vegas, NV. The crowd cheered locals, districts and companies as they stepped up to make donations.

Local 1484 Member Wins Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide

The winner of the 2011 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle raffled off by Guide Dogs of America (GDA) is Tim Tietz of Huntington Beach, CA, a 29-year member of IAM Local Lodge 1484.

Michigan Local 475 Scores Labor-Management Award

Grand Rapids, MI Local 475 members and their employer, Anderson Global, were honored recently with the Harold Workman Labor-Management Cooperation Award, presented at the Muskegon Area Labor-Management Committee (MALMAC) annual tribute to labor.

GVP Ritchie Elected to CLC Executive Committee

IAM Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Canadian Labour Congress.

District 19 Reaches Tentative Pact for Freight Rail Members

After several months of negotiations, mediation and a presentation to a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) appointed by President Obama, IAM District Lodge 19 has reached a tentative agreement with the National Freight Carriers represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).

Management Proposal Triggers Strike at Manitowoc Crane

Leaders of IAM District 10, Local 516 in Manitowoc, WI, are citing a last-minute proposal from the company as a key reason for an overwhelming vote to reject the contract and authorize a strike.

IAM Seeks Federal Intervention at Honeywell FM&T

The IAM is calling for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to immediately release all information related to the recent water main break at the Honeywell FM&T plant and the subsequent handling of the waste from the extensive spill.

Recall Walker Campaign On a Roll

The campaign to recall Wisconsin GOP Governor Scott Walker officially kicked off on November 15 and is on a roll. In just the first two days, more than 18,000 recall petitions were downloaded throughout the state.

Guide Dogs Featured at Alabama’s Peanut Festival

The National Peanut Festival is held every year in Dothan, AL, where peanuts and helicopters provide much of the area’s jobs. Nearly 4,000 IAM Local Lodge 2003 members work at nearby Ft. Rucker, servicing the Army’s helicopter fleet.

Mediation Board Sets Dates for ExpressJet Election

The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced November 30, 2011 will mark the start of a three-week election period to determine union representation for more than 2,000 ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants.

Winners Named in 2011 Newsletter & Website Competition

The winners in the 2011 IAM Newsletter and Website Contest have been chosen. The District and Local Lodge first place winners for each category are:

In the Newsletter Category – Top honors for General Excellence goes to NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 in Washington, DC for The Federal Employee and to Local Lodge 869 in Montreal, QC for the IAMAW...

Check it Out: ExpressJet / Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendant Webcast

Hundreds of ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants logged on and listened in to a live webcast where a quartet of IAM-represented Flight Attendants answered questions about contract negotiations, job security, seniority protection and the upcoming representation election.

Iowa Sen. Harkin Slams Anti-NLRB Hearings

In an op-ed published on The Hill, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) rebukes Republican attempts to convince Americans the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is somehow responsible for the down economy, and that getting rid of the board will somehow spark job growth.

Members at NAS Whidbey Reap Rewards in First Contract

Seattle Local 751-A members working for defense contractor URS Corp. at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington State are reaping the rewards of their first IAM contract

Anti-Worker SB 5 Goes Down in Flames in Ohio

In a major setback to GOP attacks on collective bargaining rights, Ohio voters overwhelmingly rejected Republican Governor John Kasich’s assault on public sector employees by a 61 to 39 percent margin in Tuesday’s election.

Fearing Protests, Walker Cancels Visit to Wichita

With a possible recall election looming, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker planned a fundraising tour to gather as much right-wing cash as possible to fight any recall. One of his stops was to be Wichita, KS, the hometown of the Koch brothers.

AFL-CIO Metal Trades Dept. Holds 69th Convention

Delegates to the 69th Convention of the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department (MTD) re-elected IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger as MTD’s 1st Vice President. Also re-elected were Ron Ault as President and ten other incumbent members of the Department’s Executive Council.

Senate Poised to Approve Veterans Benefits

In a rare display of bipartisanship, the Senate is poised to approve modest legislation that would offer job training services and incentives for employers to hire veterans. The measure includes tax credits of up to $9,600 for companies that hire disabled veterans who have been jobless for six months or more, as well as enhanced job training and counseling for veterans.

Honor Veterans Tomorrow

Friday November 11, 2011 is Veterans Day. Please take time out to honor the men and women in the armed forces who are serving and have served our nation.

Corporate Agenda Guides GOP Attacks on NLRB

Right-wing Republicans in Congress, who have been relentless in their attacks on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), are increasingly on the defense for failing to introduce a single policy or program to address the nation’s job crisis.

Missouri Local 778 Salutes Honeywell Nuclear Workers

Nearly 500 former and current workers from the Honeywell FM&T plant in Kansas City, MO, took part in an event sponsored by IAM Local 778 to honor the nuclear weapons workers at the facility. The workers were joined by friends, family members as well as federal, state and city officials.

Wisconsin Machinist Releases Collection of Labor Songs

In addition to rejuvenating the American Labor Movement, the struggle to restore collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin is now the inspiration for a newly-released collection of labor songs by Milwaukee, WI Local 66 member Joe ‘Pepe’ Oulahan.

UCubed Calls for Government Hiring of Unemployed

In light of the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Union of Unemployed is renewing its call for the U.S. government to commence FDR-style programs that would directly employ millions of unemployed American workers.

Germany Marching to a Different Drummer

U.S. officials could learn a lot from their counterparts in Germany. According to an article in the United Kingdom’s The Guardian, Germany has achieved “real, lasting economic success” in the midst of a recession that has crippled most other countries.

Union Forces Gaining Ground in Ohio and Wisconsin

November is a busy month for pushing back state-level attacks on working families. In Ohio, voters will get the chance on November 8 to roll back GOP Governor Kasich’s union-busting bill known as Senate Bill 5.

2011 IAM Photo Contest Winners Announced

The results of the 2011 IAM Photo Contest are in and the winners are...

New Local Chartered for Continental/United Fleet Service

More than 2,700 Fleet/Ramp Service workers for United/Continental Airlines have been assigned to newly-chartered Longhorn Local Lodge 811 in Houston, Texas. The new Local Lodge was chartered following the merger of Continental Airlines, Continental Micronesia and United Airlines and the IAM’s successful campaign to win representation rights for the combined airline’s Ramp/Fleet Service group.

Register Now for 2012 MLK Holiday Observance

The 2012 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance will be held January 12-16 in Detroit, Michigan.  The conference registration is $180 from November 1 to November 30. Online registration and refund deadlines are November 30, 2011.

Machinists Launch New IAM APP

The Machinists Union launched the new IAM APP today. The web-based application will enable IAM members to use their smartphones and tablets to read the new digital IAM Journal, act decisively on vital issues, share information with friends and family, and help organize new members.

First Transit Workers in Tennessee Vote IAM ‘YES’

Sixty-two drivers and mechanics at First Transit in Nashville, TN voted “Yes” for IAM representation. The workers drive the shuttle buses for short-and long-term parking at the Nashville airport, and the mechanics maintain the buses.

Retiree Forum Energizes California Seniors

Spurred by the onslaught of attacks on Social Security and Medicare, the Western Territory recently held a retiree forum that was facilitated by retired Grand Lodge Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos and attended by retirees from across California.

Michigan Machinists Honor 60-Year Member

The highlight of the recent meeting of the Michigan Machinists Council was the presentation of a 60-Year Service Award to Local Lodge 475 Trustee Ruth Cain.

Cut-Off Dates Near for Federal Employees Classes

The IAM Government Employees Department is conducting two programs in January 2012 at the William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center in Southern Maryland, and the enrollment deadline for both classes is approaching.

New Instructors to Join WWW Center Staff

With the addition of two new instructors, the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center continues to build on a successful tradition of hiring from the ranks of former students.

NMB Issues Ruling for ExpressJet/ASA Flight Attendants

The IAM is welcoming the National Mediation Board (NMB) single carrier ruling for Flight Attendants at ExpressJet Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA). The ruling follows the merger of the two airlines and is necessary before union representation issues can be resolved and integration of the two pre-merger Flight Attendant groups can occur.

Time Running Out for Chance to Win a Harley-Davidson

There’s still time to buy raffle tickets to win the 2011 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle, but the clock is ticking. The bike, donated by Harley-Davidson Motor Company and customized by Legends Vintage Motorcycles, was built as a fundraiser for Guide Dogs of America (GDA) and will be raffled off on November 19, 2011 at GDA’s annual banquet in Las Vegas, NV.

Federal Retirees to See First COLA Increase in Two Years

For the first time in two years, our nation’s 1.9 million retired civil service employees will receive a cost of living adjustment. Consistent with the release of September’s Consumer Price Index figures, most federal retirees will receive a COLA of 3.6 percent.

Midwest Locals Awarded $249,756 in FMCS Grants

IAM locals in the Midwest territory were recently awarded grants totaling $249,756 from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS). The IAM High Performance Work Organization (HPWO) Partnerships Department assisted Local 1260 in New Holstein, WI and Local 701 in Chicago, IL in the development and submission of their grants.

Choose Union-made Candy this Halloween

When those little ghosts and goblins come collecting on Halloween, make sure you have a full supply of union-made treats to share.

IAM President Warns Against Deep Defense Cuts

The IAM joined forces with the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., to denounce the federal budget proposals that would cut nearly a trillion dollars from the U.S. defense budget.

Presidential Board Concludes Freight Rail Hearings

The IAM, TCU and a coalition of nine other rail unions and rail carrier representatives have wrapped up a week of hearings before a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) in Washington, D.C. The parties are now waiting for the PEB’s written recommendations for settlement of the contract dispute between the unions and the nation’s Class 1 Freight Rail Carriers represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).

The IAM App is Coming November 1

The IAM’s newest communications tool, the IAM App, will be available to download Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

Korea FTA to Cost U.S. Jobs and Big Money

Any alleged benefits from the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (KORUS), which was signed into law last week by President Barack Obama will certainly come at a high cost.

Apply Now for $150,000 in Union Plus Scholarships

Applications are now open for the 2012 Union Plus Scholarship Program, which provides $150,000 in scholarships to union members, their spouses and dependents.

The End of Paid Sick Leave?

The corporate front group known as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is promoting legislation that would enable state lawmakers to override municipal laws that require paid sick leave.

Millions to Benefit from Repeal of Ohio SB-5

With less than three weeks until the Nov. 8 election, the fight to repeal Ohio Senate Bill 5 (SB-5) is gathering momentum. Enacted in March by the Republican-led legislature, SB-5 sharply limits collective bargaining rights for public employees, including police, firefighters and teachers.

Ohio District 54 Dedicates New Digs

IAM District 54 celebrated the rededication of their new headquarters in Columbus, OH. District 54 serves more than 14,000 members across Ohio and West Virginia.

Register Now for 2012 MLK Holiday Observance

The 2012 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance will be held January 12-16 in Detroit, Michigan.  The conference registration fee is $150 through October 31, with late registration at $180 from November 1 to November 30.  Online registration and refund deadlines are November 30, 2011.

Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Planned for Nov. 9

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test on Wednesday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

Congress Sends Mixed Messages on China Currency, Trade

With a 63-35 vote, the U.S. Senate passed legislation to crack down on China’s unfair currency manipulation. The bipartisan Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 provides sanctions on China and any other nation that manipulates its currency.

Take Action: Click here and here to tell Congress to make this bill workable so America’s jobless can get back to work.

Bogus Voter Fraud Laws Threaten to Disenfranchise Millions

While the nightly news focuses on GOP presidential debates, Wall Street protests and gridlock in Congress, a real revolution is taking place just under the radar that threatens to prevent millions of voters from casting ballots in next year’s presidential election.

District 10 Completes Successful Negotiations with Ladish

IAM District 10 in Milwaukee, WI, recently negotiated a new six-year agreement with Cudahy, Wisconsin–based Ladish Company, demonstrating what can be achieved when all sides honor the requirement to bargain in good faith.

Last Call for Communicators Course

The enrollment deadline for the IAM Communications Department’s Communicator Course is extended to October 21, 2011.

Enroll Now for Nov. 13 Spanish Leadership II Program

Don’t miss the opportunity to send Spanish-speaking members to the 2011 Spanish Leadership II program at the William W. Winpisinger Center, located in Hollywood, MD.

13 de Nov programa de Liderazgo II en Español 2011 - todavía existen vacantes; se registre hoy

Aproveche la oportunidad y mande miembros que hablan Español al programa de Liderazgo II en Español en el Centro William W. Winpisinger, localizado en Hollywood, MD.

Support Grows for NLRB Complaint Against Boeing

Rising above the clatter of anti-union diatribes over the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaint against the Boeing Company, has been the occasional voice of reason that cuts to the core of the dispute.

Miriam Baker Named to Florida Labor Hall of Fame

The Florida AFL-CIO recently honored longtime Florida IAM activist Miriam “Bunny” Baker with the A. Philip Randolph Award and inducting her into the Florida Labor Hall of Fame.

Machinists Organize Canada Retirement Workers

Employees at the Villa Orléans Retirement Home in Ottawa, ON, have become the newest members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7, 2011

The Alliance for Retired Americans reminds us that Open Enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 through December 7, 2011. This is the time for seniors to join, add, drop or switch Medicare health or drug coverage. Changes made during this period will take effect January 1, 2012.

Looking Back: The 1981 PATCO Strike

When Ronald Reagan fired the nation’s air traffic controllers in 1981, the war on workers and the middle class was clearly rekindled - a war that is still being fought today.

Take Action: Americans Need Jobs, Real Jobs

Majority Leader Harry Reid will bring the American Jobs Act for a vote on Tuesday evening October 11. Let your representatives in Washington know where you stand on this critical issue - contact them at 1-888-659-9401 or send them a message by clicking here and here.

Congress will also take up the the Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements as early as Wednesday, October 12th. Click here to learn more about the Trade Agreements and take action by contacting your congressional representatives here.

President Creates Emergency Board for Rail Negotiations

As expected, the President of the United States created a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) in the negotiation dispute between a coalition of rail unions (including the IAM and TCU/IAM) and the nation’s Class 1 Freight Rail carriers represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC). Direct bargaining began in January 2010, with the IAM requesting federal mediation in July of the same year. The IAM represents 8,000 members under the NCCC’s National Agreement.

UCubed Passes 25,000 Mark

Ur Union of Unemployed, UCubed, announces its number has grown to 25,000-plus activists, leaders and fans since its inception in January of last year. One reason for its popularity is that UCubed provides a forum for unemployed people to connect with one another, helping to diminish the feeling of isolation that comes with being unemployed.

Missouri Members Vote to Reject Honeywell Offer

The 840 members of IAM Local 778 in Kansas City, MO, voted by an overwhelming majority to reject Honeywell's final contract offer with 79 percent voting the proposal down and over 85 percent of our members voting to strike beginning at midnight on October 10, 2011.

IAM Supports U.S. Army Museum

The U.S. Army is scheduled to open its National Museum of the U.S. Army in 2015 to preserve the history of America’s oldest military branch and celebrate the selfless service and personal sacrifice of over 30 million men and women who have worn the Army uniform. Complete with historical artifacts, interactive exhibits and other displays, the state-of-the-art museum will be on the grounds of Fort Belvoir, VA, less than 30 minutes south of Washington, DC.

Umpire Rules CWA-AFA Violated AFL-CIO Constitution

In July, 2011, the Communication Workers of America (CWA) filed charges with the AFL-CIO alleging the IAM violated the AFL-CIO Constitution by posting the election interference charges it filed with the National Mediation Board in the United/Continental/Continental Micronesia Flight Attendant election on a website for Flight Attendants to review.

‘The Truth About Boeing's Biggest Labor Union’

An article published this week in TheStreet.com provides a refreshingly enlightened view of the dispute involving Boeing, the IAM and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Aveos Negotiating Committee Gears Up for Contract Talks

Transportation District Lodge 140 and affiliated Local Lodges 714, 764, 1681 and 1751 are preparing for their first round of negotiations with Aveos Fleet Performance Inc. The IAM members provide airframe, engine, component, and maintenance solutions for a wide range of customers including Air Canada as well as technical training.

Le comité de négociation des employés d’Aveos se prépare pour les négociations

Le district des transports 140 et les sections locales 714, 764, 1681 et 1751 qui y sont affiliées s’organisent pour leur première ronde de négociation avec Aveos Performance aéronautique. Les membres de l’AIM font l’entretien des cellules, des moteurs et des composants pour un large éventail de clients, dont Air Canada, en plus d’offrir de la formation technique.

New Government Plan to Fix Economy: Import Shoppers

On the eve of voting on trade deals that will send even more North American jobs overseas, the Washington Post reports that “for the first time, lawmakers, businesses and even White House officials are courting consumers from cash-rich countries such as China, India and Brazil to fill the nation’s shopping malls and pick up the slack for penny-pinching Americans.”

Hurricane Irene Hits Home

When Hurricane Irene barreled up the East Coast, the area surrounding the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education Center in southern Maryland was in its path. The Center made it through without significant damage, but Instructor Dave Miskolczi and his wife Cindy’s house was not so lucky.

Labor to Congress: No More Flawed Trade Deals

Hundreds of IAM members and AFL-CIO affiliates gathered on the U.S. Capitol Grounds today demanding Congress vote “NO” on the South Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Buffenbarger Speaks Out for ‘Buy American’ Provisions

IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger called for changes to the proposed American Jobs Act and called for more support of America’s aviation manufacturing industry and a strong “Buy American” provisions in the bill.

‘Save Our Shipyard’ Rally to Keep Avondale Open

With thousands of jobs on the line, more than 1,000 union members, elected officials, local business owners, faith leaders and the New Orleans/West Bank community marched from the Superdome to the Federal Building in downtown New Orleans, LA, on a mission to save Avondale Shipyard, the largest private employer in Louisiana.

IAM Members Helping IAM Members

This year has been particularly harsh when it comes to natural disasters. All across North America, people have been hit with tornadoes, hurricanes, wild fires, massive flooding, severe drought and/or earthquakes. Some IAM members have been the unfortunate victims of these disasters; some losing everything they had.

Buffenbarger Urges Support, Not Smears for Business Jet Industry

IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger called for an end to mischaracterizations of the U.S. business jet industry during testimony before the International Trade Commission in Washington, DC. America’s business jet industry contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy and employs more than 1.2 million people.

Aerospace Conference Focuses on Flawed Trade Deals

IAM leaders and activists from the United States and Canada representing tens of thousands members from Boeing, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin, GKN, Spirit, Raytheon, Pratt & Whitney, Triumph, General Electric and others are meeting in Nashville, TN, this week for the 2011 IAM Aerospace Conference.

Join National Call-in Day Oct 4 to Stop Flawed Trade Deals

Join the nationwide call-in day to Congress to stop the biggest package of trade deals since the disastrous North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The U.S. House of Representatives is considering three dangerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. The Korean deal alone is estimated to cost 159,000 U.S. jobs, mostly in manufacturing.

Watch AFL-CIO ‘Next Up’ Summit Live

Be sure to tune in tonight at 5:00 pm (central time) for a live webcast of the AFL-CIO’s Second Annual Next Up Young Workers Summit in Minneapolis, MN.

Postal Workers Rally to Save Jobs

Thousands of postal workers and their supporters held rallies in 492 locations to protect the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and support a plan to keep the USPS solvent without cutting 120,000 jobs, ending collective bargaining rights, closing post offices and reducing service.

Spanish Leadership Programs Gain Popularity

This week the William W. Winpisinger Center (W3) held the second Spanish Leadership I program of 2011, bringing the number of participants this year to its highest point since the Spanish training programs began in 2006. This increase reflects members’ growing demand for Spanish-language training and resources.

Los Programas de Liderazgo en Espanol Ganan Popularidad

Durante esta semana se ha venido realizando la segunda clase de Liderazgo I de este año  en el Centro William W Winpisinger, elevando el número de participantes a su nivel más alto desde que se inició el Programa de Liderazgo en Espanol en 2006. Este crecimiento refleja la creciente demanda por mas entrenamiento y recursos en Espanol.

Boeing Documents Reveal Risks in Southern Strategy

A trove of newly released documents show that Boeing’s own executives believed that their plan to establish a second 787 line in South Carolina was their highest-risk option for their new Dreamliner jet and the one most likely to fail.

Tell Your Jobs Story to Congress

Congressional Democrats working on President Obama’s American Jobs Act want to hear from the long-term unemployed and others.

2011 GDA Banquet Deadline Fast Approaching

The cut-off date for discounted room rates for the 31st annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet to Benefit Guide Dogs of America (GDA) is October 24, 2011. To reserve your room, call the Paris Hotel at 888-266-5687. Register with the group code SPDOG1 to get the special GDA rate.

Voters in State Races Reject GOP Agenda

When Republicans picked up two Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives in special elections, it was big news. The media, however, is ignoring the grassroots rejection of the GOP attack on working families in races for state-level offices where anti-labor Republicans are seeing serious losses.

September 27: Rally to Save America’s Postal Service

In every Congressional District across America, Postal Service unionists are organizing rallies to be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011.

For details on rally locations and more information, please go to http://www.saveamericaspostalservice.org/ or the National Association of Letter Carriers website at http://www.nalc.org/

Countdown to Calamity Begins Now with Pending FTA Vote

Working families have less than 14 hours and counting to stop Congress from shipping hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs overseas. According to the IAM’s new Countdown to Calamity Clock, Congress is set to vote on three seriously-flawed free trade agreements (FTAs) on October 4.

Act now! Review the Countdown to Calamity Clock and its summary of the horrendous effects of the FTAs. Click the link to send Congress a letter telling them to vote “NO” on the South Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements. And then share the clock with your co-workers, family and friends. Encourage them to join in the fight for fair trade, not free trade, and to save American jobs.

IAM Files for Passenger Service Employees at New United Airlines

The IAM filed an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) asking the Board to rule that United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia are now operating as a single transportation system for union representation purposes in the Passenger Service classification. Such a ruling is a necessary first step before union representation issues can be resolved.

Southern States Conference Focuses on Unique Challenges

Organizing and outreach efforts to young Machinists topped the agenda for the second Southern States Conference held in Myrtle Beach, SC. The highly successful conference provides tools and resources for IAM leaders and activists and focuses on the unique challenges in the mostly right-to-work (for less) and often anti-union south.

Report: China Currency Manipulation Costs 2.8 Million U.S. Jobs

A new Economic Policy Institute report finds the U.S.-China trade deficit has eliminated or displaced nearly 2.8 million U.S. jobs since 2001. All 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have been affected.

Congress Extends FAA Funding to January 2012

Congress narrowly avoided another Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shutdown after the Senate approved a measure to extend FAA operating authority funding through January 2012 and funding for transportation programs through March 2012.

Customized Harley-Davidson Tours for Guide Dogs

A 2011 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle donated by Harley-Davidson Motor Company and customized by Legends Vintage Motorcycles is touring the country, giving IAM members and the public an opportunity to see the spectacular bike in person and to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win it.

October 4 is D-Day for Lethal Trade Accords

Congress is set to vote October 4 on three seriously-flawed free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Should the pending FTAs negotiated by the Bush administration pass, more than 159,000 middle-class jobs will be shipped overseas.

View a quick overview of each FTA, then take action - encourage your co-workers, family and friends to tell Congress to vote "NO" on the South Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements.

GOP Fails in Senate Bid to Cripple NLRB

A strong presence by labor in the halls of Congress made all the difference in the fight to defeat an amendment that would have eliminated a key enforcement remedy available to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Joe Madison Program to Air IAM Town Hall Meeting

The Town Hall meeting that was a featured event at the 2011 IAM Human Rights Conference in Orlando, FL will air on the Joe Madison radio program on September 27, 2011.

Machinists in Quebec Ink New Deal with Dettson

Members of Local 992 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have ratified a new collective agreement with Dettson Incorporated.

IAM Landscapers Honored for Excellence

IAM-represented groundskeepers in Maryland were honored with awards for landscaping excellence at private and commercial properties in Prince Georges County, including the grounds at IAM Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Communicators Class Enrollment Deadline is Sept. 30

The enrollment deadline for the IAM Communications Department’s Communicator Course is Friday, September 30, 2011.

IAM Wins Key Decision at Leskovar Motors

When Leskovar Motors in Butte, Montana tried to unilaterally withdraw recognition of IAM Local 88 as the bargaining agent for all Leskovar Parts and Service Department Employees and engage in other improper activity against employees, the IAM responded by filing unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Trumka Defends NLRB in Boeing Fight

In a telephone press conference with more than a dozen national media outlets, AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka set the record straight on H.R. 2587, the Republican House bill that aims to gut the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) ability to impose sanctions and protect workers from rogue corporations.

New York AFL-CIO Honors Norm Smith

New York District 65 DBR Norm Smith was selected to receive the 2011 George Ritzer Award by the Jamestown, New York Area Labor Council AFL-CIO as part of the annual Labor Day Festival.

Rule Changes Roil NDP in Canada

Union members across Canada are expressing concern over an apparent change of rules regarding New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership following the death of long-time NDP leader Jack Layton.

Still Time to Register for Advanced Web Development

The enrollment deadline for the IAM Communications Department’s Advanced Web Development Class is extended to September 23, 2011.

House Republicans Pass Boeing Pardon Bill

The GOP-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted 238-186 in favor of H.R. 2587, a bill targeting the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for accusing the Boeing Company of illegally retaliating against IAM workers and their representatives

Jobs Crisis Pushes More Families into Poverty

New data released by the Census Bureau shows that nearly one in six Americans now lives below the federal poverty line – earning less than $22,314 a year for a family of four. Not only did the poverty level jump, but household income dropped below 1997 levels. The only group to have significant income gains were the richest one percent of Americans.

Issa Faces New Ethics Complaint

California Republican Darrell Issa is facing a new ethics complaint from American Family Voices, an advocacy group that alleges that Issa has repeatedly used his public office for personal gain.

Freight Rail Negotiations Enter Cooling Off Period

The National Mediation Board (NMB) ordered a thirty-day cooling off period that ends October 7, 2011 in Freight Rail negotiations between the IAM, TCU, nine other unions and the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC), the bargaining arm of the nation’s Class I freight rail carriers.

Alliance Forms to Defend Federal Workforce

The Federal Workers Alliance, a coalition of 22 unions collectively representing over 300,000 federal workers government-wide, are working to defend the federal workforce from irresponsible cuts in the forthcoming congressional ‘super committee’ negotiations.

A September 11th Message from Tom Buffenbarger

A decade ago, in the immediate aftermath of the September 11th attacks, I expressed the outrage of our union at what had just occurred. I explained in a message to IAM members that “It was our planes that were used as weapons of mass destruction. It was our members who were forced to endure the unimaginable nightmare. It was our members who were among the murdered.” I pledged then that “we will have our vengeance.”

A September 11th Message from Tom Buffenbarger

A decade ago, in the immediate aftermath of the September 11th attacks, I expressed the outrage of our union at what had just occurred. I explained in a message to IAM members that “It was our planes that were used as weapons of mass destruction. It was our members who were forced to endure the unimaginable nightmare. It was our members who were among the murdered.” I pledged then that “we will have our vengeance.”

Union of Unemployed Demands Real Solutions in Obama Jobs Speech

Union of Unemployed (UCubed) calls on the White House to deliver real, robust and immediate solutions to our nation’s jobs crisis in tonight’s presidential address on jobs.

Vietnam Veterans Encouraged to Apply for New Benefits

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Department is urging Vietnam-era veterans to apply for benefits that were recently expanded to cover medical conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. The VA has paid out more than $2.2 billion in retroactive benefits to Vietnam-era veterans and their survivors since an August 2010 change in regulations.

Make Plans to Attend 2011 IAM Automotive Conference

The 2011 IAM Automotive Conference is scheduled for October 15-18 at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Still Time to Register for the IAM Aerospace Conference

There is still time to register for the 2011 IAM Aerospace Conference that begins Thursday, September 29, at 9:00 a.m. and will adjourn by 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1.

NLRB Overturns Bush-era Rulings

Despite threats to defund the agency and an incendiary campaign of intimidation by right-wing members of Congress, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently issued two important decisions which overturned terrible rulings from the Bush years and re-established prior long-standing law.

Speakers Inspire Human Rights Conference Delegates

IAM human rights activists, women’s rights activists, community service activists and young workers enjoyed five days of phenomenal speakers, guests and workshops focused on learning how to improve conditions in the workplace, community and nation at the 2011 Inaugural International Human Rights Conference at the Lake Buena Vista Palace Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Tell Congress No More FAA Shutdowns

Last August GOP extremists in Congress were so intent on repealing democratic voting rights for airline workers that they forced the FAA to shutdown, causing thousands of layoffs and costing the federal government millions in airline ticket tax revenue. A stopgap funding measure got the FAA back to work, but that temporary fix expires on September 16.

Take Action: Click here to tell Congress to pass a “clean” FAA Reauthorization bill without the attacks on worker voting rights.

Labor Rallies to Send Message to Rep. Issa

IAM District 725 Area Director Virginia Cobb led a delegation of IAM members and retirees as they joined hundreds of labor and community activists in a protest outside the San Diego office of Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA).  The protest was in response to the persistent attacks on workers’ rights by the right-wing Issa.

Union Plus Credit Card Benefits to Continue

Holders of Union Plus Credit Cards should not see any immediate changes to the card’s program or features following the recently announced sale of HSBC’s $30 billion credit card portfolio to Capital One.

A New WPA by Next Labor Day

2011 Labor Day message from IAM President Tom Buffenbarger

Many of us will be using this Labor Day weekend to get together with friends and family and celebrate the tremendous contribution that American workers have made to our nation. Sadly, this year’s Labor Day comes at a trying time for our nation’s workforce.

Human Rights Conference Embraces Diversity

Hundreds of IAM members and guests were in attendance for the 2011 Inaugural International Human Rights Conference at the Lake Buena Vista Palace Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

GOP Readies Attack Plan for NLRB

Emboldened by tactics employed during the recent debt ceiling crisis, House Republican leaders are preparing an equally extreme assault on labor and environmental laws when Congress returns from the August recess.

Register Now for IAM Aerospace Conference

Local and District Lodges can reserve hotel rooms for the upcoming 2011 IAM Aerospace Conference by calling the Hilton Nashville Downtown directly at 615-620-2150, or toll free at 1-800-HILTONS.

Pension Increase is Key to Mettler Toledo Deal

Significant pension benefit increases were the key ingredient in a new collective agreement ratified by the members of Local 235 employed by Mettler Toledo, in Toronto, Canada.

Join AFL-CIO’s Labor Day Campaign

To say the year has been hard on the American worker would be an understatement. The bad economy, the jobs crisis, the attacks on worker rights - it all adds up. So the AFL-CIO has initiated a campaign to honor and encourage America’s hardworking men and women this Labor Day.

Kucinich Calls for Immelt Ouster

Ohio Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich is calling on the White House to remove General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt from his post as head of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.

IMF Demands New Trade Framework for TPPA

In a 10-point statement issued on behalf of 25 million members in 100 countries, the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF) is calling for significant changes, including a new framework trade agreement, for the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPPA) Agreement. Click here for more information.

District 776 Committee Prepares for Lockheed Negotiations

The District 776 Negotiating Committee was at the WWW Center last week preparing for a battle next year with Lockheed Martin in Ft. Worth, TX, where about 3,800 IAM members build the F-16 and F-35 fighter aircraft

NLRB Chair Wilma Liebman Steps Down and Speaks Out

Wilma Liebman, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Chairwoman and third longest-serving member in the NLRB’s 76-year history, leaves the agency upon completion of her third term, effective August 28, 2011. President Barack Obama named NLRB member Mark Pearce as new Chairman.

September 1 is Deadline for AFL-CIO ‘Next Up’ Conference

The second annual AFL-CIO Next Up Young Worker Summit will be held Thursday, September 29, 2011, through Sunday, October 2, 2011, at the Hilton Minneapolis in Minneapolis, MN. For more information on the 2011 AFL-CIO Next Up Young Worker Summit and to register, click here.

When Will We Get Our Fair Trade?

In 1994, Congress introduced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as the solution for jobs expansion and prosperity for the American people.  Seventeen years later, NAFTA has yet to live up to its promise. Costing Americans 682,900 in lost or displaced jobs, the trade deficit with Mexico stands at a mind-boggling $97.2 billion.

As Congress attempts to pass the largest FTA since NAFTA in the form of the Korean – US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), it's time to compare the proposed agreement with what was learned during the nation's debacle with NAFTA.

Editorials Examine NLRB Case Against Boeing

The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) investigation into Boeing’s decision to shift 787 production from the Puget Sound to South Carolina was featured this week on the editorial pages of two of the nation’s largest daily newspapers.

Hytek Workers Win IAM Representation

By more than a two-to-one margin, 165 workers at Hytek Finishes in Kent, WA voted to join the IAM. The election capped a four-month organizing effort by Seattle District Lodge 751, initiated by Hytek employees who approached the District for help. The workers specialize in various types of metal finishing and coating for aerospace manufacturers, including Boeing, Lockheed and Bell Helicopters.

WWW Center Welcomes AFSS Negotiators

A highly-skilled group of technicians known as Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) Specialists met recently at the William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center to prepare for upcoming contract negotiations with employer Lockheed Martin.

Human Rights Conference on Twitter

If you are unable to attend the 2011 IAM Human Rights Conference, you can follow the conference on Twitter with the hashtag #iamhrc11.

Attendees are encouraged to tweet about their experience and use the #iamhrc11 hashtag, as well.

Advanced Web Design Enrollment Deadline is Sept. 9

The enrollment deadline for the IAM Communications Department’s Advanced Web Design Class is September 9, 2011.

The class is scheduled for November 13-18, 2011 at the William Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Southern Maryland. The Advanced Web Class is for lodges who already maintain a website and their Web Steward has completed the Basic and Intermediate Web classes using Expression Web software.

Click here for the official call and enrollment forms. Contact the IAM Communications Department at 301-967-4520 for more information.

Union Plus Helps IAM Welder Cut Health Care Costs

As a welder and 10-year member of IAM Local 1297, Melvin Reese knows a thing or two about working when the “heat is on,” but when illness kept him off  the job, his stress level hit a boiling point. The costs of his wife’s monthly prescriptions were also adding up. Fortunately, Reese discovered the Union Plus Disability Grant and the Union Plus Prescription Discount Card to lessen the financial stress of illness.

Machinists Union Infographic Pits Fair Trade vs. Free Trade

A new IAM graphic details steps to achieving fair U.S. trade policy, as opposed to the unfair, seriously-flawed South Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements now under debate in Washington.

Tell the NLRB: Workers Support a Level Playing Field

Corporate giants and anti-worker front groups are flooding the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) with letters to stop the enactment of several new rules that would level the playing field for workers in union representation elections.

Tell the NLRB you support the rule to level the playing field so workers can decide for themselves whether to form a union.

IAM Preserves Jobs for Workers at Closed Pratt Plants

Despite the closures of Pratt & Whitney’s Cheshire and East Hartford CARO overhaul facilities in Connecticut, IAM members who worked at those locations still have jobs.

New York Area Drivers Gather to Organize

A diverse group of workers from New York and New Jersey met at the Winpisinger Education & Technology Center to plan the next steps to organize not only themselves, but the nearly 10,000 Black Car Drivers in their respective states. District 15 in New York City now represents about 100 drivers in the industry.

Victory for Pro-Union Lawmakers in Wisconsin

Democrats proved triumphant in two recall elections prompted by the Republican Party in the state of Wisconsin.

Members Mark 10th Anniversary of Workers’ Memorial

Participants at the annual Safety and Health Conference at the IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center marked a special occasion when their class coincided with the tenth anniversary of the opening of the IAM Workers’ Memorial on the grounds of the Winpisinger Center. IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger joined the class to commemorate the anniversary with a special wreath dedicated to the memory of all IAM members who lost their lives on the job or from work-related injuries.

MLK Memorial Unveiled on National Mall

Thousands will converge on Washington, DC, this weekend for a first look at the new Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. The 30-foot-tall granite statue is now open to the public.

IAM Mourns Canadian Labor Leader Jack Layton

The Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Canada, died this week from cancer. He was 61.

ExpressJet Flight Attendants Prepare for Election

IAM-represented Flight Attendants from ExpressJet Airlines Locals in Newark, Houston, Cleveland and Chicago convened last week at the IAM’s Education Center in Southern Maryland.

United Launch Alliance Negotiation Prep

Local Lodges at Cape Canaveral AFS, FL, Decatur, AL and Vandenberg AFB, CA are preparing for tough negotiations with the United Launch Alliance.  The 900 IAM members build, maintain and launch Atlas and Delta rockets that lift U.S. space vehicles.

Machinists Union Infographic Pits Fair Trade vs. Free Trade

A new IAM graphic details steps to achieving fair U.S. trade policy, as opposed to the unfair, seriously-flawed South Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements now under debate in Washington.

Columnist Shows Why He Won a Pulitzer

Not since anchorman Howard Beale’s iconic rant in the classic 1976 film ‘Network’ has a syndicated columnist gone off the rails as eloquently as the Washington Post’s Steven Pearlstein in his August 13 column: ‘Blame for financial mess starts with the corporate lobby.’

Deep in Boeing’s Pocket: California Rep. Darrell Issa

California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa is drawing heat from fellow members of Congress for his sustained and controversial advocacy on behalf of The Boeing Company.

New York Member Dies in Workplace Accident

Donald "Don" Gadley, a 20-year member of IAM Local 1580, died from injuries sustained while at work last week. He was employed by Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, NY.

State Lawmakers Leery Over Trade Pact Benefits

State legislators gathered this week in San Antonio, TX for the National Conference of State Legislatures are paying close attention to real-world impact of poorly-negotiated trade agreements.

IAM Salutes Those Who Made the Shuttle Soar

Near the end of 2009, the Machinists News Network (MNN) ran a story about the IAM members who worked as part of NASA’s shuttle program. These were the men and women who made sure, time and time again, that manned space flight took our breaths away.

United Airlines Ramp/Fleet Workers Win IAM Representation

The IAM emerged as the winner today in an election to determine union representation for more than 14,100 Fleet/Ramp workers at the new United Airlines, the carrier formed by the merger of United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia.

Puerto Rico Hosts 2011 LCLAA Conference

A glancing blow from Tropical Storm Emily failed to dampen the spirit of delegates at the 2011 LCLAA Education Conference, which was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on August 4 - 6. The conference was entitled "We Are One - Somos Uno.”

Two GOP Senators Defeated in Wisconsin Recall Effort

Democratic challengers won two of six GOP State Senate recall elections in Wisconsin. The six recall efforts were in response to GOP Governor Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled legislature’s budget bill that stripped collective bargaining rights of hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin public workers.

Voting Rights Still Key to FAA Reauthorization

The short-term deal to get the FAA back in operation expires on September 16, 2011, and House GOP leaders are vowing to keep up their attacks on transportation worker voting rights that caused the almost two-week shutdown.

To block Mica’s power-play, voters must demand that the Democratic majority in the Senate stand up for transportation workers. Click here to send a message to Congress to protect worker voting rights in the FAA Reauthorization bill.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for 2012 Convention

IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. If you do not have a current passport, you should apply for, or update, your passport as soon as possible.

Retired GVP Jim Brown Elected to Advisory Council

Jim Brown, retired IAM General Vice President for the Midwest Territory, has been elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) Community Advisory Council (CAC).

Congress Must Vote "No" on Panama Trade Deal

The Panama Free Trade Agreement is one of three pending Bush-negotiated free trade agreements (FTAs) lawmakers are now trying to ram through to final passage.

Congress must reject the seriously-flawed Panama FTA. Click “Like” on the IAM Facebook page to support fair trade, not free trade!

Pensions Preserved in Hawker Beechcraft Contract

Local 733 members in Wichita, KS ratified a new agreement with Hawker Beechcraft by a 69 percent margin. The five-year contract protects jobs and preserves the defined-benefit pension plan for current and future employees.

Register Now for IAM Aerospace Conference

The deadline for reduced rate hotel reservations for the 2011 IAM Aerospace Conference is August 25. Local and District Lodges can reserve rooms by calling the Hilton Nashville Downtown directly at 615-620-2150, or toll free at 1-800-HILTONS.

Download the call letter and registration form here!

Senate Passes Temporary FAA Funding Measure

The IAM applauds the Senate leadership for rising above the political games on Capitol Hill and passing a bi-partisan compromise to end the partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As a result, over 4,000 FAA employees and tens of thousands of airport construction workers can go back to work.

Wisconsin Votes Today on Recall Targets

With control of the state Senate in the balance, Wisconsin voters go to the polls today in an unprecedented recall election that could put the brakes on GOP Gov. Scott Walker's anti-worker agenda.

Make Plans to Attend 2011 IAM Automotive Conference

The 2011 IAM Automotive Conference is scheduled for October 15-18 at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Registration will take place Saturday, October 15, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and again on Sunday morning from 8:00 to 9:00. The Conference begins Sunday, October 16, at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude no later than 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18.

Download the call letter here!

GVP Roach Named to Succeed GST Mart

In keeping with the IAM tradition of reaching into the ranks for leadership and experience, International President Tom Buffenbarger announced at the IAM Transportation Conference that Transportation General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. will succeed Warren L. Mart as General Secretary-Treasurer when Mart retires at the end of this year.

FAA Held Hostage by GOP Extremists

The ongoing FAA shutdown that has caused furloughs of thousands of FAA employees and threatens nearly 90,000 construction workers will continue through much of August because House GOP leaders decided summer vacation was more important than airline safety.

Take action: Click here to tell Congress to stop the attacks on the FAA and workplace democracy.

Tuskegee Airmen Honored as Civil Rights Pioneers

This year marks the 70th anniversary of one of the most significant developments in U.S. civil rights history; the 1941 formation of the first all-black combat unit in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Despite strict racial segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces and fierce resistance to allowing black pilots to fly combat missions, the Tuskegee Airmen went on to compile an extraordinary wartime record, completing more than 15,500 combat sorties between 1941 and 1945.

AFL-CIO Calls for End to ‘Fake Political Crises’

Instead of addressing the real economic crisis taking place in the homes of everyday Americans, Washington has instead chosen to ignore it and continuously distract the American public with fake political crises of their own, says members of the AFL-CIO Executive Council is a statement released Wednesday.

For a look at the complete statement, click here.

District 751 Members Ratify New Contract with Doss Aviation

IAM District 751 members working for Doss Aviation have ratified a new three-year contract.

Tentative Agreement Reached at Hawker Beechcraft

Members of the Negotiating Committee representing 2,600 IAM members at Hawker Beechcraft (HBC) in Wichita, KS are unanimously recommending a ‘Yes’ vote on a tentative agreement reached this week between the IAM and Hawker Beechcraft.

Legal Scholars Oppose Disclosure of NLRB Documents

Last week, a group of 34 law and labor academics sent a letter to House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) urging him to stop interfering with the National Labor Relations Board’s law enforcement proceeding against the Boeing Company.  The professors assert that Issa’s request for documents serves little oversight purpose, but is instead a thinly-veiled attempt to help Boeing by weakening an ongoing law enforcement case against the company.

Voting Underway in UCubed’s ‘Pink Slip Primary’

To refocus attention on the jobs crisis, UCubed is holding its own presidential primary – for jobless households – called the ‘Pink Slip Primary.’

IAM members at Finning Vote to End Five-Week Strike

IAM members from 25 locations across British Columbia voted in favor of ratifying a four-year contract that ended a five-week strike at Finning. The 700 mechanics, parts department and support personnel repair and overhaul heavy equipment for mining, forestry and construction industries in British Columbia.

District 75 Committee Completes Bargaining Prep at WWW Center

District 75, Local 20, at Hurlburt AFB, FL is preparing for negotiations with Defense Support Services (DS2). The 200 newly-organized IAM members at the Hurlburt AFB maintain the aircraft fleet at the base, providing safe, quality aircraft for war fighters to prepare for combat. This will be their first contract.

The Panama FTA is Unsafe, Unequal and Unfair

The Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is one of three pending Bush-negotiated free trade agreements lawmakers are trying to ram through to final passage.

Machinists Leaders Meet with Pope Benedict XVI

In a bid to reinvigorate the long-standing ties between labor and the faith community, a delegation of IAM leaders from the United States and Canada met recently with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in Rome.

IKEA/Swedwood Workers Vote “Yes” for IAM

A three-year struggle for fairness ended in victory when workers at a Swedwood plant in Danville, VA – a right-to-work (for less) state – voted 221 to 69 to join the IAM. Swedwood is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Swedish furniture giant IKEA.

Leo Hindery Outlines ‘Vision for Economic Renewal’ Report

In an op-ed published on The Huffington Post, Leo Hindery, Chairman of the Smart Globalization Initiative at the New America Foundation, outlines a new report on how to reverse the jobs crisis.

IAM Scholarships: 2011 Winners and 2012 Application Info

The 2011 IAM Scholarship winners have been announced. Click here to see the complete list of winners. An impartial committee of educators selected seventeen recipients out of 402 entries submitted for this years’ competition. Thirteen College and two Vocational School Scholarships were awarded to children of IAM members, and two Scholarships went to IAM members.

Overwhelming Approval for First URS Contract

More than 240 IAM members, who perform aircraft maintenance at Whidbey Naval Air Station, have overwhelmingly ratified a new first collective bargaining agreement with URS Corp. The 97 percent vote reflected the tremendous solidarity the group has maintained since initially voting for IAM representation at the end of last year.

Pennsylvania Labor Honors Former IAM Vice President

The IAM joins with the Pennsylvania Labor History Society in honoring men and women of the early labor movement who courageously fought to make life better for workers everywhere.

Tell Congress to vote "No" on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Right-wing paramilitary groups are responsible for the killing of more than 2,850 trade unionists in Colombia. Yet, lurking inside the halls of Washington is an aggressive, well-funded and under-publicized lobbying effort to pass a seriously-flawed free trade agreement (FTA) with the Colombian government.

Labor, House Dems Stand Against GOP Attack on NLRB

Dozens of labor advocates gathered at the capitol today to speak out against the GOP’s proposed modifications to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The so-called “Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act” (HR 2587) prohibits the NLRB from stopping an employer from retaliating against its workforce’s right to strike or join a union by relocating, shutting down or transferring its business.

UCubed Announces the ‘Pink Slip Primary’

The Union of Unemployed (UCubed) will be holding its own election ahead of the 2012 primaries. Aimed at focusing the U.S. political agenda on JOBS Now! and giving the jobless a chance to vote for or against presidential candidates who talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk, UCubed is introducing the “Pink Slip Primary.”

Gruber Named to Illinois Workers' Compensation Board

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip Gruber is one of 12 members recently appointed by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn to serve on the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board. The appointments are in response to the recently-passed reform legislation overhauling the state’s workers’ compensation system.

District 75 Members Ratify New Defense Contract

Members of IAM Local Lodge 449, District 75 of Tyndall AFB in Florida voted by a 98 percent margin to ratify a new three year agreement with Defense Support Service (DS2).

Wisconsin Democratic Senator Wins Recall Race

Wisconsin Democratic State Senator Dave Hansen easily defeated his Republican challenger in the first of nine recall races sparked by Wisconsin GOP Governor Scott Walker’s attacks on working families.

House Committee Approves Attack on NLRB Authority

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce today continued its partisan attack on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by approving a bill to prohibit the NLRB from doing its job of protecting workers and their right to bargain collectively.

Caveat Emptor: Deficit Reduction Plan Means More Pain for Working Families

A bipartisan plan to cut the deficit appears to be getting a major boost in Washington, but caveat emptor (buyer beware) warns the IAM.

Final Farewell to Space Shuttle Program

Today’s landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis marks the end of NASA’s shuttle program that started with the first launch in 1981. Tens of thousands of workers, including IAM members, played key roles in building, launching and maintaining the shuttle fleet.

Updated UCubed Map Showcases Broad GOP Attack on Jobless

More than 6.8 million jobless Americans are about to see their situations go from bad to worse.

Global Support Continues to Grow for IKEA/Swedwood Organizing Campaign

Workers in Europe and as far away as Kuala Lumpar are showing their support for IKEA/Swedwood workers in Danville, VA, in their effort to join the Machinists Union. Click here to see a video of supporters in Germany passing out “I Vote for IKEA/Swedwood Union” cards in an IKEA store and click here to view photos of supporters outside other IKEA stores.

Local 933 Member Wins Job Back in Arbitration

Richard Schweiss, member of Local 933 in Tucson, AZ, has returned to his job as an A&P Mechanic at Defense Support Services (DS2) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base after being unjustly terminated by the employer.

Spaces Still Available for 2011 Spanish Leadership Classes

Space is still available in the two remaining 2011 Spanish Leadership programs at the Winpisinger Center.  A record number of members attended the most recent Spanish Leadership I program held in May.  Momentum and participation in the IAM’s Spanish Leadership Programs continues to grow, reflecting the rapidly changing demographics of the U.S. and Canadian workforces.

Aún quedan lugares disponibles para las clases de Liderazgo en Español para el 2011

Aún quedan lugares para participar en los dos programas de Liderazgo en Español del  2011 en el Centro Winpisinger.  Un número récord de miembros participaron en la última clase de Liderazgo I en Español que  se llevó a cabo en Mayo. El crecimiento de la participación en los programas en Español, reflejan el cambio demográfico de la fuerza laboral que se vive en los Estados Unidos y Canadá.

No Freedom in Colombia Free Trade Agreement

The Colombia Free Trade Agreement is a betrayal of fundamental human rights. Last year, 51 trade unionists were slain in the streets of Colombia. Over 2,850 trade unionists were murdered in the last 25 years. And so far in 2011, 17 trade unionists have been killed. These atrocities, combined with Colombia's negligent child labor enforcement laws, reaffirm the IAM's resistance to a free trade agreement with one of the most corrupt and volatile governments of the world.

International Support for Swedwood/IKEA Workers Grows

The organizing drive at IKEA’s manufacturing subsidiary, Swedwood, in Danville, VA, is gaining more international support with a special request by the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI).

Newly-Formed Local in United States Virgin Islands

After recent organizing wins in the U.S. Virgin Islands, IAM members are forming new Local Lodge 340. “We are starting the Local Lodge with strong members and true labor activists,” said Southern Territory GLR Dave Porter. “We already have several other groups that are interested in the Machinists Union. There is great potential for growth for the new local.”

U.S. Corporations Have Second Lowest Tax Rate in the Developed World

To listen to the Republican side of the deficit debate, U.S. corporations are overburdened with taxes and that’s why there are no jobs, leaving huge cuts to Social Security, Medicare and other social programs as the only way to balance the budget. But a new study by the Center for Tax Justice (CTJ) shows U.S. corporations can well afford to contribute to balancing the budget.

Help Increase GoIAM.org’s Online Safety Rating

An online safety website which identifies potential threats on the internet has given the IAM website a poor safety rating. The Web of Trust (WOT) is an online company which asks its users to rate websites. Poor reviews by just a few visitors can negatively impact a website’s ratings and has caused www.goiam.org to receive a poor rating. We encourage IAM members to rate www.goiam.org for themselves.

Hindery Argues for Sound Free Trade Agreements

The only standard that should be used to govern U.S. leaders’ decision to pass free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Colombia and Panama is whether they are in the best interest of American workers and the U.S. economy, says Leo Hindery, Chairman of the Smart Globalization Initiative at the New America Foundation, in an op-ed published on The Huffington Post.

Wisconsin Recall Effort Still on Track

The effort to recall six Republican state senators in Wisconsin passed a key test this week when Democratic challengers easily defeated “fake” Democratic opponents in a round of primary elections forced by Republican Party members who filed to run as Democrats. Republicans ran the fake candidates to give the GOP state senators facing recall more time to campaign and raise money.

GOP Spending Cuts Stalls Job Growth

The GOP promise in the 2010 elections that “getting government out of the way” by cutting spending would create jobs is turning out to have the effect most economists expected – more layoffs.

Tune in Tonight to Watch IAM Member on USA TV

IAM Local 839 member Brett Graham, a machinist at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, will be featured tonight on the new TV show from Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), Brotherhood Outdoors. The program airs at 8 p.m. EDT on the Sportsman Channel.

IAM, Hawker Beechcraft Begin Negotiations for 2,600

Opening remarks by IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger and Hawker Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture in Wichita, KS set the stage for the negotiations that will lead to a new contract for 2,600 IAM members at Hawker.

Voting Underway for United & Continental Fleet Workers

IAM-represented Ramp workers at United Airlines and Fleet Service workers at Continental and Continental Micronesia - who are represented by another union - began voting this week by phone and internet in a representation election conducted by the National Mediation Board (NMB).

Debt Talks Must Address Jobs Crisis

President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner are in private talks to raise the U.S. debt ceiling – the legal limit on borrowing by the federal government. The $4 trillion deal is expected to include a mix of spending cuts and new taxes – but nothing to create jobs.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress and the White House a deal forged without measures to spur job growth is a bad deal, doomed from the start. Tell leaders do not ignore jobs and the unemployed.

Violations Prompt Protest in Flight Attendant Election

The IAM officially notified the National Mediation Board (NMB), United Airlines and the Communication Workers of America - Association of Flight Attendants (CWA-AFA) that it is protesting the conduct of the recent representation election for Flight Attendants at United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia.

Union of Unemployed Warns of Double Dip Recession

The specter of a double dip recession came roaring back to life with the news from the U.S. Labor Department that the nation’s unemployment rate rose to 9.2 percent, with only 18,000 jobs added in June.

‘Recovery’ Swells Corporate Coffers, Stiffs Workers

The so-called recovery that began in 2009 has put huge profits in the hands of corporations but left millions of Americans jobless and those with jobs falling farther behind.

Atlantis Launch Marks End of Shuttle Era

The scheduled launch of the space shuttle Atlantis on July 8 will mark the end of U.S. manned space flight for years to come and leave thousands of dedicated U.S workers out of jobs.

Blog Provides Voice for Federal Employees

NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 (FD1) in Washington, DC has created a blog, “I am a Federal Employee,” as an avenue for federal employees to voice the truth about who they are, what they do, and to share their experiences and struggles.

IAM Campaign at Swedwood in the News

Workers employed at Swedwood, an IKEA subsidiary in Danville, VA, are adding national and international media exposure as part of their campaign to win IAM representation at the facility.

Union SAFE College Grants Awarded to IAM Members

Four IAM members each received a $500 grant as part of the Union Plus Union SAFE (Security.Assistance.Financial Education) College Savings program.

2011 Communicator Class Rescheduled to December

The IAM Communications Department’s Communicator Course has been rescheduled from October 10-15, 2011 to December 4-9, 2011. Participants who have applied for the October 10-15 class do not need to submit new applications. New participants must submit their applications by Friday, September 30, 2011.

Flight Attendant Election Set to Conclude

The deadline for voting in the one of the largest representation elections in National Mediation Board (NMB) history is 2 PM Eastern Time Wednesday, June 29th.

Resistance Grows to Flawed Colombia FTA

The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee says he will not endorse the Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) until key provisions dealing with labor rights are included in the legislation.

Local 818 Members Win at USA Clays Shoot

Wheeling, WV Local 818 Secretary-Treasurer Jack Williams, Jr. and member Jim Ferda took home the top team prize of “High Overall Average” at the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 2nd Annual Pittsburgh Area Sporting Clays Shoot.

IAM Files for Election at Swedwood IKEA Plant

The IAM filed for a representation election for hourly workers at Swedwood, an IKEA supplier in Danville, VA. Workers at Swedwood have endured harsh working conditions and an anti-union campaign that violates IKEA’s own code of conduct.

Cartoon: Korea Free Trade Will Stifle American Workers

Multi-national U.S. corporations and the supply chain they have created in countries like South Korea are one step closer to further stifling American workers.

IAM to Represent All Stores Workers at United/Continental

The National Mediation Board has certified the IAM as the collective bargaining representative for 1,035 Stores/Material Specialists at the new United Airlines.

IAM Photo Series Rallies Opposition to Korean FTA

The IAM’s photo series unveiling the real truths behind the South Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) ramps up in the wake of the White House decision to submit the flawed trade deal to Congress.

Machinists Union Graduates Honored by National Labor College

IAM members who earned Bachelor’s degrees in 2011 from the AFL-CIO’s National Labor College (NLC) in Silver Spring, MD were honored at the College’s annual graduation ceremony.

IAM Family Member Awarded Union Plus Scholarship

An IAM family member is among the winners of the 2011 Union Plus Scholarship awards program. Receiving a $750 scholarship is Antonio Lloyd, III of Clayton, NJ, whose father Antonio Lloyd, Jr. is a member of Local Lodge 447 in Brooklyn, NY.

IMF Delegates Respond to Aerospace Challenges

The rampant increase in outsourcing and the explosive growth of the vendor supply chain in the aerospace industry were key issues for more than 50 delegates at the 2011 meeting of the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF).

Machinists Strike Finning for First Time in BC

Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 692 have gone on strike at 25 locations of Finning International in British Columbia.

NLRB Proposes New Union Election Rules

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has proposed new union representation rules that ensure workers can freely exercise one basic right we hold dear in this country – the right to vote.

Hindery Argues for Sound U.S. Manufacturing Policy

In an op-ed published on The Huffington Post, Leo Hindery, Chairman of the Smart Globalization Initiative at the New America Foundation, explains “Why We Need a Manufacturing Renaissance – Economically and Ethically.”

Ohio Workers Picket Tsubaki Headquarters In Illinois

Members of IAM Local 2159 loaded into a van in the early morning hours to travel to the headquarters of industrial chain-maker U.S. Tsubaki in Wheeling, IL. The workers, who have been on strike at the Tsubaki facility in Sandusky, OH, since January 31, 2011, decided to take their picket line on the road to call attention to the company’s refusal to engage in good faith efforts to settle the strike.

Attention Veterans: U.S. Postal Service Wants YOU

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will be hiring thousands of workers as a result of the new contract negotiated by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). In many instances, the USPS must hire veterans before civilians, provided they are on the appropriate hiring register.

President Renews Attack on Business Aircraft

In a joint letter to President Obama, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) expressed deep concern over recent comments by the President questioning the value of corporate aircraft use and proposing tax changes that would negatively impact the entire general aviation industry.

Judge Rejects Boeing Motion to Dismiss NLRB Complaint

An administrative law judge in San Francisco, CA rejected “in its entirety” a motion by The Boeing Company to dismiss the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaint over Boeing’s movement of 787 production from Washington state to South Carolina.

NMB Concludes Flight Attendant Election

The relative sizes of bargaining units was a key factor in the first representation election brought on by the merger of United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia Airlines. With more than 15,000 Flight Attendants at the pre-merger United Airlines, the CWA-AFA was able to overcome the 9,500 Flight Attendants at Continental and Continental Micronesia represented by the IAM. Although the CWA-AFA had a 5,500 member advantage, the vote difference was just 2,197 votes.

GOP Plan for Amtrak Called Unconstitutional

The ranking Democrat of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee says the Republican plan to privatize Amtrak is unconstitutional.

Help save Amtrak by taking action. Click here to send a letter to your Congressperson. Tell them to say “NO” to the Mica-Shuster “Competition for Intercity Passenger Rail in America Act.”

Backlash Grows Against GOP Anti-Worker Agenda

The nationwide Republican effort to roll back collective bargaining rights and break unions is taking a toll – on Republican lawmakers. In Wisconsin, a desperate GOP is trying to stall recall races for several state GOP senators by running GOP candidates as Democrats. In New Hampshire, the resignations of two GOP legislators from key GOP leadership positions signal crumbling support for the GOP’s underhanded attacks on America’s middle class.

New ‘Brotherhood Outdoors’ Show Features IAM Member

Fans of hunting and fishing can tune into a new show, “Brotherhood Outdoors,” sponsored by the Union Sportsmen's Alliance that features union members, including IAM Local 839 member Brett Graham, going on outfitted hunting and fishing adventures across North America.

Why KORUS FTA is Awful for America

Asia's supply chain is strangling American jobs. And the tug of war between Asian governments and U.S.-based multi-national companies causes excruciating pain for America's workers and small businesses.

IAM Charges GOP Senator with Ethics Violations in Boeing Case

The IAM released a letter sent to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics calling for an investigation into South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham’s conduct and statements regarding the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) pending complaint against the Boeing Company.

Wisconsin Conservative Justices Uphold Walker Budget Bill

A narrow conservative majority on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court upheld GOP Governor Scott Walker’s union-busting budget bill and cleared the way for its implementation. The court’s decision to vacate an injunction against the bill by lower court judge Maryann Sumi is highly suspect.

UCubed Attends 6th Annual Netroots Nation Convention

The Union of Unemployed (UCubed) joined thousands of labor activists and progressive bloggers at the 2011 Netroots Nation Convention in Minneapolis, MN.

Photo Contest Deadline Extended to July 8

Don’t miss your chance to have your photo featured in the 2012 IAM Calendar! The deadline for the IAM Photo Contest has been extended to July 8, 2011.

At Last: Case Against Boeing Goes to Trial

A courtroom in Seattle, WA was the setting for the opening day of a highly anticipated legal showdown between the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Boeing Company over charges that Boeing violated federal labor law when it moved 787 Dreamliner production from Puget Sound to South Carolina.

IAM Fair Trade Campaign Gains Momentum on Facebook

Hundreds have joined the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ (IAM) Facebook campaign to stop the pending unfair trade deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.

Anti-Sweatshop Movement Profiled at Staff Conference

Among the high points of the 2011 National Staff Conference was an up close and personal presentation from IAM Assistant General Counsel Maria Roeper, who helped organize the United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) and the Workers Rights Consortium (WRC).

Leo Hindery Proposes Realistic Plan for Recovery

JOBS Now! must be the rallying cry of the 2012 presidential and congressional elections says Leo Hindery, Chairman of the Smart Globalization Initiative at the New America Foundation.

Act Now for Reduced Rates at Human Rights Conference

IAM members planning to attend the first IAM International Human Rights Conference still have time to get the discounted registration fee as the deadline has been extended to July 1.

Machinists Take Fair Trade Debate to Facebook

Join the fight to stop the South Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by clicking “like” on the IAM Facebook page.

National Staff Conference Underway in Toronto

Nearly 600 Machinists and guests gathered in Toronto, Ontario, this week for the 2011 IAM National Staff Conference.

IAM Southern Territory Now Includes Virgin Islands

In two recent elections, workers welcomed the Machinists Union to the United States Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States.

NMB Sets Dates for Ramp/Fleet Election at United

The National Mediation Board (NMB) set July 7, 2011 as the starting date for a five-week election that can establish the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) as the collective bargaining representative for 14,300 Ramp/Fleet Service workers at the recently merged United and Continental Airlines.

Campaign Grows to Save Avondale Shipyard

Union members and local businesses in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast are working hard to save the Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, LA.

Register Now for LCLAA Educational Conference

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) will hold their Leadership Development and Educational Conference on August 4-6, 2011 at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Membership Pays Off for Georgia Federal Workers

IAM Local 2783 in St. Marys, GA represents about 1,100 federal employees at Trident Refit Facility (TRF) in Kings Bay GA, and recently received good news concerning three separate grievance issues. Two of these resulted in significant financial awards, while the third hopefully signals a better relationship with management.

Contract Talks Underway for 15,000 at General Electric

In the shadow of plant closing and job cuts, negotiations for a new contract covering nearly 15,000 workers at General Electric got underway in New York this week. The IAM represents approximately 1,500 GE workers at nine locations and is one of 10 unions negotiating with General Electric as part of the Coordinated Bargaining Committee.

NMB Authorizes United-Continental Ramp/Fleet Election

The National Mediation Board (NMB) has authorized a union representation election for the combined group of Ramp/Fleet workers at the newly-merged United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia, all subsidiaries of United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Visit www.voteiam.com for the most up-to-date election information.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Stands Up for Federal Workers

In an op-ed published in The Atlantic, the former first female lieutenant governor of Maryland Kathleen Kennedy Townsend applies lessons learned in the women’s movement to the current fight to preserve state and federal workers’ collective bargaining rights.

A Lesson in Solidarity

Passion, dedication and the IAM Spanish Leadership classes were ingredients that gave life to an inspiring show of solidarity during an organizing drive in Medford, OR.

Lackland AFB Drivers Vote Unanimously for IAM

Eighty-two bus drivers and dispatchers at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, are now proud IAM members. Drivers at Brymack and FSI Inc. voted unanimously to join the IAM under the Service Contract Act. “Many of the drivers are veterans or have health insurance through other means,” said DL 776 Business Representative Joe Alviar.

Machinists Highlight Bad Trade Deals

Public skepticism is increasing over the Republican claim that pending trade pacts with South Korea, Panama and Colombia will create more U.S. jobs.  And with good reason, explains IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger.

“We’re still reeling from the painful mess created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),” said Buffenbarger. “These new agreements are just more of the same bad news for North American workers.”

NMB to Investigate Election Interference at Delta

The National Mediation Board (NMB) this week announced it is launching a full investigation into Delta Air Line’s interference in last year’s IAM representation elections for the airline’s Fleet Service, Customer Service and Stores employees.

Young Machinists Hold Fundraiser for Storm Victims

Members of the newly-formed Young Machinists group at IAM Headquarters joined forces recently with the IAM Retirees/Community and Membership Services Department to raise nearly $1,600 on behalf of IAM members affected by recent tornadoes.

UCubed Targets Wall Street in ‘The Game’

The Union of Unemployed (UCubed) is drawing renewed attention to the economic crisis with the release of a new online video entitled The Game.

Gulf Coast Shipyard Threatened with Extinction

While the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina continues to be memorialized in movies, songs and books, another storm is threatening to devastate the Gulf Coast with equivalent levels of economic devastation.

The High Price of Free Trade Deals

The IAM is gearing up for a showdown over three seriously flawed trade deals negotiated during the Bush administration and currently being considered by the Obama administration. The South Korea, Colombia and Panama free trade agreements (FTAs) threaten our jobs and will decimate America’s already sputtering economy.

Last Call for Newsletter, Website and Photo Contests

Don’t forget to enter your photos, newsletters and websites! The extended deadline for the IAM Photo Contest and the Newsletter and Website Contest is June 13, 2011. The 2011 IAM Newsletter and Website Contest is open to all local and district lodges that publish an official newsletter or website.

The IAM also holds an annual photo contest that showcases IAM members and the many jobs they do. Photos should be of IAM or TCU members in good standing and taken by an IAM or TCU member in good standing. Photo contest winners will be featured in the 2012 IAM Calendar.

Pensions Preserved for Machinists at Arnprior Aerospace

Members of Local 1542 in Arnprior, ON, recently concluded contract negotiations with Arnprior Aerospace and were able to turn back company proposals that sought to reduce wages, cut holidays and eliminate pensions for current and future employees.

Despite assistance from a provincial mediator, the company continued to propose terms that eliminated pensions for new hires as well as severe penalties for early retirees. Following a recommendation from their Bargaining Committee, members of Local 1542 rejected the company proposal and voted overwhelmingly to strike.

CBTU Calls for Action at 40th Annual Convention

Powered by the theme, “The Next 40 Years: Building on a Strong Legacy,” the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) held their 40th Convention May 25-30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Convention theme was clearly on the minds of the nearly 1,000 delegates when they passed a Special Resolution regarding the “all-out assault on civil, worker and human rights around the United States of America and Canada.”

GOP Wants to Sell Amtrak

House Republicans are once again pushing a proposal to dismantle Amtrak, by carving up the national network and awarding private investors the right to build and operate high-speed rail service between Washington and Boston. While the highly profitable Northeast Corridor would be privatized under the GOP plan, less profitable routes would remain part of the Amtrak system and ultimately be starved of federal subsidies.

IAM Salutes 250 Years of Service

Five retired IAM representatives, with more than two centuries of service between them, were recognized for their extraordinary contributions at the recent Great Lakes Retirees Meeting in (city, state).

ITF Women’s Committee Focuses on Key Issues

Members of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Women’s Committee met in London to focus on the unique needs of women workers in the global transportation industry. The ITF Women’s Committee includes labor representatives from transportation industries throughout the world, including IAM Transportation Grand Lodge Representative Dora Cervantes.

NFFE/IAM President Defends Federal Workers

In testimony before the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, and Labor Policy, NFFE/IAM President William Dougan defended federal workers and gave compelling evidence that the Republican “Rightsizing the Federal Workforce” plan was the wrong approach to reforming government.Click here for the full testimony.

Support Bill to End Jobless Discrimination

Losing your job is bad enough. Not being able to apply for a new one because the want-ad reads “UNEMPLOYED NEED NOT APPLY” adds insult to injury.
Take action: Tell your Representative and Senators to vote “yes” on the Fair Employment Act of 2011 today.

Judge Rules Against Wisconsin Budget Law

Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi dealt a serious blow to GOP Governor Scott Walker’s blatant union-busting when she granted a permanent injunction that voids the law eliminating collective bargaining rights for Wisconsin public-sector workers. The case will now go to the state Supreme Court.

GOP Loses Key House Race

In a possible bellwether race for the 2012 election, reaction to the Republican plan to dismantle Medicare and other radical proposals cost the GOP a usually safe seat in a special election in upstate New York to replace Congressman Chris Lee.

Social Security – Serving Those Who Serve

This Memorial Day, when we pause to honor those who served and sacrificed, it is fitting to acknowledge the important difference that Social Security benefits make to veterans and families of veterans killed in the line of duty.

White House Cites IAM members as Champions of Change

Two IAM members, Local 2339H member Rosalie Canton of Houston, TX and Local 754 member Andrew Sandberg of Jamaica, New York participated in a “Champion of Change” roundtable at the White House.

Young Machinists Website Unveiled

The IAM recently formed The Young Machinists as a working group to ensure young members’ concerns are addressed and they understand the benefits of working in a unionized workplace.

Flight Attendants Resume Dialog on Reserve Issues

More than 20 Flight Attendants from Continental and United came together this week for the IAM’s second Reserve Summit, held at the IAM’s Education and Technology Center in Maryland.

Senators Call for Long-Term TAA Extension

A group of 41 U.S. Senators have sent a letter to the White House expressing their support of President Obama’s recent decision not to submit three pending free trade deals to Congress until Congress agrees to a long-term extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TAA).

Update Passports, Cell Phones for National Staff Conference

IAM representatives from the United States who are assigned to the 2011 National Staff Conference scheduled for June 12-16, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. If you do not have a current passport, you should apply for, or update, your passport as soon as possible. Click here to go to the State Department website for the application form and further instructions.

Hindery to McNerney: Tell the Truth

Calling remarks by Boeing CEO Jim McNerney about the recent NLRB complaint, “among the most misleading and disingenuous by a major American CEO ever,” former Tele-Communications CEO Leo Hindery urged McNerney to come clean about his campaign against U.S. labor unions and the workers they represent.

IAM Renews Call for Tornado Victim Assistance

Sadly, we are again asking for donations to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund. This time, it’s to help our brothers and sisters in and around Joplin, MO, which was devastated by the May 22 killer tornado.

LCLAA Celebrates Victory for Workers in Puerto Rico

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) applauds Puerto Rico’s legislature for standing up for workers and restoring collective bargaining rights.

Trumka Delivers ‘Wrecking Ball’ Speech at Press Club

In a recent address at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., AFL-CIO President Trumka said lawmakers who have thus far showed reluctance in fighting on behalf of working families will reap the consequences in 2012 – no matter the party affiliation.

Pawlenty Endorses Union of Unemployed?

Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty came very close to endorsing the Union of Unemployed, nicknamed UCubed. “While not a full-throated endorsement,” explained UCubed Executive Director Rick Sloan, “the former Minnesota governor is whispering our tune.”

NY State Council Hosts 117th Annual Convention

More than 100 delegates, guests and speakers took part in the 117th Annual Convention of the New York State Council of Machinists in Niagara Falls, NY, where IAM leaders and elected officials called for an aggressive defense in the face of growing attacks on union members’ collective bargaining rights.

One Member’s Inspiring Commitment to Service

Leah Ganj-Bakhsh, Communicator and website editor for District 10 in Milwaukee, WI, has received an invitation to work as a Peace Corps Health Information Communication Technology Advisor in Ethiopia.

Documentary Marks Freedom Riders 50-Year Anniversary

The story behind a courageous band of civil rights activists who challenged segregation in the American South in 1961 is being retold in a new PBS documentary.

District 65 Members Ratify First Contract

Members of IAM District 65 in Fort Drum, NY ratified their first contract with Defense Support Services (DS2) by a 98 percent margin.

Machinists Host Global Tool & Die Conference

The IAM hosted the International Metalworkers’ Federation’s (IMF) Mechanical Engineering Conference, which met this week in Cincinnati, OH.

Ontario Colortech Employees Join IAM

“Management threw everything but the kitchen sink at these people trying to convince them not to join the Machinists, but it didn’t work,” explained District 140 Organizer Ian Morland.

Fact and Fiction in the Boeing Complaint

Right-wing lawmakers and conservative commentators continue to promote the notion that the Boeing Company and certain southern states should not be required to observe federal labor law, and that the federal agency charged with enforcing that law should be defunded and dismantled.

Voting Begins for Flight Attendants at United Airlines

The National Mediation Board (NMB) is mailing voting instructions this week to more than 24,000 United, Continental and Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants, who will have until June 29 to choose the union that can best produce a single contract for the combined group. Flight Attendants can vote by phone by dialing 1-877-NMB-VOTE or online at www.nmb.gov after receiving their voting instructions.

National Staff Conference Reminder

IAM representatives from the United States who are assigned to the 2011 National Staff Conference scheduled for June 12-16,  in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. If you do not have a current passport, you should apply for, or update, your passport as soon as possible.

‘Going Back on the Deal’

An op-ed published in the New York Times this week reveals GOP attempts to double-cross American voters – particularly, the unemployed.

Legislation Introduced (again) for Paid Sick Leave

Legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate that would require employers with 15 or more employees to provide workers with up to seven days paid sick leave. The proposed Healthy Families Act has been introduced in Congress several times since 2004.

GOP Attack on NLRB Goes Viral

The right-wing screech-fest over the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaint against Boeing is reaching circus-like proportions, with conservative commentators and Republican presidential candidates competing to see who can make the most outrageous and incendiary remarks about the case.

Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants Ready for Election

An enthusiastic group of IAM-Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants visited the IAM's Education and Technology Center in Southern Maryland to help coordinate resources for the upcoming representation election. The group discussed key issues surrounding the campaign and the importance of maintaining their IAM contract.

Walker Backlash Claims Another GOP Candidate

Voter backlash against Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker’s unfair campaign against public employees and collective bargaining rights continues with voters electing Democrat Steve Doyle over Republican John Lautz for a seat in the State Assembly that Republicans have held for 16 years.

Deadline Extended for Photo, Newsletter and Website Contests

The deadline for the IAM Photo Contest and the Newsletter and Website Contest has been extended to June 13, 2011. The 2011 IAM Newsletter and Website Contest is open to all local and district lodges that publish an official newsletter or website. The contest is also open to TCU lodges.

New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Anti-Union Legislation

Democratic Gov. John Lynch has vetoed a Republican attempt to make New Hampshire a right-to-work (for less) state, citing a lack of evidence that the legislation would actually benefit New Hampshire workers.

WWW Center Hosts Largest Ever Spanish Leadership I Class

This week the William W. Winpisinger Center is hosting the largest Spanish Leadership I class since the program was initiated four years ago, underscoring the growth that the Spanish Leadership programs have achieved. IAM members from every Territory are participating in the program and are taking another step towards activism and involvement in their union.

La clase más grande en la historia de los programas de liderazgo en Español

Esta semana el Centro William W. Winpisinger lleva a cabo la clase más grande desde el inicio del programa de liderazgo I en Español hace cuatro años, subrayando el crecimiento realizado por los programas de Liderazgo en Español. Miembros de la IAMAW en cada Territorio están participando en el programa y toman otro paso hasta el activismo e involucramiento en su unión.

Complaint Against Boeing Riles Anti-Union Zealots

The recent NLRB complaint against the Boeing Company is quickly becoming a cause célèbre among right-to-work zealots who are calling for extreme measures to “reign in” the federal agency charged with protecting U.S. labor laws.

IAM Issues Tornado Aid Request

The barrage of F5 tornados that tore across several southern states on April 27 may be receding from the public’s attention, but the work to repair those communities is only beginning. In Alabama alone, more than 170 people were killed, thousands injured and entire neighborhoods destroyed.

NLRB Moves to Protect Workers’ Rights in Arizona

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a lawsuit against the state of Arizona for its illegal attempt to mandate the use of secret ballot-only union elections.

UCubed to Jobless: ‘Tell It Like It Is’

UCubed is asking the jobless for their help in designing a bumper sticker that sums up what it means to be unemployed in America.

IAM Supports ‘Make it in America’ Agenda

The IAM welcomed House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer’s effort to restore the national focus on creating and preserving U.S. jobs as the primary pathway back to national economic prosperity.

NDP Makes Major Gains in Canadian Elections

The strongly pro-working family New Democratic Party (NDP) made Canadian history when Canadians elected 102 NDP members of Parliament in the May 2, 2011 federal election. When the last Parliament dissolved, the NDP had 36 seats.

SAMs Workers Rally for Justice

Dozens of IAM members rallied in downtown Washington, DC, demanding an end to their employer’s refusal to recognize the IAM as their union. The DC Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance (SAMs) workers picketed outside the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) office demanding the company recognize the Machinists Union as the workers’ certified union.

Update Passports, Cell Phones for National Staff Conference

IAM representatives from the United States who are assigned to the 2011 National Staff Conference scheduled for June 12-16, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada.

Members at Ft. Rucker in Alabama Ratify New Pact

Nearly 3,800 members of Local 2003 at Ft. Rucker, AL, voted recently to ratify a new three-year agreement with Army Fleet Support. The pact includes annual raises of three percent and a 50 cent-increase in the employer’s contribution to the IAM Pension Plan over the term of the contract.

UCubed Calls for ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ to be U.S. Made

Ur Union of Unemployed is calling on New York City and state officials to oppose a plan by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to flood the New York streets with thousands of foreign-built taxicabs.

North Carolina Coast Guard Workers Join IAM

One hundred and thirty workers at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, NC voted for IAM representation to improve their pay and benefits. The Service Contract workers are employed by URS Corporation and provide service to the base and helicopter fleet.

IAM Leaders Address Ohio State Council Delegates

Members of the Ohio State Council of Machinists met on April 30 in Cleveland, OH, to coordinate their efforts on behalf of members in the Buckeye State and to review the unprecedented assault on collective bargaining taking place in Ohio and elsewhere.

IAM Report Highlights U.S. Manufacturing Jobs

Unlike most industrialized countries, the U.S. has no definitive policy to preserve and protect its homegrown manufacturing jobs. A new IAM report, “Creating and Sustaining U.S. Manufacturing Jobs,” includes a nine-point plan that could provide the basis for a desperately-needed national policy.

Single Carrier Ruling Issued for Ramp/Fleet at United Airlines

The IAM is welcoming the National Mediation Board’s (NMB) single carrier ruling for the Ramp and Fleet Service classifications at the recently combined United Airlines and Continental Airlines.

Case Against Boeing Draws National Attention

The nation’s largest newspapers are weighing in on last week’s complaint by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) charging Boeing with multiple violations of federal labor law.

Flight Attendant Webcast Available for Viewing

The IAM is inviting all United, Continental and Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants to view an IAM Virtual Road Show. The show, which was broadcast live over the Internet, features United and Continental Flight Attendants answering questions and providing information about the United/Continental merger, the upcoming representation election and the negotiations that will follow.

IAM Remembers the Fallen

Families, friends and fellow IAM members gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center as part of a national observance of Workers’ Memorial Day to honor the memory of those who perished on the job or from work-related diseases.

Reminders for 2011 IAM National Staff Conference

IAM representatives from the United States who are assigned to the 2011 National Staff Conference scheduled for June 12-16, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. Passport enter Canada. If you do not have a current passport, you should apply for, or update, your Passport as soon as possible.

Plan Now for 2011 Guide Dogs Banquet

The 31st William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet to benefit Guide Dogs of America (GDA) will be held Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Flight Attendant Election Authorized at United/Continental

The National Mediation Board (NMB) has authorized a representation election that could establish the IAM as the sole collective bargaining representative for 24,605 Flight Attendants at the recently merged United-Continental Airlines.

The U.S. Government’s Case Against Boeing

“I can’t not issue a complaint in the face of such evidence.” That was the reaction from National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Acting General Counsel Lafe Solomon, when asked about his decision to issue a complaint against the Boeing Company.

Ohio Members Ratify New Contract at AK Steel

Members of Local 1943 in Middletown, OH, employed by AK Steel ratified a three-year agreement that was set to expire in September of this year.

Florida APRI Honors Distinguished Activists

Miriam "Bunny" Baker and Sollie Mitchell were recently honored by The Florida State APRI Chapter.

April 28 is Workers’ Memorial Day

Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more are injured or sickened because of their jobs. The labor movement remembers these workers on April 28, Workers’ Memorial Day.

NLRB Cites Boeing for Illegal South Carolina Move

In response to charges filed by the IAM, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), this week issued a blistering complaint against the Boeing Company, declaring their move to South Carolina was a violation of federal labor law and constituted illegal retaliation against IAM members employed by Boeing in the Puget Sound area.

Single Carrier Ruling Issued for United Stock and Stores

The IAM welcomed this week’s National Mediation Board (NMB) single carrier ruling for the Stock and Stores classification at the recently combined United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia Airlines.

AFL-CIO Paywatch Notes Runaway Pay for CEOs

The 2011 Executive Paywatch website shows CEOs at 299 U.S. companies earned a combined income of $3.4 billion in 2010. Viacom’s CEO Philippe P. Dauman earned $84.5 million alone last year, one of the highest among the executives.

UCubed Reveals Worst States to be Unemployed In

UCubed released a second edition of its map outlining which states are currently pushing legislation aimed at punishing the unemployed. In addition to highlighting states like Indiana and New Mexico where state lawmakers want to reduce unemployment insurance benefits, subject the unemployed to drug tests, have refused to accept federal unemployment funds, etc., the map now shows exactly how many folks will be affected if the bills become law – a total of over 5.4 million.

Labor Board Rules for IAM in AutoNation Case

The IAM scored an important legal victory recently for workers at Mercedes of Orlando in Florida, who endured harassment, intimidation and even firings after they voted to unionize. The ruling from the National Labor Relations Board requires the dealership, which is owned by AutoNation, to reinstate five workers who were fired for their union activities, with full back pay.

Flight Attendants Sound Off on Reserve Flying

Most Flight Attendants love their work and wouldn’t trade jobs with anyone, but it’s hard to find even one who believes the current system of creating a Flight Attendants’ work schedule can’t be improved. That’s just one reason why the IAM invited Flight Attendants from both Continental and United to the WWW Center to take part in the first Reserve Summit for Flight Attendants at the new United Airlines.

IAM Honors Retired Activists

If the labor movement in America has a “greatest generation,” then retired IAM members John Capobianco and Dick Cummings deserve to be in its forward ranks, decorated with respect and appreciation for the decades of service they have given to the cause.

Plan Now for 2011 Guide Dogs Banquet

The 31st William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet to benefit Guide Dogs of America (GDA) will be held Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Thousands Rally in Olympia to Support Workers

“Working families didn't create this mess, and we are not just going to sit by and get blamed for it,” said Western Territory GVP Gary Allen at a rally in support of workers’ rights held in Olympia, WA. “We didn't walk away with billions in bonuses and tax breaks, and we shouldn't have to pay for their mess.”

GOP Budget Proposals Would Gut Medicare

When Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in 2010, they gave Paul Ryan, the new Chairman of the House Budget Committee, extraordinary powers to shape federal spending. Ryan is now proposing to use the deficit as an excuse to transform Medicare in radical ways.

Plan Now to Attend IAM Human Rights Conference

The IAM conference, themed Embracing Diversity in the House of Labor, will be held September 1st – 5th at the Buena Vista Palace in the Walt Disney Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL. A special discounted rate of $109 plus tax per night, single or double occupancy, has been arranged. To ensure the special rate, call 1-866-246-6563 and identify yourself as being with the “IAM Machinists Human Rights Conference.” Reservations must be made by August 1, 2011 to qualify for the discounted rate.

Lawmakers Respond to IAM Campaign to Expand CrewPass

Two top members of the House Committee on Homeland Security have lent their voices and their influence to the IAM effort to include Flight Attendants among the flight crew members authorized to use the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) expedited security screening system. Under current TSA guidelines, only pilots are entitled to access secure areas using this method.

West Virginia Machinists Focus on National Battles

General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart and Eastern Territory GVP Lynn Tucker were among the speakers addressing the West Virginia Machinists Council meeting on April 9 in Sutton, WV. The annual meeting gave union leaders and members in the Mountain State an opportunity to examine efforts in nearby states where Republican governors are using the deficit as an excuse to attack unions and suppress collective bargaining rights.

Newsletter, Web and Photo Contests Deadline Reminder

Don’t forget the deadline for the IAM Photo Contest and the Newsletter and Website Contest is May 13, 2011.

The IAM also holds an annual photo contest that showcases IAM members and the many jobs they do.

Federal Workers Await Details of Budget Cuts

More than 800,000 federal employees breathed a sigh of relief when Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced a tentative agreement to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year.

Labor Secretary Speaks Out for Equal Pay

April 12, 2011 marks Equal Pay Day for 2011, the length of time women must work into 2011 to make what men earned in 2010. “ Almost 50 years after enactment of the Equal Pay Act, equal pay for equal work remains elusive for millions of working women,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. “In fact, over the past 10 years, the pay gap has remained virtually unchanged. Today in America, women are paid an average of 80 cents for every dollar paid to men. The pay gap is even larger for women of color, with black women earning about 70 cents, and Latinas about 60 cents, of every dollar paid to all men.”

UCubed Map Shows Broad GOP Attack on Jobless

UCubed is calling on Republican governors and state legislatures to cease their attacks on the unemployed and focus on creating the jobs their states and citizens so desperately need.

IAM Opens Bargaining with Air Canada and Aveos

The IAM commenced bargaining in Toronto on behalf of members at Air Canada and Aveos. Canadian General Vice-President Dave Ritchie is taking part in the talks from the outset.

Senators Introduce National Manufacturing Strategy Act

Recognizing that the manufacturing sector has historically led the American economy out of recession, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) have announced the introduction of the bipartisan National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2011.

IAM Remains Strongly Opposed to Colombia FTA

The IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger today reaffirmed the IAM’s opposition to the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Walker Backlash Roils Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Contract Talks Begin for IAM Members at Ft. Rucker

Union Veteran Sleigh to Lead National Pension Fund

Bringing years of collective bargaining experience to the position, former IAM Strategic Resources Director Steve Sleigh has been named the Fund Director for the IAM National Pension and Benefit Trust Funds.

Reserve Now for 2011 Legislative Conference

'The Jobs Czar from Hell'

A National Day of Solidarity

Single Carrier Ruling Issued for Flight Attendants

An Inspirational Message of Struggle Worth Sharing

Machinists Pledge to Protect Voting Rights

Members Ratify New Pact at Crown Cork & Seal

Showdown Looms on Air, Rail Voting Rights

Surprise Gesture Marks Raffle to Benefit 2012 Convention

Don’t Miss Out on 2011 IAM Legislative Conference

GE makes $14.2 Billion in Profits, Pays No Taxes

Indiana Dems Block GOP Right-to-Work Proposal

‘We Are One’ April 4 Event Reminder

What can ONE job mean to Ohio's economy?

2,900 AirTran Employees Win Collective Bargaining Rights

Act Now to Save Union Voting Rights

Maine Governor Scorned for Labor Mural Removal

Thousands of union and labor supporters in Maine, and hundreds of thousands more around the country, are outraged about the removal of a 36-foot labor mural from the state’s Department of Labor headquarters. Republican Governor Paul LePage ordered the mural depicting historical moments in Maine's labor history be removed over the weekend.

Philips Taking Stimulus Funds to Mexico?

2011 Spanish Leadership Programs Are Gearing Up

Los programas de Liderazgo en Español 2011 ya están listos

Learning the Lessons of Wisconsin

Gruber Rallies for Public-Sector Workers in Wisconsin

Report Warns of Growing China Aerospace Sector

IAM Supports KOHKUREN in ILO Complaint

Labor Secretary Marks 100th Anniversary of Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

2011 MNPL Planning Committee Meeting Underway

Support Fair NMB Rules for Aviation and Rail Workers

UCubed’s Unemployment Brackets Showcase Grim Statistics

Register Now for the 2011 IAM Legislative Conference

2011 IAM Transportation Conference Will Convene in August

IAM Responds to Crisis in Japan

Tennessee Members Rally for Teachers’ Rights

Fresh Echoes of a Distant Famine

WWW Center Holds Leadership Class in Puerto Rico

El Centro Winpisinger Celebra Su Curso de Liderazgo en Puerto Rico

Plan Now for April 4 Solidarity Events

Hero’s Welcome for Wisconsin 14

Leaders Listen at Flight Attendant Road Shows

Hindery Op-ed Argues for U.S. Manufacturing

GOP Senators Introduce National Anti-union Law

In a continuation of the coordinated attack on working families and their right to bargain collectively, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), along with seven other GOP members of the U.S. Senate, introduced national “right-to-work” legislation. Original co-sponsors include Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Risch (R-ID), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and David Vitter (R-LA).

District 751 Machinists Hailed for Volunteer Work

IAM Stands Ready to Help Earthquake Victims

Machinists President Responds to GOP War on Middle Class

The following is a statement from IAM President Tom Buffenbarger in response to the move by the Wisconsin state Senate to strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights:

“Last night in Wisconsin, legislative process trumped democratic principles. Republican Senators voted 18 to 1 to strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights. It is a Pyrrhic victory and one the GOP will regret.

Time for Something More?

The AFL-CIO has called for all of us to take a stand for solidarity on April 4th.

On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, where he had gone to stand with sanitation workers demanding their dream: The right to bargain collectively for a voice at work and a better life.

That right to bargain collectively is under attack by the handmaidens of the hyper-rich in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and dozens of other states. What are you prepared to do?

Are you ready to organize a vigil? A rally? A teach-in? A march? Click on We Are One and find out more.

Or do you want to do more.

Is it time for a general strike? Join the discussion here.

FAA Bill Threatens NMB Voting Rights

The House of Representatives will soon debate and vote on the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (H.R. 658). Hidden deep in this legislation is a provision that would overturn the National Mediation Board’s (NMB) new voting rules for the nation’s airline and railroad workers.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to urge your Representative to protect workers’ voting rights.

UCubed Creates ‘Marching to Madness’ Unemployment Brackets

District 837 President Named ‘Labor Man of the Year’

Deadline Nears for 2011 Legislative Conference

No Protest Planned Over Boeing Tanker Win

Veterans Council Serves Those Who Served

The IAM is urging all union members who are military veterans to take advantage of the resources provided by the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council (UVC), an organization founded in 2008 and dedicated to providing information about legislation, programs and benefits of value and interest to veterans and their families.

IAM Poll Reveals Bi-Partisan Disapproval

Thirty Years Later, Wimpy Wisdom Still Rings True

Wisconsin Solidarity in Black and White

UCubed Demands New Focus on Jobs

Fair and Balanced, For a Change

IAM Challenges AFA Intimidation Tactics

Register Now for First IAM International Human Rights Conference

Cut-Off Dates Near For Federal Employees Classes

Machinists Welcome Tanker Decision

UCubed Calls on Governors to Deliver on Jobs Promises

EEOC Probes Jobless Discrimination Claims

Florida Tech Flight Instructors vote IAM

IAM Welcomes New Members in Canada

IAM Flight Attendants at Continental Ratify Industry Leading Agreement

IAM Members Gain From Tanker Win

Experts: GOP Budget Cuts Will Hurt Economic Growth

Study Reveals Concentrated Low-Paying Job Growth

GOP Union Busting Efforts Spread to Indiana, Ohio

IAM Helps Defeat Anti-Flight Attendant Amendment

Global Road Shows Highlight IAM Advantages

IAM Survey Seeks Members’ Views on Key Issues

The South Korea Free Trade Act is coming up for votes. New budget and spending bills are being written. And yet, efforts to put America back to work have been placed on the back burner. All these will have a profound effect on you directly. Please take a few minutes to complete this anonymous survey. Your answers will help the IAM devise a course of action.

Act NOW to Stop Tanker Treason

Act NOW to Stop Tanker Treason

House Committee Passes Unfair NMB Voting Rule Amendment

Thousands Protest Wisconsin Legislative Attack on Unions

Machinists Break New Ground with Moduline

Leo Hindery Calls for Focus on U.S. Manufacturing

GOP Leader Targets NMB Voting Rules

IAM Urges Sen. Paul to Respect Flight Attendants

Indiana Machinists Fight Right to Work

IAM Salutes Retiring Auditor Bob Hamilton

Grand Lodge Auditor Bob Hamilton was the guest of honor at a reception marking his retirement after an IAM career than began more than 40 years ago as a member of Local 912 in Cincinnati, OH.

Urge Congress to Reauthorize TAA Program

Act Now to Stop U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement

Southern Territory GVP Martinez on the Air

GOP Blocks Aid to Trade Displaced Workers

Kentucky Machinists Chauffeur Seven-Ton Mother

Alabama Local 2003 Gears Up for Contract Talks

Vermont Senator Not Bullish on Immelt

IMF Events Commemorate Lethal Mine Blast

IAM Mourns John Jefferies

UCubed Nominated for Award

Machinists Lobby for Flight Attendants

IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger today called on all U.S. Senators to reject a proposal by Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul that would cripple a decade-long effort to extend important workplace health and safety protections to the nation’s professional Flight Attendants. 

300 Flight Attendants Excluded from United Union Vote

IKEA’s Swedwood Tightens Squeeze on Virginia Workers

Newsletter, Web and Photo Contests Deadline May 13, 2011

IAM Members at Alaska Airlines Ratify New Pact

Southern Territory Organizes C-130 Workers in Florida

Arizona Budget Cuts Put Lives at Risk

BLS Data Confirms Union Advantages

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the number of wage and salary workers belonging to unions declined in 2010 by 612,000 to 14.7 million. The rate was 11.9 percent, down from 12.3 percent in 2009.

New Address for Southern Territory Regional Office

IAM Files to Represent Ramp, Stock Clerks at Combined UAL/Continental

Machinists Question Immelt Jobs Agenda

House Republicans Target Amtrak and Federal Workers

District 837 Members Receive Highest Payout since 2005

Machinists Union Sues South Carolina Governor, Labor Secretary Over Organizing Rights

Michalski to Politicians: ‘Put America Back to Work’

IAM Mechanics Open Contract Negotiations with US Airways

GE Joint Venture Sends Aerospace Technology to China

Tell Lawmakers Redistricting Means Less Job Security Without More Jobs!

The NLRB Warns State Secret Ballot Amendments Illegal

MLK Observance Features Community Service

Contractors at NAS Whidbey Vote to Join IAM

Alabama Local 2003 Breaks New Ground

GOP Agenda Spreads to House Committees

MLK Observance Underway in Cincinnati

Join Poll to Pressure China’s Leader on Currency Manipulation

Several States Refuse Federal Unemployment Assistance, Jobless Residents Suffer

Enroll Now for EAP-I & Community Services Training Classes

IAM Welcomes New Members in Puerto Rico

IAM da la bienvenida a miembros nuevos en Puerto Rico

UCubed Calls for Constitutional Jobs Amendment

Deadline Extended for Basic Newsletter Course

Passport Reminder for 2011 IAM National Staff Conference

Continental Flight Attendants to Vote on New Contract

In Their Own Words

Plan Now to Attend 2011 Int’l Human Rights Conference

Australian Union Calls for IKEA Boycott

Leo Hindery Calls for New Workers’ Manifesto

Register Now for Federal Workers Class

The IAM will conduct the 2011 Federal Employees’ Basic Program at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (WWW), in Hollywood, MD, during the week of March 13-18.

President Signs 9/11 Responders Health Care Bill

Machinists Ratify Contract with L-3 Communications

Three IAM Members Receive Union Plus Grants

Electrolux Abandons Montreal for Tennessee

Deadline Approaches for Basic Newsletter Course

Guide Dogs to Receive $25,000 Grant

Nashville Machinists Awarded More Than $1 Million

GOP Governors Scuttle Rail Projects

Health Care Hypocrisy

Grand Lodge Sets Holiday Closing

Tentative Pact with Alaska Airlines Features Job Security

UCubed Activists Urged to ‘Pour it On’

Register Now for 2011 MLK Holiday Observance

IAM Membership Grows in Puerto Rico

La IAM duplica su matricula en Puerto Rico

U.S. Labor Supporting Machinists at Swedwood

Machinists File Objections over Delta Interference

IAM Opposes South Korea Free Trade Act

Apply Now for 2011 Union Plus Scholarship

Record Profits, Record Unemployment

UCubed asks, ‘Which side are you on?’

IAM Members at Pratt & Whitney Vote ‘YES’

America’s Millionaires Get Their Tax Cut

Delta Interference Claims Another Election

IAM Files for AirTran Representation Election

USA Membership Makes Holiday Shopping Easy

Is IKEA the next Wal-Mart?

Pratt Workers in Connecticut Rally for Job Security

Jobless Benefits Blocked, Again

2011 Per Capita Tax Rate Set

NFFE-IAM Responds to Two-Year Federal Pay Freeze

Connecticut Local Gives Needy Families the Bird

Local 1871 in Groton, CT, completed its 20th year of providing Thanksgiving baskets for out-of-work members and needy families in the community. The baskets included complete Thanksgiving dinners and were supplied at no cost to working families that might not otherwise enjoy a traditional holiday dinner in the current economy.

IAM Mourns Passing of Adlai Coffee

St. Louis Rally Marks $60 Billion F-15 Sale

Guide Dogs Charity Event Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Study: Job Loss Doubles Heart Attack Risk

Unemployment Lobby Day Set for Dec. 1

Last chance! Congress must pass a year-long extension of unemployment benefits before the holidays.

Unless Congress reauthorizes the current program before it expires on November 30th, jobless benefits will be cut off for about 2 million workers by the end of December.

Merrill Manufacturing Strike Ends

Seattle Machinists to Protest Mexico Outsourcing Conference

Fleet Service Vote at Delta Falls Short

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today announced that Fleet Service workers at Delta did not achieve the needed majority of votes to secure IAM representation.

The IAM is investigating allegations of widespread illegal election interference by Delta Air Lines.

Unemployment Benefits Boost U.S. Economy

Unique WWW Class Prepares Committees for Negotiations

Midnight Deadline Looms for Unemployment Extension

Become a Guide Dog’s Best Friend

Machinists Call for Canadian Air Transport Policy

Mexico Outsourcing Conference in Seattle is Cancelled

IAM Mourns Southern Territory Rep Glen Powell

Airbus Exec Welcomes Midterm Results in Tanker Bid

Southern Territory Honors Wounded Veteran

IAM Charges Illegal Use of Katrina Relief Funds

Union of Unemployed Appeals to Speaker Pelosi

GOP Governor Gives Rail Jobs the Boot

Take Action for ‘Emergency Call-In Day on Unemployment’

Continental Airline Workers Turning to IAM

Harley Threatens to Close Kansas City Plant

Machinists Salute APRI Activists in Seattle

Obama Names Fenaughty to Federal Pay Council

IAM Railroaders Ratify New Contract with Amtrak

Machinists working on Amtrak have ratified a new five-year agreement, retroactive to July 1, 2010.

The new agreement includes a General Wage Increase (GWI) totaling 14 percent and preserves current health and welfare co-pays and deductibles for the life of the contract.

Machinists President Warns Midterm Election Winners to Deliver, or Else

UCubed Cites Geithner Policies for Midterm Election Results

UCubed Continues Fight for Jobless America

ITF Prepares 'Eliminate Violence Against Women' Public Awareness Campaign

Voting Begins for Delta Passenger Service Group

A Message from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka About Today’s Midterm Elections

IAM Volunteers Go Door-to-Door for Delta Votes

Continental Customer Service Agents in Toronto Join IAM

Life and Death on the Job

‘I AM VOTING,’ a message from Tom Buffenbarger

CREST Driving Program Wins Top Safety Award

Harrity Named to Connecticut Jobs Commissions

District 26 Organizer John Harrity was recently chosen by both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly to serve on a pair of commissions aimed at creating and preserving Connecticut jobs.

Ontario Machinists Continue to Grow with OPT

Voting Begins for Stock & Stores Workers at Delta

Jobs Battle at Pratt Moves to the Bargaining Table

IAM members at Pratt & Whitney are preparing for the next round in their battle to keep the jet engine maker from moving more than 1,000 jobs from Connecticut to low-cost locations in Georgia, Japan and Singapore.

Record Week Underway at WWW Center

Every classroom, computer lab and break-out room at the William W. Winpisinger Center is filled to capacity this week as IAM members from across North America take advantage of one of the labor movement’s most unique educational opportunities.

Jobless Benefits Set to Expire November 30

When Congress returns after the midterm elections, representatives will only have one week and a few voting days to extend unemployment benefits for millions of jobless Americans. The federal unemployment program which remains the sole source of income for millions of idled Americans – left jobless through no fault of their own – is scheduled to expire on November 30th.

Machinists Flag Reaches Summit of Kilimanjaro

Michel Pelot looks at cloud cover much differently than he used to, but climbing the world’s fourth largest mountain tends to change one’s perspective on such things.

GVP Martinez Honored as 'Champion for Justice'

IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Bob Martinez recently received the “Champion for Justice” award from the United Latinos of the UFCW for his tireless work for Latino and labor rights in America. United Latinos President Johnny Rodriguez presented the award during the UFCW United Latinos Convention and Education Conference.

Minnesota Machinists to Appear on History Channel

Members of Local 1030, District 66, in Winona, MN, will be featured in an upcoming episode of one of the History Channel’s most popular programs, Modern Marvels.

Western Canada Members Benefit From New Agreements

The two-year contract just ratified by Local 99 members employed by Finning International in Alberta and the Northwest Territories is among a succession of new agreements recently reached throughout Western Canada.

Ohio Labor Honors Local 1297 President

IAM Local 1297 President and District 54 Communicator Fred Confer was recently presented with the Ashland-Wayne-Holmes Central Labor Council’s Crain/Ellison Award in recognition of his many years of service to his community and fellow union members.

Union Plus Delivers for IAM Members

Thanks to Union Plus, a program that provides consumer benefits to union members and their families, IAM Local 777 retiree Ira Perry received some much-needed help with his medical bills. Perry received a $1,000 Union SAFE Hospital Grant. Union SAFE grants were established to help union members and retirees facing financial hardship due to significant hospital expenses.

‘Lift Us All’ Message Hits Home at Delta

OpenSkies Flight Attendants Choose IAM

Kentucky Labor Council Honors GST Mart

A Midterm Election Reality Check

IAM Hosts Meeting with Nordic Industrial Unions

An Election Day Nightmare Foretold

NMB Begins IAM Fleet Service Election at Delta

‘Survival’ Vote Looms at Hawker Beechcraft

Machinists Ink New Deal with Finning

IAM Pressure Cancels Outsourcing Conference, Again

District 15 Members See Hope at Gloucester Engineering

Home Foreclosures Hit New Record

Website Tracks the Facts on Outsourcing

Deadline Approaches for 2010 GDA Banquet

Big Money Funding Far-Right Agenda

Photos Commemorate 10.2.10 UCube Event

Negotiations to Resume at Hawker Beechcraft

Global Aerospace Alliance Proposed in Seattle

International delegates to the International Metalworkers Federation's (IMF) Aerospace Workers Conference in Seattle, WA, IAM unanimously approved a proposal, made by President Tom Buffenbarger, that called for the formation of a global aerospace union alliance to address the increasingly multinational nature of the aerospace industry. Buffenbarger serves as the President of the IMF’s aerospace activities and chaired the meeting.

2010 IAM Photo Contest Winners Announced

Pension Preserved in New BAE Contract

Help Available for NASA Workers in the Crosshairs

UCubed Rally Shows Solidarity with Jobless

IAM Launches ‘Lift Us All’ Media Campaign

United/Continental Merger Becomes Official

OSHA Slaps Swedwood for Safety

Windsor Locks Machinists Support Local Charities

IAM Flight Attendants to Vote New Contract at Continental

IAM Renews Call for U.S. Industrial Policy

GOTV Bus Tour Features IAM Youth Group

UCubed to Rally for Unemployed

Ur Union of Unemployed (UCubed) will hold a pre-March rally at RFK Stadium before joining the historic 10.2.10 One Nation Working Together March on October 2, 2010 in Washington, DC

The UCubed pre-March rally will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at RFK Stadium, which is located at 2400 E. Capitol St. in Washington, DC.

U.S. Debuts Latino Health Care Site

Election Dates Set for Delta Stock & Stores Employees

Southwest Airline to Acquire AirTran for $1.4 B

Soyuz ‘Glitch’ Delays Return of U.S. Astronaut

Toronto Machinists Ratify New Accord with TBH

Mass Layoffs in August Top 1,500

IAM Files Cards for Stores Election at Delta

Senate Candidate Flip Flops on Tanker Subsidies

Senate Rejects Attempt to Block NMB Election Rule

Join UCubed for Pre-Event on 10.2.10

Take Action Now for Fair Trade, Currency Reform

Urge your Representative in Congress to support HR 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act.

Passing HR 2378 will give the U.S. an important enforcement tool to correct our trade imbalance and put Americans back to work. Take Action: Tell your Representative to support the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act today!

NMB Orders Election for Delta Fleet Service

Union Bus Caravan Rolls through Indiana, Ohio

IAM Files Passenger Service Election Request Cards

IAM Activist Doug Curler Wins Community Service Award

Take Action for Jobless Benefits on September 22

Cessna Contract: a Knife in Wichita's Heart

IAM Retirees Gear up to Defend Social Security

American 99ers Plan Sept. 22 Phone Blitz

Striking Workers Declare Victory at Mott’s

District 70 President Defends Unions in Wichita Editorial

Harley Workers in Wisconsin Vote to Preserve Jobs

Momentum Builds for 10.2.10 March on Washington

The Late, Great American Middle Class

EnergizeUS Coalition Promotes Green Jobs

Never Forget - A Special iMail

IAM Fights - and Wins - for Raytheon Retirees

IAM Files Cards for Delta Fleet Election

‘It’s About Jobs’ Tour Rolls On

NMB Issues Single Carrier Ruling for Delta Stores

Texas Local 2771 Members Ratify First Contract

Long-Time WWW Center Cook Prepares ‘To Go’

‘Bite Back’ Internet Ad Shows its Teeth

Election Countdown Begins for Delta Passenger Service

Machinists President Rallies Support for Sen. Murray

IAM, Wisconsin Unions Hold ‘JOBS NOW’ Rally

Western Territory Scores Multiple Organizing Wins

Union of Unemployed Renews Call for Geithner Sacking

A Labor Day Message from IAM President Tom Buffenbarger

IAM, Alaska Airlines Head for Federal Mediation

Simpson’s Social Security Rant Triggers Removal Petition

SEC Delivers Win for Shareholder Activists

District 751 Machinists Ratify Contract with BAE Systems

Local 2339H Member Named to Houston Ethics Board

IAM Joins Sponsors for October 2 March on Washington

Justice Department Approves Continental-United Merger

Machinists in Canada Protest Aerospace Outsourcing

IAM Files Labor Board Charges Against Pratt

Members at Pax River Ratify Contract Improvements

Wisconsin Local 1438 Delivers $5,000 for Merrill Strikers

NMB Issues Single Carrier Ruling for Delta Fleet Service

The Best Decision He Ever Made

UCubed Rejects Rep. Boehner’s Call for Mass Resignations

Texas Machinists Protest Mexico Outsourcing Group

Winpisinger Center Worker Recognized

Act Now to Secure FAA Reauthorization

IAM Cites China Link in Gulf Equipment Failure

Delta Filing Supports IAM Single Carrier Application

Senate Breaks GOP Stall on Unemployment Extension

White House Honors District 751 Volunteers

IAM Mourns Former Grand Lodge Rep George Wells

High-Stakes Talks Begin at Hawker, Cessna

IAM Meets with DOJ over United-Continental Merger

Pratt & Whitney Plans Cheshire Layoff

IAM Files for Continental Ground Instructor Election

Machinists Credit Delta Techs for Election Appeal Win

IAM Leaders Reelected to ITF Positions

Hindery Echoes Call for Geithner Resignation

District 15 & CREST Provide Skills Training in New Jersey

Communicator Class Rescheduled for December 2010

Seattle Machinists Launch YouTube Channel

UCubed Rejects Geithner Recovery Claims

Laborers’ Union to Re-affiliate With AFL-CIO

Support Strikers at Applesauce Maker Mott’s

Cincinnati to Host 2011 MLK Conference

Register Now for Spanish Advanced Leadership

Las Inscripciones Para Clases de Liderazgo Avanzado Están Abiertas

NMB Orders New Sim Tech Election

After a thorough investigation, the National Mediation Board (NMB) has unanimously concluded that Delta Air Lines illegally interfered with the February 2010 Flight Simulator Technician representation election and has ordered the election to be rerun.

“The Board found that Delta’s conduct interfered with, influenced, or coerced employees’ choice of representative in an election conducted pursuant to Section 2, Ninth, of the Railway Labor Act (RLA).” The NMB’s complete decision can be viewed by clicking here.

IAM Editorial Featured in Wichita Eagle

The commercial aviation cluster based in Wichita, KS continues to reel from a steep drop in sales that began in 2008, with several companies taking vastly different paths in an effort to survive the unprecedented downturn.

New Agreements Highlight Service Contract Expertise

Last Chance to Take 2010 Ask a Working Woman Survey

The cut-off date to take the 2010 Ask a Working Woman survey, sponsored by Working America and the AFL-CIO, is this Friday, August 13.

The questionnaire takes about 7 minutes to complete and gives working women the opportunity to voice their concerns and hopes about the future.

Don't miss your opportunity to participate. Take the survey now by clicking here.

NMB Sets Dates for New Sim Tech Election

IAM Midwest Territory on a Roll for Guide Dogs

Delta Employees Rally to Protest Carrier Interference

Airline employees in Detroit and Minneapolis held rallies on August 5 to protest Delta’s use of an internal computer system to bombard employees with anti-union views while simultaneously prohibiting employees from speaking positively about the IAM.

A video of the Detroit rally, produced by IAM Local 141 and additional Delta election information is available at www.iam4delta.org.

Be a Guest Star on the Union Sportsmen’s TV Show

Bombardier Learjet to Add Jobs in Wichita

Geithner Must Go, says Ur Union of Unemployed

IAM Files for Delta/NWA Stores Clerk Election

Merrill Manufacturing Stonewalls Negotiations, IAM Members Vote to Continue Strike

Ontario Machinists Ratify First Agreement with Voyageur

Hire US, America!

Machinists Visible and Vocal at LCLAA Convention

President Obama Echoes Past President, Says He Would Join a Union

IAM Responds to Proposed Atlantic Southeast-ExpressJet Merger

Senate Democrats Break GOP Filibuster on Emergency Aid to States

District 142 Pulls Out of Flawed Comair ASAP Program

IAM Continues Organizing Efforts at Swedwood

European Commission OKs United-Continental Merger

Tell Congress to Invest in Maritime Infrastructure Projects

Legislation in the House and Senate could jump-start investment in the nation’s maritime infrastructure and create thousands of good-paying jobs.

Take Action:   Click here to tell Congress to invest in America’s maritime industry.

Independent Report Slams Space Privatization

Comair Techs Complete Bargaining Prep at WWW

District Lodge 142’s Comair Negotiating Committee are the latest members to participate in the intense training offered by the IAM William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center’s week-long Negotiation Preparation for Bargaining Committees class.

Delta Action Could Delay Elections

House Restores Jobless Aid

IAM Video Highlights TRADE Act

IAM Cites IKEA for Dubious Honor in Virginia

Members Ratify SCA Agreements

Guide Dogs of America Unveils New Website

Study Reveals Top Three Deficit Causes

NMB Decision to Trigger Election Countdown

Workers at Americanos USA Win First Agreement

Portland Members Ratify New Agreement

Machinists in Canada Sign Up Patient Transfer Workers

Boeing, EADS Submit Tanker Bids

Workers Celebrate Legal Win at Pratt & Whitney

Help Striking Workers at Merrill Manufacturing Corp.

IAM members of Local 2362 at Merrill Manufacturing Corporation in Merrill, Wisconsin have been out of work since March 24 when the company forced them out on strike.  Take Action!   Click here to send letters to the owners of Merrill Manufacturing and their customers to object to Merrill's outrageous behavior and help get striking Local 2362 members back to work.

Apply Now for Communicator Course

United Space Alliance Announces Layoffs

Machinists in Canada Welcome Seymour Workers

Hawker Beechcraft Threatens to Abandon Wichita

NTSB Cites Heroism by IAM Flight Attendants

Colombian Labor Leaders Assassinated

Tennessee Local 56 Prepares for Contract Talks

IAM Calls for National Manufacturing Strategy

Take the ‘Ask a Working Woman’ Survey

Appeals Court Upholds Decision Against Pratt & Whitney

WWW Center Hosts Historic Merger Summit

Is America Number One?

Local 1297 Hosts Annual ‘Ride For The Guide’

Register Now for LCLAA Conference

Hindery: Doubling U.S. Exports is Not Enough

IAM Files Labor Board Charges at Merrill Manufacturing

Buffenbarger Named to Labor-Management Hall of Fame

General Electric Does a General McChrystal

UCubed Demands Public Sector Job Action

IAM Salutes Aviation High School Graduates

IAM Files for Union Elections at Delta

WTO Rules Airbus Got Billions in Illegal Subsidies

Winpisinger Center Welcomes Wisconsin Local 1564

District 15 Scores Organizing Win in New Jersey

Quebec Machinists Sign Agreement with Rolls Royce

NMB Vote Rule Poised for Takeoff

Labor College Honors IAM Graduates

St. Louis & Wichita Vote Results

Support Fairness for Flight Service Personnel

Wisconsin Local Committee Completes Bargaining Prep Class

Southern States Conference Revived in Georgia

Last Call for Photo Contest

Machinists at Spirit to Vote on Historic Accord

Countdown Continues for Boeing in St. Louis

Study Cites Job Loss as Top Voter Concern

John Glenn: Keep the Shuttle Flying

China - Manufacturing Leader?

District 54 Holds Organizing Seminar

Lautar Honored for Decades of Service

IAM Family Members Win ‘Union Plus’ Scholarships

Machinists Call For Airline Re-regulation

Wichita Machinists Rally for Aerospace Jobs

Op-Ed Slams CEO Shortsightedness

Congress Honors Workers Who Built Capitol

Conservatives Force Reductions in Jobs Bill

IAM to Testify at United/Continental Merger Hearings

District 837 Votes to Defend Pensions at Boeing

In a move that deserves applause from union members everywhere, the members of District 837 in St. Louis, MO, voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer from The Boeing Company that would compensate current employees in exchange for eliminating the defined benefit pension plan for new employees.

District 26 Locals Prepare for Pratt & Whitney Negotiations

AFL-CIO ‘Next Up’ Young Workers Summit

Spanish Leadership I Program Inspires Solidarity

El Programa de Liderazgo de Español Uno Inspira la Solidaridad

IAM Wins Grant to Help Dislocated Workers

USA and Triton Give Away Bass Fishing Boat

Auto Dealer Touts IAM Value on Talk Radio

Mark Your Calendar to Attend November 20 Guide Dogs Banquet

GOP Senator Targets Voting Rights Measure

IAM Contract with Triumph Includes Job Security

Illinois Local 49 Celebrates 125 Years with Popcorn Pioneer

Indiana Local 2410 Completes Bargaining Prep Training

CBTU Delegates Support IAM-Delta Campaign

UCubed Urges Turnout in South Carolina Primary

Pensions Top Concern in Merger Meeting with PBGC

F-15 Pilot Trainers Ratify New Contract

Jobless Benefits Set to Expire June 2

UCubed Unveils Multi-Point Plan for Hire US, America

IAM Reports ‘Significant Progress’ in Meeting with Delta

Minnesota Machinists to Deliver for Gulf Clean Up

Aeroguard Bargaining Committee Completes Training

Machinists Cite Pensions in Call for Bankruptcy Reform

Tell Congress to Pass Jobs Amendment

Mother’s Loss Inspires Heartfelt Tribute

Among the names added to the IAM Workers Memorial this year was New York Local 447 member Joshua Gonzalez, 20, who was killed in an auto accident. Gonzales was working his way through an IAM diesel technician apprenticeship program that his mother, Norma Eneri Gonzalez-Castillo, says provided her son with mentors and a structure that helped turn his young life around.

Check UCubed for Jobs

Photo Contest Deadline Extended

Refreshing the HPWO Partnership at Vance AFB

Mother’s Loss Inspires Heartfelt Tribute

Among the names added to the IAM Workers Memorial this year was New York Local 447 member Joshua Gonzalez, 20, who was killed in an auto accident. Gonzales was working his way through an IAM diesel technician apprenticeship program that his mother, Norma Eneri Gonzalez-Castillo, says provided her son with mentors and a structure that helped turn his young life around.

A Prescription for China’s Aerospace Threat

Machinists Leaders Meet with United, Continental

Delta Backs Lawsuit to Delay NMB Vote Rule

Constellation Program Gets a Boost

Toyota Workers in Ontario Seek IAM Representation

IAM Salutes John Jefferies for 50 Years of Service

Act Now to Save Unemployment Benefits

Last Call for Newsletter, Website and Photo Contests

Machinists Pay Tribute to Vietnam Veterans

IAM, Delta Meeting Scheduled

Newsletter Contest Extended, Photo Entries Due June 1

Canada District 250 Wins Seniority Rights Ruling

Mass Layoffs Down But Still High

Arizona’s Old Pueblo Lodge 933 Scores Again

Thousands Rally, Shut Down K Street

Unemployed Voters in PA Send a Pointed Message

Trade Unionist Executed in Iran

An Iranian trade unionist, Farzad Kamangar, was secretly hanged in Iran on May 9, 2010. Kamangar, a 35-year-old teacher, was a member of the Teachers' Union of Kurdistan.

Minnesota Mechanics Ink New Three-year Deal

Members of Twin Cities Automotive Lodge 737 in St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN, ratified a new three-year agreement with the St. Paul Automobile Dealers Association. There are 545 members in Local 737 at 22 locations in the St. Paul - Minneapolis, MN metro area.

Enroll Now for June Spanish Leadership II Class

No Pierdas la Oportunidad Inscribirse al Programa de Liderazgo en Español II

Invitamos a Locales y Distritos a mandar sus inscripciones para la clase de Liderazgo en Español II que está programada para el 20 – 25 de junio, 2010, en el Centro Educativo William W. Winpisinger en Hollywood, Maryland.

NMB Delivers Historic Election Rule Change

IAM Legislative Activists Take the Hill

UCubed Unveils ‘Our Turn’ in Pennsylvania

LCLAA National Convention Set for August 3-6

Register Now for Young Workers Summit in Washington, D.C.

Support Fairness for Flight Service Personnel

NMB to Investigate Delta’s Interference in Sim Tech Election

Boeing Launches New Competition in South Carolina

Machinists Rally at AutoNation Shareholders Meeting

U.S. Space Program Celebrates Important Advance

Women's Health Week Highlights HPV Prevention

IAM Makes News in Stockholm

Machinists Warn of Obstacles to UAL/Continental Merger

St. Louis Machinists Authorize Strike Actions at Boeing

Local 743 Machinists Ratify Pact with Hamilton Sunstrand

UCubed Activists Craft Emergency Jobs Plan

IAM Mourns Passing of GLR Frank Forgione

IAM Charts Course for Survival and Growth

NFL Players Welcomed at IAM Staff Conference

District 19 Reaches Tentative Agreement with Amtrak

Apply Now for Union Summer Program

Machinists Expand in Alberta, Canada

Machinists in Houston Rally for Space Program Jobs

Workers’ Memorial Day Honors Victims

Delta, Northwest Workers Urged to Reject Intimidation

Improved Contract Ends Ontario Auto Dealer Lockout

Southern Territory Organizes Maxwell AFB Workers

IAM President Scolds Boeing CEO for Colombia FTA Support

Thousands Threatened by Energy Department Proposal

New Mexico Members Ratify New Contract with Lockheed

IAM Presses Delta for Meeting

Kansas Outsourcing Conference is Cancelled

IAM Mourns Civil Rights Matriarch

AFL-CIO Unveils 2010 PayWatch Data

Machinists Challenge Executive Compensation at UTC

Pentagon Mulls Extending Tanker Competition

Register Now for Advanced Spanish Leadership Class

Grupo de programación en Español reúne en el Centro Winpisinger

Campaign to Protect Aluminium Workers Pays Off

Green Jobs on the Run

France’s EADS to Bid for U.S. Tanker Contract

DirecTV Techs Choose IAM Representation

UCubed Activists Weigh In on Jobs Plan

Members at Hawaiian Airlines Ratify Improvements

AFL-CIO Plans ‘Showdown in America’ Rallies

Astronaut Neil Armstrong Rips Space Cuts

Airline Consolidation Rumors Take Flight

Union of Unemployed Unveils ‘Hire US, America’

Texas Adds 110 Members from Sheppard AFB

UTC Shareholders Vote on CEO Pay Proposal

Nation Mourns Civil Rights Pioneer Benjamin Hooks

The REAL Unemployment Numbers

Enroll Now for Women’s Basic Program in May

The Last (Sad) Laughs

Oregon Boycott Deserves National Attention

IAM Progress at Delta Strikes a Nerve

Local 701 Member’s Unique Mission of Mercy

Better Benefits Available for U.S. Veterans

Enroll Now for Local Lodge History Project

Aerospace Industry Skeptical About Outsourcing NASA

Act Now to Extend Lifesaving COBRA Benefits

Machinists, Hawaiian Airlines Reach Tentative Agreement

Obama Appoints Two Pro-Union NLRB Nominees

Mexico Sets Sights on Aerospace Future

Cut-Off Date for IAM Legislative Conference Today, April 1st

Today, Thursday, April 1, 2010, is the last day to receive the reduced room rate for the IAM’s 2010 Legislative Conference. This year’s event will be held May 10-13 at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, DC. To make your room reservation, contact the Hyatt Regency directly at 202-737-1234. 

Enroll Now for Federal Employees Basic Class

Local Lodge 2339H Member Wins Union Plus Scholarship

IAM-Spirit Openers Garner Rave Reviews

Local 743 Opens Talks with UTC's Sundstrand

Wisconsin Local Ready for John Deere Talks

NFFE-IAM President Dougan Named to Labor Council

Cut-Off Date for IAM Legislative Conference Draws Near

Act Now to Preserve COBRA Subsidy

Russia: U.S. Space Vision ‘Dampened’

The idea of U.S. astronauts soon having to hitchhike on Russian rockets has Russian leaders gleaming with joy. According to a recent article from a Russian government daily newspaper featured in the Washington Post, the country is “burning with ambition” over the prospect of possibly swiping the United State’s top spot as the worldwide leader in space exploration.

White House Growing ‘Loyal Opposition,’ Not Jobs

GE Offshores Green Manufacturing Jobs

Enroll Now for July’s EAP-I Class

Senate Poised to Weigh ‘Fix-it’ Amendments

Machinists, Spirit AeroSystems Explore New Partnership

Unemployment Benefits Set to Expire, Again

Unfair Trade with China Cost 2.4 Million Jobs

Machinists Poll Confirms Excise Tax Opposition

UK Union Announces Strike Dates at British Airways

Huffington Post Carries UCubed Message

Ohio Machinists Reject Union Busting Proposal

Norway Pressured to Divest Holdings in Grupo Mexico

Federal Workers Group Salutes Lilly Ledbetter

FAA Invites Recipes for Recovery

House Introduces Public Jobs Bill

Charlie Cooke Predicts Mid-term Shakeup

IAM, Alaska Airlines Open Negotiations

Florida Members Rally at Mercedes of Orlando

Union of Unemployed Now Active in All 50 States

Obama’s Space Cuts Threaten 9,000 Shuttle Jobs

Wealth Gap Widens for Women of Color

Union Sportsmen’s Online Store Open for Business

IAM Retiree Digs Out of Debt with Help from Union Plus

MNPL Committee Examines 2010 Election Landscape

FedEx Friend Threatens to Block FAA Reform Bill

Union of Unemployed Warns of Endless Recession

Pax River Unit Ready for Contract Talks

Members Ratify Pact with Lockheed Space Systems

Sign the Bunning Petition: Throw The Bum Out!

NASA Workers Rally for Jobs

Support U.S Withdrawal from NAFTA

Pratt & Whitney Appeals Court Decision

Allison Beck Named to FMCS Position

Ontario Machinists Expand in Hospitality Sector

Mixed Messages from Boeing CEO

Foreign Energy Firms Reap Stimulus Windfall

Is Wichita the Next Detroit?

Air Canada to Furlough 1,000 Aircraft Mechanics

International Women’s Day to Focus on JOBS Now!

Deadline Nears for 2010 Legislative Conference

UCubed Catching Hold and Gaining Momentum

IAM Signs Historic Agreement with Japanese Aviation Federation

IAM Supports Bankruptcy Reform

Pratt & Whitney Announces Connecticut Layoffs

Analyst: No Jobs Growth Until 2013

IAM Says JOBS Now! For International Women’s Day

Cut-Off Dates Near For Federal Employees Classes

Take Action for COBRA Subsidy Extension

Hawker Beechcraft Sends U.S. Jobs to Mexico

Mexican Court Rules Against Striking Miners

Support International Women’s Day

IAM Mourns Retiree, EAP Activist Buddy Sugg

Health Care Excise Tax Hits Millions

Senate Jobs Bill Insults Unemployed Americans

AFL-CIO Unions Rally for TSO Workers

IUPAT Member Hailed as Texas Hero

National Call-in Day for Jobs Now

Opposition Intensifies to Health Care Excise Tax

Dismal Poll is Layoff Notice for Members of Congress

NASA Budget Cuts Could Cost 7,000 Florida Jobs

Machinists Gain in New Clow Canada Agreement

Pennsylvania Member Wins Union Plus Scholarship

IAM Mourns Pair of West-Coast Aces

Lawmakers Welcome IAM Win at Pratt

Connecticut state lawmakers are applauding the landmark decision by U.S. District Court Judge Janet Hall to block Pratt & Whitney from closing a pair of factories in Cheshire and East Hartford, CT.

Urge Governors to Address JOBS Crisis

Spanish Leadership Programs Building on Success

Los programas de Liderazgo en Español continúan con éxito

States Struggle to Handle Record Unemployment

2010 IAM Scholarship Deadline February 26

President Urged to Act on Pratt Factory Closure

Machinists Support NMB Voting Rule Change

IAM Defends Service Contract Workforce

Machinists Fight AFSS Reductions by FAA

NMB Rule Change Draws Broad Congressional Support

IMF: A Voice for Workers at Climate Conference

Contractors to Run U.S. Space Program?

Court to Pratt: ‘Stay Where You Are’

In a major legal victory for Connecticut’s IAM members, the U.S. District Court issued an injunction against Pratt & Whitney, prohibiting them from moving work and equipment out of their Cheshire and East Hartford CARO operations. The decision by Judge Janet Hall sustains a lawsuit brought by IAM District 26 on behalf of more than 1,000 members working in those locations.

Employment Data Doesn’t Add Up

Support Airline Workers, Complete the FAA Bill

Voter Participation Critical in First Delta Election

New AIG Bonuses Top $100 Million

IAM Urges Jobs Priority in Export Control Review

IAM Mourns Ohio State Council President Harold Langford

Canada Members Welcome First Agreements

GE Brings Good Things… to China

General Electric, exporter of thousands of U.S. jobs, is running a major ad campaign called American Renewal. The radio, television and print ads give the impression that GE is now a champion of “Made in America.” One print ad boasts “We call it the American Renewal. And it means making things right here in America. The American Renewal is happening.”

Nevada’s Nellis AFB Workers Vote for IAM

Brother Can You Spare a Dime?

Ohio Workers Rally to Stop Pension Theft

House Honors A. Philip Randolph, Also Passes Paycheck Fairness Act

Conigliaro Honored for Lifetime Achievement

President Declares ‘Jobs’ is Top Priority in 2010

Wisconsin Gov. Doyle Praises IAM

GOP Response Insults Jobless Americans

Machinists Donate $50,000 for Haitian Quake Relief

Try Something - UCubed’s Latest Video

IAM Prepares for Historic Negotiations at Spirit

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Ur Union of Unemployed, or UCubed, launched 11 days ago. And not a moment too soon.

In the Massachusetts Senate race last Tuesday, Scott Brown...

Oregon District 24 to Share in $5 Million Training Grant

New Mexico Forest Service Workers Vote NFFE-IAM

U.S. Members Strike UK-based Renold

New York Local Delivers Help and Hope

Pratt Case Awaits Judge’s Decision

District 141 Members Ratify Hawaiian Airlines Pact

UCubed Message Gains Traction

Senate Democrats Get Wake Up Call

California Machinists Rally for Passage of TRADE Act

IAM Launches “UCubed” to Help Unemployed

‘They Sat, So that We Could Stand’

IAM Wins Another FAA Contract Unit

GSA Group Gets Ready for Negotiations

Donate to Help Relief Efforts in Haiti

Basic Newsletter Course Rescheduled for May 2-7

Countdown to UCubed

Tomorrow, January 15, 2010, marks the start of a movement. The IAM will launch Ur Union of Unemployed – or UCubed for short – an online community that aims to unify the unemployed in a unique and useful way.

NMB Announces First Machinists Election at Delta

Court Testimony Reveals Pratt Deception

IAM Members Reject Teamster Raid

Registration Deadline Extended for Basic Web Development

Escape to the Wild Show Featuring IAM Member Airs This Weekend

IAM Mourns Former GST Eugene Glover

‘Overwhelming’ Support for NMB Rule Change

Wisconsin Machinist Featured on ‘Escape to the Wild’

Register Now for 2010 Federal Employees Classes

Class-Action Lawsuits Continue at Wal-Mart

Bucks in the Wind

$8 Billion Keyed to High-Speed Rail Jobs

Poll Reveals Trauma of Joblessness

Saskatchewan Machinists Ratify Contract with Bombardier

Enroll Now for EAP-II Class in March 2010

Machinists Leaders Vote to Oppose Health Benefits Tax

Tell Congress: No Taxes on Family Health Care Benefits

New York DOL Orders Delta to Pay Up

85,000 More Reasons for JOBS Now!

Sit-In Heroes Returning to Greensboro

Register Now for 2010 Metal Trades Training Program

Machinists Call for Bankruptcy Reform

Legislation Introduced to Strengthen ‘Buy American’

Jeff Doerr Named to IAM Law Committee

Overwhelming Public Support for NMB Rule Change

Ohio Local 912 Honors Longtime Members

Virginia Woodworkers Get International Support

Give the Gift of a USA Membership

Grand Lodge Sets Holiday Closing

Jobs Fight at Pratt Gets National Attention

IAM Moves Closer to First Delta Election

Obama Signs COBRA Subsidy Extension

CanJet Workers in Nova Scotia Join the Machinists

Human Rights Seminar Rescheduled for April

Herbert Delivers Needed Reality Check