July, 16, 2009 - Amid one of the most turbulent times in the aerospace industry’s history, delegates from across North America gathered in San Diego, CA, for the 2009 IAM Aerospace Conference to focus on keeping and creating good-paying jobs, increasing organizing efforts and preparing for the future in the aerospace industry. “ North America’s aerospace industry stands unique from other industries,” said International President Tom Buffenbarger. “It is the heart of our manufacturing and industrial know-how and we must protect it.”
In less than a year, major sectors of the aerospace industry like Wichita, KS, have gone from backlogs of orders to mass layoffs with devastating impacts on families and their communities. Key to turning around the aerospace industry and the economy in general is a second economic stimulus program and stopping short-sighted efforts to cut vital defense programs like the F-22 Raptor. “We need to let politicians know that working families need jobs – not banks sitting on bailout money,” declared Buffenbarger. The IAM has launched a JOBS Now! campaign to demand a second stimulus program that includes investments in manufacturing and transportation to create jobs more quickly and a major commitment to vocational training to make sure workers have the skills they need to keep North America’s industrial capacity strong.
A critical vote in the Senate for funding additional F-22 fighters is imminent. Click here to send a message to your Senators to let them know that America cannot afford to undermine the strength of its industrial base or to short change its national defense. You can also call your Senators at 202-224-3121.
Click here to send a message to your Representative, Senators, and President Obama to support JOBS Now!
