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Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

There's No Place Like Home
January 18, 2008 - Hurricane Katrina may have hit the Gulf Coast more than two years ago but for many the nightmare continues.

Taking The Lead
January 15, 2007 - It's an election year and already things are in full swing. So far both of the candidates chosen by the IAM membership are taking the lead and making headlines around the world.

IAM's Political Fight For Families
January 2, 2008 - Iowa is a Midwest make up of farm land, faith and close knit neighbors. At IAM Local 831 in Cedar Rapids family is number one.

A Christmas Story
December 19, 2007 - Police officers, firefighters, EMS workers and the like are the people you only call when you need them the most. But you need to know that these men and women give of themselves both on and off the job.

A Global Solution
December 19, 2007 - Capitol Hill set the stage for a momentous event recently. Two hundred union leaders from sixty three countries met to come up with ways to stop the worldwide attacks on trade unionists.

Iowa Rallies For Clinton
December 18, 2007 - On January 3, 2008, Iowa is going to make headlines as the first state in the nation to hold its presidential primary, the earliest date in history for a primary to be held.

Fingers Crossed At The PEB
December 13, 2007 - This is a story that's been going on for nearly a decade. For the past eight years, 10,000 Amtrak workers have been without a contract or a raise.

United Airlines Forgets Its Roots

December 11, 2007 - United Airlines has come up with a plan. It's going to pay its stockholders a special, one-time per share dividend to keep them coming back for more. But labor leaders wonder why United isn't worried about its employees coming back.

Behind the Candidates
November 27, 2007 - As the presidential election gets closer, you are going to see a lot more of the candidates. But sometimes it's the faces you don't see, like those of the candidate's economic advisors.

The Dogs Take Vegas
November 20, 2007 -More than sixty years ago a Machinist named Joseph Jones founded an organization called the Guide Dogs of America. Through his work he and countless others have given thousands of people the gift of sight.

U.S. Senators Hold Nominees Accountable
November 20, 2007 - The U.S. Senate's Labor Committee recently held a hearing on President Bush's nominees for two powerful positions at the Department Labor.

CAFTA Strikes El Salvador
November 9, 2007 - CAFTA was supposed to change the world. The promise was that this would increase the economies of many countries but workers from both sides of the continent agree, CAFTA didn't deliver.

Rally the Troops
November 9, 2007 - This Fall, the National Labor Relations Board has not been kind to workers in its decisions. The men and women of organized labor want the NLRB to know, they aren't going away quietly.

Hot Days Are Over!!!
November 5, 2007 - The IAM strike at the Kennedy Space Center is finally over! After nearly five months of walking the line, hundreds of Machinists are heading back to work.

Bridging the Gap: Part Two
November 2, 2007 - Last week we aird a story about the millions of Americans who work full time but because of low wages and no benefits, still can't make ends meet. This week, we bring you a story on ways organized labor can help close these income gaps.

2007 Automotive Conference: Thinking Outside the Box
October 30, 2007 - The last few decades have dramatically changed America's industrial landscape. The automotive field is no stranger to this new world. The challenge for the IAM is to harness this power by thinking outside of the box.

Bridging the Gap: Part One
October 26, 2007 - The middle class is caught in a trap. Although most work full time becasue of low wages and no benefits, millions of Americans still can't make ends meet.

NASA On Notice
October 19, 2007 - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of Ohio took the floor in the US House of Representatives this week in support of the IAM workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Labor's Red Carpet
October 19, 2007 - For the past seven years, the DC Labor Film Fest has been celebrating workers around the world. Premiering at the American Fil Institute Theatre in Silver Spring, this event turns the Hollywood spotlight on what really matters.

Pushing State Politics
October 11, 2007 - The Northern Virginia CLC canvassed the community last weekend in support of Chap Peterson for State Senate.

A New World Order
October 5, 2007 - Globalization is something organized labor has been talking about for years. But nowadays, the issue seems to seep into conversations around the world, no matter your economic status and many are starting to notice its' dramatic effects.

Financing the Future
October 2, 2007 - House Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer, doesn't paint a promising picture of the country's long term fiscal growth if nothing changes.

A Call To Duty
September 28, 2007 - National Service or working for a non-profit organization may not be something you think of as a job option. But some people are starting to look at it as a key for developing future leaders.

Sharing Bankruptcy Backlash
September 27, 2007 - Unfortunately, most workers know the hardships of corporate bankruptcy. That's why Congress is trying to pass a new bankruptcy bill to protect the men and women who helped build the organization.

Uninsured America
September 26, 2007 - Families USA, a national non-profit voice for health care, just came out with startling statistics about uninsured Americans. According to their data, the health insurance issue in the U.S. is worse than it looks.

Fresh Faces on the Hill: Congresswoman Laura Richardson
September 21, 2007 - IAM member Laura Richardson is the newest additon to Capitol Hill, representing California's 37th District.

Something About A Harley
September 17, 2007 - Machinists never say no to the Guide Dogs and most members won't turn down a Harley ride either. For the IAM, Hogs and Dogs just works.

Protecting Programs That Work
September 14, 2007 - The Alliance for Retired Americans is a substantial voice for senior issues and one that may impact the next presidential race.

Congress's Machinist
September 11, 2007 - The IAM has always had some friends on Capitol Hill. But until now, they never had one of their own. On September 4th, Laura Richardson became the first Machinist in Congress.

IAM's Seal of Approval
September 10, 2007 - At the 2007 National Staff Conference held just weeks ago, the IAM endorsed two presidential candidates...Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Mike Huckabee.

Hot Days At NASA September 7, 2007 - Since June 14, 2007 nearly 500 members from IAM's Local Lodge 2061 have been on strike at the Kennedy Space Center. The place that once helped to launch a man on the moon, can't seem to put a fair contract on the table.

Conversations with the Candidates
Hear what the candidates have to say about jobs, globalization, healthcare and the other domestic issues that matter most to you.

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Labor Honors Dr. King in Memphis

IAM Executive Assistant Diane Babineaux, center above logo, is joined in Memphis, TN by IAM members from across the country at one of the largest gatherings of labor activists since the AFL-CIO annual event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. began in 1985. Dr. King was slain forty years ago in Memphis when he went there to support striking sanitation workers.

The annual AFL-CIO event commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took place this year in Memphis, TN, where the Nobel Prize-winning civil rights leader was slain while supporting striking sanitation workers in 1968. The observance drew more than 2,000 delegates and guests, double the number expected, making this the largest observance since the event began in 1985.

Machinists from across the country joined members from dozens of unions to take part in a series of community service projects, which included building wheelchair ramps, voter registration efforts, park clean-up and painting over gang graffiti. The nation’s 17th largest city, Memphis is home to more than just the blues and Beale St., with gang violence rampant in many urban neighborhoods.

“We came to Memphis this year not just to honor Dr. King, but to carry on his work,” said Executive Assistant Diane Babineaux, who led the IAM delegation. “As we heard from speaker after speaker this week, this holiday was never meant to be just a day off, but rather a day on. It was good to see our members out in the community, doing what Machinists do, making a positive difference.”

Among the speakers at this year’s observance was Rainbow/PUSH President Jesse Jackson, Sr., a close advisor to Dr. King who was with him when he was assassinated at the Lorraine Hotel, now the site of the National Civil Rights Museum. “We are challenged today to address the unfinished business of civil rights - which is civil equality,” said Jackson in a speech that drew ovation after ovation. “Our goal was never just freedom. Freedom was the necessary prerequisite to get to equality.”

Jackson was among dozens of speakers during the five day event, including civil rights activist and former presidential candidate Rev. Al Sharpton, who spoke at the Mason Temple in Memphis, where Dr. King made his final public appearance.

Union Coalition, Amtrak Reach Agreement

GVP Robert Roach, Jr., and TCU International President Robert Scardelletti discuss the tentative agreement.

A union coalition comprised of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Transportation Communications Union (TCU), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) last week tentatively agreed on new contract terms with Amtrak covering nearly 3,500 workers, including 500 IAM members.

“District 19 President Joe Duncan and General Chairman Mike Hill did journeymen’s jobs working with the coalition members to obtain this agreement,” said IAM Transportation General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “The IAM thanks all our friends in Congress who supported us during this most difficult time in labor’s history at Amtrak.”

The tentative agreement’s terms closely follow recommendations of a Presidential Emergency Board created by President George W. Bush to investigate the more than eight year long contract dispute. Provisions include wage increases that average 35.2 percent over the life of the January 1, 2000 – December 31, 2009 agreement, or 3.1 percent compounded per year. Retroactive pay varies, but averages $12,800 which will be paid in two installments.

“Amtrak wanted a regressive agreement that gutted our work language and dramatically eroded job security,” said District 19 President Joe Duncan. “We retained all the work rules that Amtrak demanded be changed and secured retroactive wage increases for our members. All coalition unions recommend ratification of the agreement.”

The tentative agreement is subject to membership ratification. Each union will hold separate and independent membership ratification votes.

IAM Mourns District 837’s Rick Smith

District Lodge 837 President and Directing Business Representative Rick Smith of O’Fallon, MO passed away last week at the age of 60.

Smith, a machinist by trade and 41-year IAM member, served his fellow brothers and sisters in various capacities over the years, including Shop Steward, Plant Chairman, and Local 837-B Recording Secretary. In 1994, he became a Business Representative for District 837, and since 1998, led the District as President and Directing Business Representative, heading up negotiations with Boeing, RTI Tradco and GKN Aerospace.

Rick also served on the St. Louis Labor Council, Missouri State Council of Machinists, Board of Guide Dogs of America; IAM/Boeing HPWO Steering Committee and IAM/Boeing Diversity Team.

“This is a great loss,” said IAM Midwest GVP Phil Gruber. “Rick Smith exemplified the very essence of service. Throughout his career in the IAM and the labor movement, it was his integrity and dedication to making life better for others - no matter how difficult the circumstances - that encouraged and inspired all who were privileged to know him.”

Rick is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Richard, Eric and Stacie and their families. As Rick donated many hours to raising funds for Guide Dogs of America’s St. Louis Chapter, Nancy has asked that any memorial contributions be made in his honor to Guide Dogs of America-St. Louis, c/o Jim Marshall, 212 Utz Lane, Hazelwood, MO 63042.

IAM/NFFE Forest Service Council Yield Huge Legislative Wins

Years of hard work and perseverance by the IAM/NFFE Forest Service Council (FSC) have come to successful fruition for its members. When the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill was signed into law last month, it stopped competitive sourcing (outsourcing) in the Forest Service in its tracks. The bill also arranged for firefighters to receive 50% reimbursement for personal liability insurance.

The FSC’s Legislative Committee has been lobbying long and hard for its members on these two issues, at home and in Washington, DC. In fact, the Council was responsible for writing most of the bill’s language. The new law, which prohibits the Forest Service from spending any money on competitive sourcing or related activities, at least for 2008, states, “None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used in fiscal year 2008 for competitive sourcing studies and any related activities involving Forest Service personnel.”

The other long-fought victory was extending the scope of coverage for the 50% reimbursement for personal liability insurance to include firefighters. For years, law enforcement officers and agency supervisors were the only ones eligible for that benefit.

“These are huge wins for our Forest Service members,” said IAM Government Employees Director Frank Carelli. “The passage of this legislation would not have happened without the concerted efforts of our members and the dedication of the FSC Legislative Committee chaired by Mark Davis.”

USA’s Triton Bass Boat Give-Away

This spring, you just might get to hit the water in a brand new Triton 18 Explorer bass boat powered by a Mercury engine manufactured by IAM Local 1947 members in Fond du Lac, WI. The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) has teamed up with Triton Boats to deliver a water-ready boat and matching trailer package, valued at approximately $25,000, to one lucky member of the USA. Click here to join the USA and enter the drawing.

Triton’s Founder and President Earl Bentz donated the exceptional package in support of the USA as a special thank-you to the union customers who have helped Triton become one of America's leading fiberglass fishing-boat manufacturers.

“Our company's success is due in part to our many loyal union customers,” said Bentz. “We are honored to partner with the USA to equip a hardworking union member with one of our highest quality fishing boats.”
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is a joint venture between 21 unions and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP).

One of the main goals of the two groups is to support the TRCP’s long-standing dedication to guaranteeing access for hunters and anglers, conserving fish and wildlife habitat and increasing funding for conservation.
For more information on the USA, and for your chance to win this incredible Triton 18 Explorer bass boat and trailer package, visit www.UnionSportsmen.org.

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Newsletter Award entries are judged on Layout & Design, Best Feature and General Excellence. Local lodges and Districts are judged separately.

The goal of the USA is to create an outdoor hunting and fishing club exclusively for union members and their families. TRCP Launches Union Sportsmen’s Alliance

IAM members can now purchase union gear online at the IAM Store.

IAM Journal
Winter 2008

Skills Pat Malonie examines parts before they are put on Boeing aircraft. Any primary processing defects, problems
with the metal or even the
smallest crack, Maloney is the one who needs to catch it.

The 2008 Convention website is online. The site features updates, travel tips, convention news reports, info for the media, and official convention gear. Check it out.

IAM Member Benefits mean money-saving discounts for IAM members and their families.

Your union source for Sharp® and Océ® copiers, high-speed duplicating and archiving equipment, fax machines and Hasler® postage equipment, along with over 35,000 items you can order online.

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Enter member ID PS16626766 when ordering online or call 1-877-289-9437. When ordering, you must reference code: PS16626766 to receive your union discount.

See who works for you, how the IAM is structured, and what services the IAM offers.
Go to: IAM2007

Read the International Metalworkers' Federation magazine 'Metal World'

FlatRateTech is an organization “created for and by Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians solely to speak as one loud voice rather than 50,000 smaller voices.” according to their website The fast-growing site offers forums for Ford customers, technicians and dealers to exchange information.

IAM
Executive Council

Tom Buffenbarger
International President

Warren L. Mart
Secretary-Treasurer

Lee Pearson
GVP Western Territory

Dave Ritchie
GVP Canada

Robert Roach,Jr.
GVP Transportation

Lynn Tucker
GVP Eastern Territory

Robert Martinez
GVP Southern Territory

Richard Michalski
GVP Headquarters

Philip J. Gruber
GVP Midwest Territory