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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Machinists Put Merger-Minded Airlines on Notice

Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. this week sent letters to the CEOs of United Airlines, Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines demanding that the carriers include the Machinists Union in any potential merger discussions.

“The IAM, through our Merger Committee, is currently evaluating the various scenarios that could result from your merger discussions,” GVP Roach wrote to the CEOs. “As the certified collective bargaining agent for the largest number of United Airlines and Northwest Airlines employees, we expect to be made aware of any significant progress towards a merger within the limits of the law.”

Rumors are swirling that Delta is seeking to consolidate with either United or Northwest. "Our goal in any consolidation includes, but is not limited to, protecting our members’ jobs, seniority, and benefits. Be assured we will continue to work hard to protect our members’ pensions as well,” said Roach. “The IAM will not support United or Northwest using the money they extracted from our members in bankruptcy to fund a merger that could negatively impact our members’ careers.

“If a proposed merger agreement adversely impacts IAM members and the flying public, the Machinists Union will partner with Congress, other labor organizations and any other entity to protect our members. We are committed to ensuring that no IAM member is adversely affected as a result of any merger or consolidation, even if that means that the merger ultimately fails.”

GVP Roach noted in his letter to Delta Airlines CEO Richard Anderson that since the Machinists Union has an active organizing campaign underway, it may be appropriate for Delta management to have a dialogue with the appropriate IAM officials.

First Agreement Ratified at Edwards AFB

After more than 19 months of bargaining, members of District 725, Local 727P, in Palmdale, CA, voted on January 21 to ratify an initial three-year accord with jet engine-maker Pratt & Whitney.

Terms of the hard won accord include a $1,250 ratification bonus, an immediate raise for all employees of $1.30 per hour, a general wage increase of 3.5 percent the first year and 2.5 percent in each following year, a binding grievance and arbitration procedure, union security language and improvements to medical and pension benefits.

IAM members at the facility include highly-skilled mechanics, inspectors and support personnel who work on Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines for the F-22 Raptor program. Pratt’s latest engine powering the F-22 is designated the F119, considered to be the world’s most advanced fighter engine. The two F119’s per F-22 Raptor provide the ability for supersonic cruising without the use of afterburners.

“I’d like to recognize Business Representative Mike Palazzo, the District Lodge 725 staff and especially Shop Negotiating Committee members Ted Hyatt and Victor Rico, who held the unit together during this long and difficult process,” said Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos. “Special recognition goes to all 15 members of the unit, who stood united throughout this extensive journey to a first agreement.”

Iowa Machinists Ink Deal with Cargill Inc.

Members of District 6, Local 1426, in Sioux City, IA, unanimously ratified a new contract with Cargill Inc. just hours before the contract deadline. The 42 IAM members work in production and maintenance at the Cargill facility that produces refined edible oils and soybean meal flake.

District 6 Business Representative John Herrig said he felt that the negotiating process was a cooperative effort between the company and union. "There will be a general wage increase of $1.50 an hour over the next three years, a 30 percent increase in the Cargill defined Benefit Pension Plan, an additional paid holiday, a substantial increase in the accident and sickness insurance benefit, improvements in vacation and other contractual enhancements,” said Herrig. “We were able to make a significant gain in the pension, moving the rate from $32.50 per year of credited service to $41.50 by the end of the contract.”

California F/A-18 Mechanics Win Bargaining Rights

Pictured (L to R): Back Row – John Fox, Business Representative,
DL 725, Estelito Buyson, Thomas Anderson, Jon Gratton
Front Row – Bayani Antonio, Alan Holbrook, Benjamin Mendoza

An overwhelming majority of aircraft mechanics at L-3 Vertex’s operation at the Naval Air Station in Lemoore, CA, voted to join the IAM in an NLRB-supervised election held January 16. The mechanics perform depot level repair on F/A-18 Hornets.

The new members were organized by the San Diego office of District Lodge 725 under Service Contract Act guidelines, joining 13 other L-3 locations around the country that are represented by the IAM. L-3 Vertex is a division of Mississippi-based L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, which provides aviation and aerospace technical services, primarily for U.S. Government customers.

Key issues in the organizing drive included arbitrary application of company policies and an overall lack of respect for the aircraft technicians and the work they perform. Additional issues included a significant pay gap between the mechanics and the civil service workers they work alongside.

“Congratulations to our new IAM members, as well as District 725 Organizing Director Brian Miller and Business Representative John Fox for another successful organizing drive under the Service Contract Act,” said Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. “Fundamental rights on the job and pay equity are well-deserved by mechanics like these, who help keep our armed forces safe and functioning.”

The F/A-18 Hornet is a carrier-capable strike fighter jet designed in the 1970s for service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corp. The Hornet is also used by the armed forces of eight other nations and has been the aerial demonstration aircraft for the Blue Angels since 1986.

‘At the River I Stand’ Chronicles 1968 Strike

Union members in the Washington, D.C., area have an opportunity this week to view a compelling documentary that chronicles the final days of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike in Memphis, TN. The 58-minute film details the struggle that brought Dr. King to Memphis, where he was assassinated on April 24, 1968.

The DC Labor Filmfest, the Labor Heritage Foundation, the AFL-CIO, and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) will present ‘At the River I Stand’ on January 25 at 12 noon at AFL-CIO Headquarters, 815 16th St. NW, Washington, DC. CBTU President Bill Lucy, who worked with King during the strike, will introduce the film. For more info, contact Chris Garlock, 202-974-8153. For more info on the film and ordering information, click here.

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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