Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

President Barack Obama's Inauguration
January 22, 2009 - January 20, 2009 was a clear but bitter cold day in DC that will go down in history. Millions of people in Washington and worldwide watched as Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America, making him the first African American to hold the highest office in the land.

Watching Congress
January 9, 2009 - The economy, the War in Iraq, the automakers trouble, the state of America hasn't been in this much chaos since the days of FDR. That's why it's even more important for President Elect Barack Obama and Congress to work together, starting day one.

True Christmas Spirit
December 19, 2008 - For 24 years the spirit of Christmas has come alive in Prince George's County. Especially during the annual holiday food basket program.

Workers First
December 17, 2008 - For 120 years the IAM has been protecting workers. This week at the Center for American Progress in Washington DC, the idea of putting workers first took the spotlight.

NWA/Delta Merger: December 08 Update
December 11, 2008 - Whether you are for or against it, the merger between Northwest and Delta Airlines is happening.

N.C. Machinists - Obama's Team Wants Change
December 9, 2008 - Striking members of IAM LL W369 in North Carolina were in Washington, DC to attend a forum on Community, Faith, & Democracy.

A Green Recovery
December 5, 2008 - For some, it's hard to think about a greener tomorrow when families are having to choose today between paying the mortgage or putting food on the table. But many people believe that investing in a green recovery may help to solve America's current economic crisis.

Guide Dogs Diamond Anniversary
November 26, 2008 - The Guide Dogs of America celeberated its 60th Diamond Anniversary in Las Vegas last week.

The Face of Foreclosure
October 21, 2008 - As lawmakers work to find a solution to the US foreclosure crisis, thousands of working class Americans, including some IAM members, struggle to keep homes in the midst of this economic downturn.

NWA/Delta Merger: A Future Bailout?
October 15, 2008 - In one of the most volatile financial times in history, it seems wrong to many that a possible airline merger is still being considered.

A Fresh Look At Healthcare
October 12, 2008 - With the presidential election just weeks away, Americans are taking a serious look at the issues. As always healthcare is close to the top of the priority list.

Retirees Take On Raytheon
September 26, 2008 - After 26 years, IAM member Dave Lillie retired from Raytheon. At the end of his more than two decades as a tool and die maker, he believed retirement would be bliss. Raytheon saw it another way.

Closing Day for the 37th ConventionSeptember 12, 2008 - Welcome to the closing day for the IAM's 37th Grand Lodge Convention. It's been a busy week but alot has been accomplished.

Freedom Of ReligionSeptember 11, 2008 - No matter how, when or why you do it, every person in the U.S. and Canada has the right to Freedom. "Freedom of Religion" was the theme on the fifth day of the 37th Grand Lodge Convention.

Freedom From Want
September 10, 2008
Freedom from want is another one of the four freedoms Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke about more than 60 years ago. "Freedom From Want" was the theme on the fourth day of the 37th Grand Lodge Convention.

New Dues Structure
September 10, 2008
More than 32 years ago, union delegates gathered in a room like this, changed the financial structure of the IAM. Today, that decision was again in front of this year's delegaes who voted o amend the current financial structure.

HRC Becomes Honorary IAM Member
September 8, 2008 - Nothing seems to bring the Machinists to their feet like Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. She spoke at the the 37th Grand Lodge Convention where she became an honorary lifetime member of the IAM.

Freedom From Fear
September 8, 2008 - In some of the most famous words ever spoken, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." "Freedom From Fear" was the theme on the second day of the 37th Grand Lodge Convention.

Opening Day for the 37th Convention
September 7, 2008 - Today the IAM opened its 37th Grand Lodge Convention. This week promises a nod to the past as we look for solutions to the problems of the future.

Legally Protecting Our Green Jobs
August 28, 2008 - US manufacturing has lost millions of jobs due to outsourcing. But can you keep that from happening? Some labor advocates are ready for a radical pro manufacturing political agenda, and they want it applied to America’s next economic craze, “Green” energy.

A Plan For Greatness
August 13, 2008 - For years the Machinists have told anyone who would listen that this country's in trouble. Unfortunately, many times these warnings fell on deaf ears.

Spirit Aerosystems: A Conversation With IP Tom Buffenbarger
July 2, 2008 -
IP Tom Buffenbarger discusses unique wage negotiations at Spirit Aerosystems.

Hawker Beechcraft: A Conversation With IP Tom Buffenbarger
July 2, 2008 -
IP Tom Buffenbarger discusses the latest developments at Hawker Beechcraft.

IAM College Graduating Class of '08
July 2, 2008 -
Last weekend 11 Machinists graduated from the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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IAM Defends ‘Buy America’ Provisions

The IAM is calling on Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., to reject a campaign by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to strip “Buy America” provisions from the pending $825 billion economic stimulus package.

“We are in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis, with more than 11 million Americans out of work and millions more on the brink of being laid off,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “It is outrageous for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to assist foreign contractors hoping to gain access to funds clearly designed to stimulate local and state economies.”

In a recent letter to House and Senate leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable and 13 high-powered lobbying organizations warned Congressional leaders against any use or expansion of “Buy America” provisions, which are designed to ensure U.S. companies and U.S. workers benefit from U.S. government spending.

“The extraordinary gall of these corporate lobbyists to align themselves with foreign corporations at this time is nothing short of economic treason,” declared Buffenbarger. “Every other country in the world puts its own industries and workers first. For the sake of our nation and our economic recovery, our elected officials should do the same.”

Hawaii Local 1998 Gains New Members

After a close vote in 2004 and a second effort in 2007 that was thwarted by company union-busters, 150 determined workers at BAE Systems in Hawaii finally won the union representation they'd been seeking.

The newest members of Local 1998 in Honolulu, HI, work for BAE Systems at Schofield Barracks, the largest Army post in Hawaii. The diverse and talented workforce includes mechanics, locksmiths, electronic technicians and related trades in the Maintenance Department.

Organized under the provisions of the Service Contract Act, the workers overcame challenges by the company on the composition and size of the bargaining unit, along with an aggressive anti-union campaign. The IAM held its ground during a grueling three-day National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) hearing, winning a decision that the Maintenance Department was an appropriate unit.

"Special thanks to the in-plant committee members who were the driving force behind this campaign," said Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. "Congratulations and thanks also to AA Gary Allen, GLRs Charles Toby, Joel Ochoa and Maria Santiago Lillis, whose tenacity continues to serve our members in Hawaii well, as well as to Local 1998 President Robert Lillis and the long list of officers and members who helped bring this to fruition."

Alabama Newspaper Features GDA Success Story

The Enterprise Ledger in Enterprise, AL, recently featured the story of Stan Stafford, his dog ‘Sonshine,’ pictured at left, and the always inspiring work of Guide Dogs of America (GDA).

Also highlighted in the article is IAM Local 2003 member Adam Beasley, who serves as a representative and ambassador for the non-profit GDA program, which was founded 60 years ago to assist a blind IAM member who was unable to get help anywhere else.

Stafford’s dog, a poodle-retriever mix known as a “Golden Doodle,” was specially trained by GDA at their facility in Sylmar, CA. Intelligence and temperament are key factors in determining a guide dog candidate. Among the breeds frequently used are Labradors Retriever, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Stafford tells how the addition of “Sonshine” has made a huge difference in his life, giving him a degree of independence he had not previously had. “It feels like a remote control when you’re walking with the dog,” said Stafford. “Like you’re guiding it, but really he’s guiding you.”

Click here to read the full article.

U.S. Capitol Gift Shop Bans China Trinkets

Until further notice, the words “Made in China” will no longer exist on merchandise sold in the main gift shop located on the House side of the U.S. Capitol.

The Politico newspaper reports Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA) has banned the Capitol Visitor Center from selling plastic Statues of Freedom and other souvenirs not made in the U.S.

“I feel very strongly that souvenirs sold in House gift shops should be produced by U.S. companies," said Brady. “At a time when our economy is struggling and U.S. companies are being forced to lay off workers, I believe that every effort should be made to support U.S. industry. The idea that the Capitol's main gift shop could be selling a model of our Statue of Freedom that is manufactured in China, does a disservice to the millions of American workers who are losing their jobs and their ability to support their families.”

Brady is the chairman of the House Administration panel, which oversees all House operations. The congressman says his committee is working with the visitor center to return the $104,000 worth of souvenirs already purchased and to recover their full cost.

State Unemployment Funds Running on Empty

New York State is serving as a harbinger of things to come for other states facing rapidly growing unemployment numbers. State labor officials in Albany recently announced the state’s unemployment fund had run out of money and would be forced to borrow about $90 million each week to pay jobless claims.

New York has one of the fastest growing unemployment populations in the nation, with more than 500,000 people collecting unemployment checks during the first week of the New Year, nearly three times as many as a year before. The situation is expected to worsen, with more than 180,000 jobs expected to be lost this year in New York City, bringing the unemployment rate to 7.6 percent by the 4th quarter of 2009.

Making matters worse, the Empire State pays lower unemployment monthly benefits than many other Northeastern states. Unemployed New Yorkers can receive a maximum weekly benefit of $405. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut all pay higher benefits.

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2008 IAM Newsletter & Website Contest Awards
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
Fall 2008

During the days of the Republican-controlled Congress, GOP-insiders replaced the open debating and crafting of legislation with midnight votes and backroom deals.

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