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Our Skills, Our Kids...St. Louis
February 4, 2008 - After the Space Coast and a visit to the South, it was time for the IAM's America's Edge Tour to visit the heartland.

Our Skills, Our Kids...
February 1, 2008 - The IAM lead a seven day, eight state tour across the country to talk to thousands about the importance of educating the next generation and making sure our kids have a future.

The Pivotal Powers
January 30, 2008 - Pick up a newspaper or tunrn on the television and you will probably quickly find a story about China, India or one of the other countries experiencing new growth. The changing faces of these countries touches us here in America, but many wonder if it's a good or bad thing for the U.S.

Stimulating The Economy
January 28, 2007 - Right now it's the question on everyone's mind. How do we fix the economy? Many believe a temporary solution is needed right away to stop the United States from slipping into a devastating recession.

Behind The Chinese Miracle
January 24, 2008 - For the past few decades China has seen unprecedented growth. Unfortunately, many of these workers in the country aren't reaping the benefits of this expansion.

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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Reserve Now for 2008 IAM Legislative Conference

This year’s IAM Legislative Conference will be held May 19-22 at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C. Delegate registration begins on May 19 at 9:00 a.m. and again on May 20 from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

The conference will kick off on May 19 at 1:30 p.m. with opening remarks by Headquarters GVP Rich Michalski, who will serve as permanent chairperson. IP Tom Buffenbarger will deliver the keynote address.

The general session will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon on May 20 and 21. There will be no afternoon sessions scheduled those days so that delegates may lobby on Capitol Hill. Call the hotel at 202-737-1234 to make your room reservations. Cut-off date for reduced room rates is April 11.

For a copy of the official call letter, click here.

**Watch ‘America’s Edge’ Videos on Goiam.org**

The IAM’s four-day, seven-state sojourn to promote vocational training and apprentice education around the country generated favorable media coverage at nearly every stop. In Wichita, KS, Seattle, WA and Chicago, IL, local news crews turned out to record speakers and members who spoke passionately about the need to preserve precision skills training for the next generation of blue collar workers.

In Wichita, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius welcomed the IAM effort as essential to filling the thousands of aerospace job openings that are expected in the wake of a looming wave of retirements. In Washington state, Governor Christine Gregoire announced a proposal to add $3 million to the state’s budget for training and technology programs. Finally, in Chicago, high school students at Austin Polytechnical Academy put a human face on the job seekers of tomorrow.

In addition to media coverage, the IAM documented the events in each location. Go to http://www.goiam.org to see IAM videos of America’s Edge events. Be sure to check back often as additional videos will be added in the coming days.

Air Transport Committee Tackles Safety Issues

The Joint Air Transport Safety Committee met in Chicago this week to continue its work to improve working conditions for IAM members in the aviation industry. Taking part were representatives from District 140 in Canada and Districts 141 and 142 in the U.S., representing flight attendants, mechanics, ramp service and customer service workers.

“We want to ensure a safe workplace for our members,” said Committee Chairman Paul Kempinski. “Part of that process is educating both the company and our members that a safe workplace not only protects workers, but also leads to a more productive operation.”

The committee last year worked with the federal government’s General Accountability Office to study runway incursions and ramp safety. Topics covered this week include the development of common contract language proposals to be incorporated into IAM airline collective bargaining agreements.

“This committee is reviewing worker safety protections in current contracts, both IAM and from other unions, and formulating the strongest possible safety provisions for our negotiators to bring to the bargaining table,” said Kempinski.

The Joint Safety Committee's ongoing mission includes establishing safety committees at every airline, dealing with FAA and OSHA representatives and ensuring IAM members can perform their jobs safely without fear of reprisal from their employer.

Missouri Workers Win IAM Representation

District 9 of Bridgeton, MO, celebrated another organizing win after employees at Imperial Manufacturing in Alton, IL, voted to join the IAM. Imperial makes sheet metal products for heating and cooling systems, such as duct work, vents, and stove pipe.

Key issues for the 58 new members who work in production, maintenance, assembly and shipping, were better wages, health insurance and working conditions.

“Our in-plant team really stood strong,” said District 9 Organizer Mike Hahn. “They held things together despite pressure from the company.”

“We welcome our new members into the IAM,” said Midwest Territory GVP Phil Gruber. “We appreciate the hard work and dedication demonstrated by District 9 DBR Roger Poole and Organizer Mike Hahn. Local 660 Secretary-Treasurer Dean Webb also deserves special recognition for his role in making this campaign a success.”

Wisconsin’s Kathy Diel Named ‘Sister of the Month’

Kathy Diel, the IAM Sister of the Month for February, has been a proud Machinist for almost 30 years. A member of Local 1377 in Waukesha, WI and affiliated with District 10, Diel has held a seat on the local’s executive board for the past 10 years. She began as the Conductor/Sentinel, and currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer.

Working as an assembler at P.M. Plastics Co., Inc., in Pewaukee, WI, Diel first became involved when she was asked to serve on the shop committee. Later, she was elected Shop Chair and has served her lodge sisters and brothers ever since.

Diel says one of the most important things when serving as a lodge leader is to meet and talk to all the members in your shop. “Get to know them, get to know their issues,” says Diel, who adds that it is important to attend union meetings and let the membership know they can count on you.

Diel has also attended many of the educational trainings offered at the Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. She highly recommends all members take advantage of this opportunity if presented to them.

In her spare time she enjoys auto racing and volunteering at the Milwaukee Mile. In addition, she has been credited with donating over 100 pints of blood to the Red Cross – literally giving her blood, sweat and tears to improving the community.

St. Louis Unions Rally for Valley Ford Strikers

District 9 DBR Roger Poole leads picketers in a solidarity chant at Valley Ford in Hazlewood, MO.

Hundreds of union members from more than a dozen organizations were joined by city officials recently to oppose union-busting tactics at Valley Ford in Hazlewood, MO.

IAM members of Local 777, District 9 have been on strike at the St. Louis-area dealership since November 1, 2007, after the dealership proposed to gut workers paychecks from 10 to 25 percent.

Other takeaways included replacing current pension contributions with a measly nickel-an-hour donation to the company 401 (k) plan and eliminating family health care for an inferior plan that would increase out-of-pocket expenses by more than $500.00 a month.

“Valley Ford has a clear strategy to break the union,” said Roger Poole, District 9 DBR. “I cannot stress the importance of standing together against union busters like Valley Ford. The industry is watching this strike very closely and workers everywhere should be paying attention, too.”

Despite sub-zero temperatures, the members of Local 777 have remained strong in their fight against the dealership. “These members have manned the picket line throughout the holidays, said District 9 ADBR Tony Rippeto. “Even in snow and freezing conditions, these members, their families and the community, have kept the pressure on Valley Ford.”

Sources say that the dealership has sold less than 14 vehicles in the more than three months since the strike began.

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2006 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
Winter 2008

Skills Pat Maloney 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