Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

Protecting the Skies
February 18, 2009 - Protecting IAM members and the flying public is priority number one for the Machinists Union's Transportation Department.

Middle Class Forced to Use Food Banks
February 13, 2009 - As the number of job losses mount and as the recession rages on, unemployed Americans are turning to food pantries for support.

Rallying for EFCA
February 11, 2009 - Statistics state that nearly 60 million workers would form or join a union tomorrow if they had the opportunity. Passing the Employee Free Choice Act would guarantee those 60 million get that chance.

Lily's Leading the Way
February 9, 2009 - No matter your race, religion or gender, everyone should be paid the same amount for the same job. With new legislation signed just weeks ago by President Obama, it's now easier to make sure an injustice like unfair pay doesen't happen.

Trade Policy Now or Never
February 3, 2009 - Right now Congress is at work putting together an economic stimulus package. Trade experts say as part of that package, now is the time to start reforming the U.S. trade policy.

Remembering MLK
January 21, 2009 - For many the "I Have A Dream" by MLK is more than just history. It's the idea that together we can do anything. That very thought is what ties the labor movement and the civil rights movement together and brought nearly 1,000 brothers and sisters to New Orleans to help those who need it most.

NWA/Delta Merger: January 09 Update
January 26, 2009 - The merger of Delta and Northwest Airlines leaves many workers wondering about their future. Especially because Northwest Airlines is unionized, but Delta is not. This has workers asking alot of questions.

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.

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General Aviation Sector Fighting to Survive

A flotilla of skilled machinists, technicians, engineers and others stand behind every private jet built in North America. Pictured above are IAM members at Cessna in Wichita, KS, with the company’s 300th CX business jet.

For decades, the nation’s general aviation sector has provided a mostly corporate clientele with the means to conduct high-end business deals without having to navigate the frequently troubled waters of commercial aviation.

Production of the turbine and jet-powered aircraft also provided tens of thousands of IAM members at Cessna, Raytheon, Hawker Beechcraft, Bombardier and others with steady and satisfying employment. Nationwide, the general aviation sector, which includes engine and airframe production as well as avionics and post-production maintenance, employs more than 1,265,000 workers and contributes more than $150 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

But the industry’s high-flying fortunes took a nose-dive earlier this year when the credit crunch squeezed buyers in every tax bracket and put private jet makers in the same precarious predicament as the nation’s customer-starved auto dealerships.

Known worldwide at the center of business jet production, Wichita, KS, is being hit especially hard. Plane-makers there all reported sharp losses, with one company, Cessna, announcing 4,600 layoffs as production was scaled back by more than 50 percent.

The industry’s problems were compounded when the CEO’s of Detroit’s Big Three automakers traveled to Washington, D.C., on private jets seeking financial aid to stave off bankruptcy. Lawmakers took turns spanking the CEO’s for their use of the jets, which promptly became a symbol of out-of-control corporate excess.

“The general aviation sector is one of the few remaining domestic manufacturing industries that provide a trade surplus for the United States,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger, who defended the industry and its workers. “In 2007, U.S. general aviation airplane manufacturers delivered over 3,279 airplanes to customers in the United States and abroad. The total value of these aircraft was close to $11.9 billion of which 38.4 percent were exported. “

The general aviation industry is clearly a national economic asset and one that deserves to be protected and preserved, rather than stigmatized and scapegoated.

Call Senators Today to Support Solis Nomination

Help ensure the Department of Labor fulfills its mission to promote the interests of America’s workers by urging your Senator to confirm President Barack Obama’s choice for Secretary of Labor.

Rep. Hilda Solis has been awaiting confirmation for almost a month – thanks to a group of Senate Republicans bent on holding her confirmation hostage.

Why? Because Rep. Solis’ reputation for rolling up her sleeves in support of working families precedes her. In her 15 years experience in the California State Legislature and U.S. House of Representatives, she worked tirelessly to expand job training programs, increase the minimum wage, improve equal pay laws, and make sure pension plans are secure. Most importantly, as the daughter of immigrant parents with union jobs, Rep. Solis is committed to defending workers’ rights, including the right to form a union without interference from the top office.

With the lives of so many working families hanging in the balance thanks to the current economic crisis, there is no time to waste. America’s workers need a Labor Secretary willing to advocate on their behalf right now and without further delay.

Click here to send a message to your Senator, or the capital switch boaard at 202-224-3121, and tell them to vote swiftly to confirm Rep. Hilda Solis as the new Secretary of Labor.

Machinists in Manitoba, Ontario Ratify New Contracts

IAM members of Local 1848 in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and Local 235 in Toronto, Ontario, have ratified new collective agreements with Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting and Revco Incorporated.

The three-year deal with Hudson Bay Mining avoided binding interest arbitration while securing a 2.5 percent wage increase each year. Local 1848 members will also receive a pension benefit increase and the restoration of underground mine bonuses for apprentices.

“We were fortunate to reach an agreement and thus avoid the Interest Arbitration process this time around in light of the current economic situation that both primary and secondary manufacturing are facing right now,” explained Grand Lodge Representative Brian Short. “When you add the uncertainty of a third party establishing wages and benefit levels based on these economic times, I applaud the negotiating Committee for their hard work to get an offer they were comfortable with bringing back to the membership for ratification.”

Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting operates copper and zinc mines in Flin Flon and Snow Lake, Manitoba along with a copper smelting and zinc processing operation.

The two-year deal with Revco provides for a wage increase of 1.5 percent each year. Other agreement highlights include an extra paid holiday and increased boot and vision care allowances.

“Considering the current economic situation in Canada, this was a good agreement,” said District 78 Business Representative Paul Mitchell. “We managed to keep our agreement intact and make some modest gains.”

Local 235 Revco members manufacture mechanical sprockets for a variety of industries across Canada.

Register Now for Human Rights Class at WWW Center

The first of two 2009 Basic Human Rights Classes will be held on May 3-8, 2009, at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland. The deadline for applications is February 27, 2009.

“Human Rights training is an important part of our commitment to ensure civil and human rights for all IAM members,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “I strongly urge all lodges in the United States and Canada to participate.”

The training provides practical information and guidance on how to establish a viable Human Rights Committee, as well as utilizing strategies to ensure that the committees operate proactively to assist in the protection of IAM members’ civil and human rights.

Click here for more information and to download an application form.

IAM Midwest Territory Welcomes Illinois Comptroller

Left to right: Special Rep. Jorge Saenz, GLR Rod Hoffman, GLR Steve Nickel, AA Roger Nauyalis, Illinois State Comptroller Dan Hynes, Midwest Territory GVP Phil Gruber, District 141 Assistant General Chairman Eric Stenberg, TCU International Representative Ray Grygiel, Education Rep. Ed Manhart, Local 1487 President Joe Bartz and GLR Gary Schmidt.

The Comptroller for the State of Illinois, Dan Hynes, visited recently with local, district, TCU and grand lodge representatives at the IAM Midwest Territory office to discuss issues important to working families.

Hynes repeated his support for the Employee Free Choice Act and discussed air and rail transportation issues, pensions, health care reform and other issues affecting working families in these trying times.

“Dan Hynes has been a friend of the Machinists Union and organized labor for years,” said Midwest Territory GVP Philip J. Gruber. “The fact he would stop in to discuss our issues with us confirms the level of commitment he has to working families in Illinois."

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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

Millions of Americans braved the cold and the crowds to listen to President Barack Obama give his Inaugural Address. Billions - yes, billions - watched his historic speech on television in hamlets and cities across the globe. No one was disappointed.

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