Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

The Future Looks Green
February 20, 2009 - Once upon a time, the term "GREEN JOBS" was a concept for the future. Today, the idea is very much a reality and many say a way to help secure this country's economic standing.

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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Negotiations Underway for New Contract at Lockheed

With handshakes, opening statements and a formal exchange of proposals, the latest round of contract negotiations got underway on February 20 between District 776 and Lockheed Martin in Ft. Worth, TX.

Health care costs and pensions are top concerns for the 3,900 IAM members who build F-22, F-16 and F-35 fighter aircraft at the company’s Ft. Worth facility. The current three-year contract is set to expire on April 19, 2009.

“We will bargain hard for a fair and equitable contract for our members at Ft. Worth,” said International President Tom Buffenbarger, who joined the District 776 Negotiating Committee for the opening session. “We are also committed to our continued strong support for the F-22 and all the vital programs at the Ft. Worth facility.”

Also in attendance was Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez who noted that Lockheed Martin is a highly profitable company. “We are looking forward to a strong Machinists contract at Lockheed in 2009,” said Martinez.

For more information and updates on the IAM-Lockheed negotiations, visit www.776iam.org.

‘Does America Need Labor Unions?’

In light of the recent debate over the Employee Free Choice Act, editors of Parade Magazine want to know: “Does America Still Need Labor Unions?” Vote “yes” for unions in the new online poll by Parade Magazine.

Without labor unions there would be no Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance or 40-hour workweeks. But pro-business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other corporate organizations are filling the airwaves with a vigorous anti-union campaign, arguing against the Employee Free Choice Act and saying unions are no longer useful.

A recent report by the Economic Policy Institute shows the average family needs at least $48,778 to get by. Nearly a third of U.S. families fall short. Pensions are less secure today as most employers have shifted the risk of an adequate retirement benefit to employees. And, women have yet to catch up with their male counterparts in salary. Too many Americans are not making enough money to support themselves or their families, and many more are forced to go without health insurance and other necessary benefits.

Unions give workers a voice and the protection they need to stand strong against unfair wages, poor health care, and lack of job and retirement security. The U.S. Department of Labor reports union workers made an average of $10,140 more than non-union workers last year. The Employee Free Choice Act would allow workers to join unions without the fear of losing their job or other repercussions from their boss.

Visit Parade Magazine’s online poll and vote “yes” for unions today.

House Committee to Weigh Skills Legislation

The important issue of skills training will be the topic of discussion at an upcoming House committee meeting this week.

The Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness will kick off the drive to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), legislation which authorizes job training, adult education and vocational rehabilitative services programs. The law, which expired in 2003, is past due and has not been reauthorized since 1998.

Rep. Rubén Hinojosa, chairman of the Subcommittee, says with 3.6 million jobs lost since December 2007 and 598,000 jobs shed last month alone, it is imperative that we modernize WIA in order to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

“We have failed to provide our workers with the education and skills that would help them weather the storm,” says Hinojosa. “Roughly half of the nation’s workforce currently lacks the basic education and communication skills required for jobs that pay family sustaining wages.

“An improved WIA should be a key plank in our plans to restore economic prosperity to America’s working families. We have an opportunity to update our job training programs so that they not only place workers into jobs, but onto career pathways that lead to better wages and advancement in the workplace.”

IAM Mourns Former GLR Ed Pierce

The Machinists union is mourning the death of former Grand Lodge Representative (GLR) Ed Pierce, 70, who died unexpectedly on February 21 at his home in Dunlop, TN. A GLR in the Southern Territory from 1986 until his retirement in 2006, Pierce served in numerous capacities during a 44-year career with the IAM. Among the positions he held were District 56 DBR, Secretary-Treasurer for the Tennessee State Council of Machinists and President of the Trades and Labor Council at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

“Ed Pierce was an integral part of this union for more than four decades,” said International President Tom Buffenbarger. “He was a good friend and a valued resource, from his earliest days as a shop floor representative, to the years he spent overseeing a range of union affairs at the TVA. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Pensions Jump from $57 to $64 in Goodrich Contract

IAM members of Local 755 and 964, who are employed at Goodrich Aerostructures in Chula Vista and Riverside, California, recently ratified a new agreement that increases the pension multiplier from $57 to $64 and provides $6,800 in lump sum payments over the course of the three-year agreement.

The members at Goodrich manufacture engine cowlings and thrust reversers for aerospace companies, including Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce and General Electric.

The new contract, which covers 822 members, includes a ratification bonus of $1,400, followed by lump sum payments of $2,750, $2,250 and $1,800 payable in March of each year. In addition to the pension improvements, the COLA formula was maintained and a new short term disability plan was added. Employee contributions for medical coverage remain unchanged for 2009, followed by modest increases in premium contributions in the following years.

"Congratulations to District 725 PDBR Gary Holt and his team, along with the negotiating committee members, for a job well done on this contract," said Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. "Thanks also to GLR Bobby Martinez, Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos and Loren Almeroth of the IAM Strategic Resources Department for their hard work in forging a great agreement in these tough economic times."

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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