Thursday, March 01, 2007

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Labor issues you care about in streaming video
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Fresh Faces on the Hill: Congressman Phil Hare
February 28, 2007 - Phil Hare used to hold a union job as a cutter in a factory.  Today, he’s working to pass legislation to protect his brothers and sisters.

Fresh Faces on the Hill: Congresswoman Betty Sutton
February 26, 2007 -As our Fresh Faces on the Hill series continues, it’s now time to turn our attention to Congresswoman Betty Sutton of ohio’s 13th district.

Free On The Job
February 23, 2007 - The Employee Free Choice Act is a piece of legislation that allows employees to form unions by card check.

Bush Trade Policies Failing American Families

February 22, 2007 -The Bush administration ’s failed trade policies and their impact on American workers are once again on full display.

Chi-Town Tear Down Pit Crew Competition 2007 February 16, 2007 - The command “Begin your teardown now….” marked the start of the annual Chi-Town Tear Down Pit Crew Competition.


Americans Want Bush to Follow Lead of Democrats
February 5, 2007 - A majority of Americans are fed up with President Bush’s job performance and believe the country should head in the direction congressional Democrats want to take it.

Fresh Faces on the Hill February 5, 2007 - The elections in November brought many new faces to Capitol Hill.

Changing The Future January 22, 2007 - The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It's a saying that's at least  100-years old and according to the Economic Policy Institute, one that still holds true today.

Will Your Vote Count? January 22, 2007 - In addition to changing the look of Congress, Election Day 2006 did something more. It brought to the forefront a variety of voting problems experienced across the country.

Senator Kennedy On Iraq And Healthcare
January 17, 2006 - In a speech meant to focus onn America's health care crisis, Senator Ted Kennedy instead took the time to criticize President Bush's plan to surge troop levels in Iraq by 20,000.

America’s Most Wealthy Bask in Bush Tax Cuts
January 11, 2007 - Reaffirming what middle class families know all too well – the Bush tax cuts primarily benefit America’s wealthiest families.

New Speaker Of The House, Nancy Pelosi
January 10, 2007 - In the first full week of the 110th Congress, House Speaker Nanacy Pelosi has taken her place as the unquestioned leader of the 435-member body. But the IAM was one of the few unions to recognize her potential long ago.

Surviving On Mimimum Wage
January 3, 2006 - As you stroll down city sidewalks, you're bound to see poverty, pain, strife and struggle.

The Employee Free Choice Act
December 19, 2006 - The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is a piece of legislation for the middle class that limits an employer's ability to prevent workers from forming unions. If passed it could ultimately improve the lives of working men and women across the nation.

Video: 2007 Day of Action
From air and rail to auto and trucking, transportation is essential to our lives.  But the industry has fallen on tough times over the last few years, leaving its workers unsure about the future.


To view these videos you will need to download the free Windows Media Player 9


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Tentative Agreement Reached at AK Steel

After weeks of intense bargaining and exactly one year after the lockout at AK Steel began, the IAM announced a tentative agreement on behalf of members of newly chartered Local 1943 in Middletown, Ohio. 

Voting on the agreement will take place via mail-in ballot to provide ample time for members to make a decision to accept or reject the offer. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) will oversee the counting of the ballots.

“This agreement is the result of sacrifice, hard work, and support of the community,” said Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr., who was instrumental in bringing the parties together and fully endorsed the agreement. “The Mayor of Middletown, David Schiavone, his Council, Sheriff Jones and Commissioner Fox were all committed to help bring a fair and just settlement. Ohio Governor Strickland and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) were in touch with the parties during the sessions and we have extended our thanks to them for their input.”

IAM Journal Makes ‘Focus’ the Issue

The American labor movement built Middle-Class America, allowing millions of families to enjoy good wages, healthcare benefits and a secure retirement. But that contribution is being ignored, according to “FOCUS,” the feature article in the Spring 2007 IAM Journal.

“Improving the lives of its members is the first imperative of any union and we do that at the bargaining table every single day,” said Tom Buffenbarger, IAM International President. “And yet, organized labor’s role in creating, maintaining and defending North America’s broad middle class goes unrecognized. That must change.”

“FOCUS” chronicles the successes of collective bargaining and the solid return on investment that union membership brings. From high–profile battles with airline and aerospace giants to small shops with a handful of workers, union members have carried the fight for workplace rights and economic fairness to a new level.

“Now is the time to focus on our members,” said Buffenbarger. “Their courage, their sacrifices, their willingness to fight for their families makes these men and women the indispensables of the American Labor movement. They deserve a new spotlight that is focused on them and their accomplishments on behalf of all workers.”

A Salute From the Border

Tennessee National Guardsman Willie Burris is among hundreds of guardsmen and reservists currently assigned to patrol the U.S.-Mexican border in Arizona, California and New Mexico. Back home in Loudon, TN, Burris is a member of Local 2545 and employed by Maremont Exhaust Products, where members are on strike over a proposed two-tier wage system and sharply higher health insurance costs.

Earlier in February, Maremont sent Burris a letter threatening to permanently replace him if he didn’t report back to work immediately. Although the company quickly moved to say that it was a “mistake” to send the letter, Burris’s response left no doubt about where he stood on the matter.

“There’s just no way I would go back in with my co-workers standing out there. It’s the principle of the thing,” declared Burris, who said he’ll join the union’s fight if the strike is still going on when he returns in June.

 “Our members are holding together very well,” said District 711 Business Representative George Mays. “We have a strong local, and we’re determined to get a fair contract.” Talks between IAM negotiators and Maremont are expected to resume today.

“Guardsman Burris deserved better than the threatening letter he received from Maremont,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “He deserves our respect and thanks for the risks he’s taking and a good job to come home to when his assignment ends.” A local news story about Guardsman Burris is currently available at www.wbir.com.

GVP Martinez Named to LCLAA Leadership Post

Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez will serve as National Vice President for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the official Latino constituency group of the AFL-CIO and the first national organization to represent the views of Latino trade unionists seeking justice at the workplace. GVP Martinez was nominated and elected following the retirement of Western Territory GLR Jose Rodriguez, who previously held the position on the LCLAA Executive Board.

GVP Martinez will serve alongside Transportation Department GLR Dora Cervantes, who was nominated and elected to the LCLAA Executive Board position previously held by GVP Martinez.

“GLR Rodriguez served our membership very well in his capacity at LCLAA,” said Martinez. “We wish him well. I’m proud to be a representative of the IAM with LCLAA, and I look forward to working with LCLAA to provide social justice to all our members.”

District 142 Shop Stewards Meet at WWW


Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. speaks with Southwest Airlines Shop Stewards during their 2-day conference at the WWW Center.

Sixty-eight IAM Shop Stewards participated in Air Transport District 142’s 2007 Southwest Airlines Shop Stewards Conference, held this week at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. More than half the participants are attending their first conference.

The Stewards developed goals and strategies in advance of the 2008 contract negotiations for more than 6,000 IAM-represented Customer Service and Reservation agents.

“This will be the most difficult negotiations we have ever seen at Southwest Airlines,” said GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “The Grand Lodge, District Lodge and Local Lodges must display solidarity and unity at all times. We must work as a team to ensure that Southwest Airlines understands that they must deal with our members’ issues at the bargaining table.”

                                                 
Machinists in Ontario Sign New Agreements

Members of two IAM local lodges in Ontario, Canada, have signed new collective bargaining agreements that increase wages, benefits and pensions while providing a rock solid case for workers considering IAM membership.

The 69 members of Local Lodge 2243 in Mississauga, ON, ratified a new three-year collective agreement with Filamat Composites Inc., that provides wage increases of 2.5 percent in the first and second year respectively and 3 percent in the third year. Other contract highlights include an IAM Pension Plan increase of five cents in each year of the contract, increased shift premiums, improved eye care benefits, improved short-term disability benefits and an additional floating holiday.

The 14 members of Local Lodge 235 in Toronto, ON, also signed a new two-year agreement with Revco Worldwide Inc. that boosts wages by 4 percent over the life of the accord and raises IAM Pension Plan contributions by 5 cents per hour in each year of the agreement. Members there also won eye care and pension language improvements.

The 14 members of Local 235 are employed as set-up operators and machinists for the sprocket manufacturer located in the east end of Toronto.

 

 

 

 




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Announcing the IAM Photo Contest

The IAM is repeating its members-only photography contest again this year and you are encouraged to enter. You can download a complete contest entry form by clicking here.




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. Members can buy a variety of IAM related products such as t-shirts, jackets, jewelry and caps — all emblazoned with the IAM logo.

IAM Journal
Spring 2007


FOCUS America’s union members do not need to be told what to do. They do what they believe is right, and let the chips fall where they may.


Get Ready for the Day of Action.
The Transportation Department is preparing for a major March and Rally on May 17, 2007, in Washington, DC. Thousands of working men and women from every state of the Union will join us on that day to say “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”
For more information, visit 17may07.org




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.


Union Plus
IAM Member Benefits
mean money-saving discounts for IAM members and their families.




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


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