Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

Latest Job Numbers Don't Bode Well for Working Families
March 15, 2007 - Employers added only 97,000 jobs last month – marking the slowest month of job growth in two years.

Korea's Turn Now?
March 14, 2007 - For hundreds of years america has been trading. And most agree that’s a good thing. But how to do it in today’s global world, without hurting america or its workers, is the next big question to answer.

What Happened to Good Trade?
March 14, 2007 - For decades, Congressman Sandy Levin has been part of a lot of trade issues on the hill. He’s seen what’s worked and what hasn’t. And in a global world that’s constantly changing, he knows our future depends on what we do now

EFCA Takes the House
March 9, 2007 - The Employee Free Choice Act has passed the house. That’s good news for the labor movement. And even better news for the men and women who want to organize.

HIV Epidemic
March 8, 2007 - HIV/AIDS infection rate is increasing in minority communities, especially in areas of poverty. In the video a man with HIV, chronicles his struggle with the virus and AIDS advocates call for more community awareness.

Fast Track to Nowhere
March 8, 2007 - Is trade important you? It should be. In the past, bad trade policies only hurt blue collar laborers by sending jobs overseas.

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.

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

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Vote Ends Lockout at AK Steel in Ohio

IAM Local 1943 member Shelly Gates reacts to news the 13-month lockout at AK Steel in Middletown, OH, is over.

IAM members at AK Steel in Middletown, OH voted overwhelmingly this week to approve a new contract that secures workers' pensions and brings an end to the nearly 13-month long lockout. The vote was 1,275 in favor, 226 opposed.

The agreement calls for wage increases of up to $2.32 per hour and for AK Steel to begin contributing to the IAM National Pension Plan at a rate of $1.50 per hour, increasing to $1.80 per hour after 36 months. The new contract, which expires in September 2011, also calls for all workers to return to work within 90 days.

“This has been a long and painful ordeal and I am proud of our members at AK Steel. Their determination helped end this lockout,” said Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. “I would also like to thank the community, Middletown’s City Council, County Commissioner Mike Fox, Sheriff Richard Jones, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and Governor Ted Strickland. Their support also helped to end this lockout. Now is the time to start the healing. Our members can hold their heads up high when they return to the mill and start making the best steel in the industry.

“On behalf of the Eastern Territory and its members, I extend our congratulations and appreciation to lead negotiator Grand Lodge Representative James Smith, Local Lodge 1943 President and Directing Business Representative Brian Daley and his committee for a job well done. I would also like to acknowledge the work of Administrative Assistant Dale Hartford, Grand Lodge Representative Karl Heim, and Communication Representative Jim Tyler who helped to bring this lockout to a successful conclusion.”

China Set to Enter Commercial Jet Market

In an announcement that surprised no one, China declared it will enter the large aircraft market over the next few years, producing commercial airliners that will compete head-to-head with Boeing and Airbus.

In numerous forums, the IAM warned U.S. policy makers for nearly a decade that China is developing a globally viable commercial aircraft industry. On each of these occasions, the IAM stressed the significant role that outsourcing, offsets and technology transfer would play in the development of China’s emerging aerospace industry.

“China has the resources, capacity, and the will to develop a large civil aircraft industry,” said Owen Herrnstadt, IAM’s Director of Trade and Globalization. “This latest announcement should serve as a wake up call to anyone interested in the future health of the U.S. aerospace industry and U.S. aerospace workers.”

Tennessee Strikers Welcome Celebrity Rat

A 12-foot high inflatable rat is the latest presence on the picket lines of Local 2545 in Loudon, TN, where IAM members are in the fifth week of a strike against Maremont Exhaust. The giant rat is used by labor unions around the country to draw attention to corporate greed and misbehavior.

“The folks in Loudon stop by the picket line, offer encouragement and support to our members, and everyone wants a picture with the picketers and the rat,” said District 711 Business Representative Jerry Benson. “Everyone is holding together strong.

“I’m proud of the solidarity and courage our members in Loudon are showing, and I’m happy to see the community come together in support of the workers at Maremont,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez.

The workers at Maremont are on strike over wages and health care costs. No talks are currently scheduled. You can view pictures and submit words of encouragement for the strikers at http://tiptopwebsite.com/iam2545.

IAM Members Win Labor College Scholarships

Three IAM members are among the 2006 winners of Union Plus scholarships to the National Labor College (NLC). Each year a total of $25,000 is awarded to eligible NLC students. Recipients must be current, dues-paying union members and are chosen based on financial need.

The IAM winners are: John Werkmeister of McDonald, PA; a 22-year member and Committeeman of Local 1976; Al Abromitis of Manassas, VA; a 24-year member of Local 1759. Al is Communicator and web steward for his Local and District 141 and Robert Cousins of Seward, NE; a 17-year member and President of Local 1569.

The National Labor College, located in Silver Spring, MD, is the only accredited college in the world dedicated exclusively to educating union members, leaders, activists and staff. Since its inception in 2002, the NLC Scholarship Program has awarded over $125,000 to more than 110 students.

Last Chance to Enroll for Human Rights Class

The enrollment deadline for the IAM Human Rights Department Class to be held May 20-25, 2007, at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center is this Friday, March 16, 2007.

The May 20-25 class is the first of two training classes held by the IAM Human Rights Department. The second class will be held October 21-26, 2007.

The course will help local or district lodges set up an effective Human Rights Committee and focus on strategies to better protect members’ rights for lodges with existing Human Rights Committees.

Go to www.goiam.org for a copy of the official call and enrollment form. For more information, contact IAM Human Rights Department Director Charlotte Sund at (301) 967-4572.

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Machinists News Network @ YouTube

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

Video: 2007 Day of Action

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.

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.