Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Read past iMail Email your opinion Visit www.goiam.org Print-Friendly version Sign up for iMail


Labor issues you care about in streaming video
.

China's Taste for Trash
March 20, 2007 - According to recent statistics, in 2006 the U.S. exported nearly 60 billion dollars of goods and services to China. But what were those products?  It may surprise you to know that a good portion of it was garbage.

American Workers Want a Union Contract
March 16, 2007 - As the battle over the Employee Free Choice Act heats up – a new report from the Economic Policy Institute shows workers want to join a union NOW, more than any time in the recent past.

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


2004
December

November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2003
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2002
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

2001
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February





IAM Establishes Tornado Relief Fund

Alabama Local 2003 member Jonathan Williams, his wife Marla and their two children emerged unhurt after the March 1 tornado reduced their home to rubble in less than 10 seconds.

Victims of the tornado that cut through Southern Alabama nearly 3 weeks ago are doing everything they can to put their lives back together. But that can be a tall order when all that’s left are the clothes on your back and a pile of sticks where your house once stood.

Nineteen IAM members from District 75 were among scores of area residents whose homes were completely demolished by the Category 3-4 tornado. Winds approaching 200 mph tore roofs away and emptied homes of their contents in a matter of seconds. In some cases, a bare foundation was all that remained. Dozens of IAM members’ homes in and around Enterprise, AL, suffered serious damage.

“It’s hard to describe how quickly the tornado hit or how destructive it was,” said Local 2003 Administrative Secretary Pam Williams who watched the tornado pass overhead before it struck the nearby community of Echo, AL. “One minute we were fine, next minute we were a major disaster area.”

A special IAM Tornado Relief Fund has been established to give locals, districts and individual members a chance to demonstrate once again that generosity is among the most enduring hallmarks of IAM membership.

“When Katrina hit in 2005, the members of this district were among the first to deliver aid to their fellow members on the Gulf Coast,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “These same members were out in force even before the tornado’s winds died down, assisting in rescue and recovery efforts in the hardest hit areas. They displayed extraordinary courage under incredible circumstances and I extend to all of them my deepest appreciation and admiration.”

To make a contribution in any amount, please send a check to the “IAM Disaster Relief Fund” and mail it to: IAM Community Services Department, 9000 Machinists Place, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-2687. All funds received will be distributed directly to IAM members affected by the tornado.


Reserve Hotel Rooms Now for Day of Action

The May 17, 2007, Transportation Day of Action is drawing closer, and hotel rooms are going fast. The Day of Action Hotel Committee is urging District Lodges, Local Lodges and members who need hotel accommodations to make reservations right away.

Hotel rooms in the D.C. area can be expensive and hard to find, but the Hotel Committee has negotiated special rates for a limited number of rooms at several hotels for Day of Action participants. Hotel, parking and rally information is available here.

Additionally, the official 2007 Transportation Day of Action T-Shirt is available for purchase. Attached is the order form for the t-shirts that range from $7-$11 and the embroidered polo shirts that range from $30-$38, depending on the size.  Women's shirts are also available.  Members and locals are encouraged to order and purchase early. Due to National Park Service regulations, Day of Action shirts will not be sold at the event. Purchases must be made in advance. Download a printable order form here.

 

Western Territory GLR Rodriguez to Retire

Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson announced that long-time Grand Lodge Representative Jose Rodriguez is retiring, effective March 31, 2007. Rodriguez has served as full-time representative for more than 30 of his 41 years as an IAM member. Rodriguez worked as organizer and servicing agent, concentrating his efforts in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and California. GLR Rodriguez also served as a Vice President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA).

“Jose has been a tireless advocate for working people, and an ambassador for the IAM,” said GVP Pearson. “He has been a leader in the Latino community, and families all across our territory are better off today because of his work. We all wish Jose and his family a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

 

Gresham Named to Organizing Dept. Staff

Donald Gresham, a member of Local 519 in Phoenix, AZ, is joining the IAM Organizing Department staff as Special Representative, coinciding with Ray Moffatt’s move to Aerospace Coordinator.

Gresham’s career in the U.S. military (Air Force) and as a long-time employee under the Service Contract Act (SCA) gives him a distinct perspective in dealing with issues employees face under the SCA.

“Organizing under the SCA has its unique challenges,” said GVP Rich Michalski. “We’re extremely glad to have Don’s inside know-how in this area.”

Over the past nine years, Gresham has served as IAM shop steward and chief negotiator while working for both Boeing and Lockheed as an instructor at Luke Air Force Base.

 

District 9 Pushes for Employee Free Choice Act

Sitting L to R: Asst.DBR Tony Rippeto, Cong. Jerry Costello, DBR Roger Poole, BR Marty St.Peters. Standing: LL 313 ST Stan Koerber, BR Dennis Pearson, BR Dave Weaver

At a recent town hall meeting, IAM District 9 representatives in St. Louis, MO had an opportunity to sit down with Congressman Jerry Costello (D-12th) to discuss the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and how it will affect the union’s basic right to organize new members.

“Congressman Costello is a true friend to working families in Illinois,” said District 9 DBR Roger Poole. “At a time when the middle class is disappearing, what could be more important than restoring workers’ freedom to join unions?”

Costello, a leading supporter of EFCA and other labor issues, has developed an excellent voting record on legislation affecting working families.

 

TCU Wins Outsourcing Case at Disney World

In a victory for Transportation Communications Union (TCU) District 1908 and the other five labor organizations that represent employees at Disney World in Orlando, FL, Disney will pay nearly $120,000 to settle an Unfair Labor Practice complaint over outsourcing.

The case was filed by the Service Trades Council in its ongoing struggle to stop Disney from contracting out members’ jobs. At issue was Disney’s late 2005 hiring of outside contractors for overnight-shift custodial work, eliminating 170 jobs. 

“A settlement in this amount of money is a good sign,” said Council President Morty Miller. “The money will be divided among the affected workers according to their wage rates at the time.”

To publicize the success of the recent win, the Trades Council rallied members outside Disney World gates on March 2.

Pictured above are Judy Ganley (UNITE/HERE) and her husband, Mike Ganley (TCU).


Past iMail | Your Email |www.goiam.org | Print Version

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.


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