Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

Violence In Colombia
March 20, 2008 - The words "Colombia" and "Labor" have almost become synonymous with the word "Violence". In fact, some labor leaders argue there's not a moment in the history of unions in Colombia untarnished by violence.

Linking Catholics With Organized Labor
March 20, 2008 - An independent group of labor activists share their religious perspectives on worker rights.

Homeless Vets Need Housing and Healthcare
March 14, 2008 - Some of our U.S. Veterans who once served this great country are homeless and Congress is taking action.

Defending America
March 14, 2008 - About a week ago, the United States Air Force awarded a $35 billion dollar defense contract to a European aircraft manufacturer called Airbus. The Machinists and their allies didn't take this news lightly.

Going Green
March 12, 2008 - Many in the labor movement say if you want to keep the USA strong, you need to bring back American manufacturing. Some say the way to do that is to go green.

The Skills Needed
March 10, 2008 - The IAM's America's Edge Campaign doesn't start and stop with the Machinists. The word is out and people are listening.

A 'No Win' Situation
February 29, 2008 - For years the Machinists Union has fought against airline mergers and with good reason. A merger doesn't just hurt employees but also the American public.

Looking At Transportation's Future
February 29, 2008 - The Winpisinger Center was the meeting place this month for the IAM's Transportation Principal Officers Conference.

Lockheed Martin Negotiations Begin
February 20, 2008 - Negotiations between the IAM and Lockheed Martin kicked off this weekend in Palm Springs, California.

The Battle of Valley Ford
February 12, 2008 - In January, America's midwest turns cold and windy. That becomes more obvious if you're spending January on strike like the workers in Hazelwood, Missouri.

Our Skills, Our Kids...Seattle
February 7, 2008 - As the America's Edge Tour wound its way across the USA, support for its message swelled and a stop in Seattle gave the tour even more of a push.

Our Skills, Our Kids...Wichita
February 6, 2008 - From St. Louis to Wichita, that's where the IAM's America's Edge Tour headed next. To see the faces and hear the voices of those people who have made Wichita the Air Capital City of the world.

Our Skills, Our Kids...St. Louis
February 4, 2008 - After the Space Coast and a visit to the South, it was time for the IAM's America's Edge Tour to visit the heartland.

Our Skills, Our Kids...
February 1, 2008 - The IAM lead a seven day, eight state tour across the country to talk to thousands about the importance of educating the next generation and making sure our kids have a future.

The Pivotal Powers
January 30, 2008 - Pick up a newspaper or tunrn on the television and you will probably quickly find a story about China, India or one of the other countries experiencing new growth. The changing faces of these countries touches us here in America, but many wonder if it's a good or bad thing for the U.S.

Stimulating The Economy
January 28, 2007 - Right now it's the question on everyone's mind. How do we fix the economy? Many believe a temporary solution is needed right away to stop the United States from slipping into a devastating recession.

Behind The Chinese Miracle
January 24, 2008 - For the past few decades China has seen unprecedented growth. Unfortunately, many of these workers in the country aren't reaping the benefits of this expansion.

There's No Place Like Home
January 18, 2008 - Hurricane Katrina may have hit the Gulf Coast more than two years ago but for many the nightmare continues.

Taking The Lead
January 15, 2007 - It's an election year and already things are in full swing. So far both of the candidates chosen by the IAM membership are taking the lead and making headlines around the world.

IAM's Political Fight For Families
January 2, 2008 - Iowa is a Midwest make up of farm land, faith and close knit neighbors. At IAM Local 831 in Cedar Rapids family is number one.

A Christmas Story
December 19, 2007 - Police officers, firefighters, EMS workers and the like are the people you only call when you need them the most. But you need to know that these men and women give of themselves both on and off the job.

A Global Solution
December 19, 2007 - Capitol Hill set the stage for a momentous event recently. Two hundred union leaders from sixty three countries met to come up with ways to stop the worldwide attacks on trade unionists.

Iowa Rallies For Clinton
December 18, 2007 - On January 3, 2008, Iowa is going to make headlines as the first state in the nation to hold its presidential primary, the earliest date in history for a primary to be held.

Fingers Crossed At The PEB
December 13, 2007 - This is a story that's been going on for nearly a decade. For the past eight years, 10,000 Amtrak workers have been without a contract or a raise.

United Airlines Forgets Its Roots

December 11, 2007 - United Airlines has come up with a plan. It's going to pay its stockholders a special, one-time per share dividend to keep them coming back for more. But labor leaders wonder why United isn't worried about its employees coming back.

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Toyota Campaign in Canada to Continue

Calling the suspension of a scheduled vote a “temporary roadblock,” the IAM informed supporters at the Toyota Canada plant in Cambridge, ON, that it will continue to seek the support needed for a representation election at the automaker. The IAM withdrew its application for a certification vote with the Ontario Labour Relations Board after the company added hundreds of new names to the eligibility list.

“Based on a bargaining unit employee list with over 900 new additional names submitted by Toyota late yesterday to the Board and the IAM, it was clear we didn’t have enough signed membership cards,” said IAM District 140 Organizer Ian Morland on the day before the vote was scheduled.

It is not uncommon for companies opposed to union representation to pad the size of the bargaining unit. If a vote been held without the required 40 percent threshold of support, the application for certification would have been dismissed.

“We want to make sure the ground for certification is ready and right now it isn’t, so the campaign will continue until it is ready,” said Morland. “The workers here approached us for union representation and we intend to honour that request.”

The IAM is an established presence in the Canadian automotive sector, representing thousands of members at assembly and parts manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.

Spokane School Bus Mechanics Vote 'IAM Yes'

IAM Representatives join newly-organized maintenance mechanics at First Student Inc. of Spokane, WA. Left to Right: District 751 Organizer Jesse Cote Jr., Tysen Titchenal, Chris Phillips, Wade Sasser and District 751 Business Representative Paul Milliken.

A group of highly skilled mechanics who keep school buses safe and transit vans rolling in Spokane, Washington, voted by an overwhelming margin recently to join the IAM. The 12 mechanics, employed by First Student Inc., will become the third group of employees at the transit company to secure IAM representation.

The mechanics are seeking a published wage scale in addition to cost of living considerations, a structured training program, written benefits and the ultimate goal of all workers: dignity and respect on the job.

“We have come to the conclusion that to have a voice in our wages, hours and working conditions, we need a legal and binding contract,” said Chris Phillips, a 10-year veteran at the facility. “We came to the Machinists because we heard they are dedicated to working families and will work hard to achieve the very best collective bargaining agreement possible.”

“Congratulations to District 751 President/Directing Business Representative Tom Wroblewski, Business Representative Paul Milliken and Organizing Director Jesse Cote Jr. on their efforts,” said Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. “It's great to see our team, led by Territory Organizing Leader Steve Cooper, working so hard to give these workers a real shot at the American Dream.”

Aloha Returns to Bankruptcy Court

Citing high fuel costs and low-cost competition, Hawaii-based Aloha Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2004. The IAM represents 1,750 Mechanic & Related, Ramp Service, Customer Service, Reservation and Clerical employees at Aloha.

Aloha, which operates about 700 local and mainland flights per week, said that recent jet fuel price increases were the immediate cause of the bankruptcy filing but also cited stiff competition from a new low-cost carrier.

“The IAM will aggressively defend our members in this process,” said District 141 President Randy Canale and District 142 President Tom Higginbotham in response to Aloha Airlines’ bankruptcy filing. “This filing is clearly a direct result of a failed energy policy of the Bush-Cheney administration.”

Following the initial filing, the court granted motions allowing the company to continue operating flights and paying expenses, wages, salaries and benefits while it undergoes Chapter 11 restructuring.

During the previous Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the carrier negotiated cost-cutting agreements with union members who approved pay cuts of 10 percent to 20 percent for two years through 2006, followed by annual pay increases of 4 percent to 5 percent in 2007, 2008, and 2009. In addition, company-sponsored pensions were terminated and employees' health care premiums were increased, however, IAM members successfully negotiated the IAM National Pension Plan to replace the terminated company plan.

More information about the Aloha Airlines bankruptcy can be found at www.iam141.org and www.iamdl142.org .

Deadline Nears for 2008 IAM Legislative Conference

This year’s IAM Legislative Conference will be held May 19-22 at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C. Delegate registration begins on May 19 at 9:00 a.m. and again on May 20 from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

The conference will kick off on May 19 at 1:30 p.m. with opening remarks by Headquarters GVP Rich Michalski, who will serve as permanent chairperson. IP Tom Buffenbarger will deliver the keynote address.

The general session will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon on May 20 and 21. There will be no afternoon sessions scheduled those days so that delegates may lobby on Capitol Hill. Call the hotel at 202-737-1234 to make your room reservations. Cut-off date for reduced room rates is April 11. For a copy of the official call letter, click here.

Passenger Rights Group Seeks IAM Member Support

The Coalition for an Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights (CAPBOR) was formed by passengers who were stranded on several American Airlines planes for up to 9 hours at Austin International Airport on December 29, 2006. When airlines push aircraft from the gate and park them for hours without sufficient food, water, functioning restrooms or timely information, front-line employees have to deal with the fallout of poor management decisions.

The IAM and the CAPBOR are both alarmed about how potential airline mergers will affect airline employees and passengers, the two groups essential to an airline’s success.

“We believe the IAM is an outstanding organization that fights for workers rights and cares about the well-being of passengers,” said CAPBOR President Kate Hanni. “We ask IAM members to join us in our fight to ensure airline executives treat passengers with dignity and respect at all times. Visit our website, www.flyersrights.org, and sign the petition on our “Get into Action” page to support a Bill of Rights for airline passengers.”

Machinists Mall Open for Business

In the midst of tough financial times for many families, the IAM is giving members a chance to save their hard-earned money by shopping online at the Machinists Mall on GOIAM.org.

Every time a member completes an online purchase through the Machinists Mall, they’ll earn Rebate Dollars for their purchases. On a quarterly basis, members who have accumulated at least $10 in Rebate Dollars will be converted into a check and mailed to them.

The Machinists Mall offers an extensive selection of retailers for members to choose from, offering a wide range of products including home appliances, clothing and electronics.

Click here to visit the Machinists Mall and start earning your rebate dollars.

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2006 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
Winter 2008

Skills Pat Maloney examines parts before they are put on Boeing aircraft. Any primary processing defects, problems with the metal or even the smallest crack, Maloney is the one who needs to catch it.

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