Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

Degree Week at NLC
March 23, 2009 - Hundreds of students, including Machinists, are on campus attending the National Labor College’s “Degree Week,” an intense time of study and classes for students taking the majority of their coursework online.

New Recovery, New Jobs
March 13, 2009 - People across the country and around the world are asking themselves, what's going to happen to me in this economy?

Solis Heads DOL
February 27, 2009 - Finally after more than two months of waiting a game of political cat and mouse, Congresswoman Hilda Solis of California became the new Department of Labor Secretary.

A 'Green' Education for Unionists
February 27, 2009 - The National Labor College is partnering with the AFL-CIO to develop the Green Workplace Representative Certificate Program. Union members will be trained to identify areas where employers can save money by going “Green.” For more information please browse the college’s website at www.nlc.edu.

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.

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Obama Shows Support for Working Families

In another show of support for unions and America’s working families, President Obama reemphasized the importance of giving workers the right to organize. During a town hall meeting in southern California last week, Obama said giving workers fair pay and “the opportunity to organize themselves” is, quite simply, the right thing to do.

“Sometimes, you know, the business press says that's anti-business,” Obama told the crowd. “And whenever I hear that, I'm always reminded of what Henry Ford said when he first started building the Model T. He was paying his workers really well. And somebody asked him, they said, why are you paying your workers so well? He said, well, if I don't pay them well, they won't be able to buy a car… Think about that.”

The president said not only do unions benefit workers and their families, but the entire country as a whole. “All I'm trying to do is restore some balance to our economy so that middle class families who are working hard… They're not on welfare. They're going to their jobs everyday. They're doing the right thing by their kids. They should be able to save, buy a home, go on a vacation once in a while, you know. They should be able to save for retirement, send their kids to college. That's not too much to ask for. That's the American dream,” added Obama.

The president has already indicated he will sign a bill currently working its way through Congress, which will make it easier for workers to join a union. The Employee Free Choice Act will allow workers to bargain for better wages, benefits and a secure retirement. The bill strengthens penalties for employers who try to take action against an employee wishing to join a union. It also provides for arbitration if an employer does not bargain in good faith for a first contract.

Click here to send a message to Congress to support the Employee Free Choice Act.

Federal Workers Can Comment on NSPS

The Federal Times, a magazine that covers federal employees, wants to hear from federal workers about the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). The Department of Defense is going to review the program and comments by workers could help get rid of NSPS once and for all.

The flawed NSPS program was started during the Bush Administration at the Department of Homeland Security and then the Department of Defense. NSPS stripped federal workers of important collective bargaining rights, civil service protections and imposed an unfair pay system. Federal unions fought NSPS in the courts and in Congress. NSPS proved to be so flawed that Congress blocked implementation of most of it for workers covered by collective bargaining agreements.

“Federal workers can comment on NSPS to let the public know just how misguided this whole program is,” said IAM Government Employees Department Director Frank Carelli. “The Bush Administration treated federal workers like they were the enemy, and if there was ever a case for change, NSPS is it.”

Click here for information on the Federal Times Survey

LM-30 Reporting Deadline Extended, Old Form OK

The Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) requires union officers, representatives, and employees (except clerical and custodial employees) to report financial interests, payments, or economic benefits received from employers or businesses with which their union engages or may engage in collective bargaining or as a customer. The Department of Labor has just announced that Form LM-30 reports for calendar year 2008 may be filed using the old Form LM-30, instead of the new form issued as part of a Bush Administration rulemaking that remains subject to legal challenge. In addition, DOL has extended the deadline for filing 2008 LM-30 forms from March 31, 2009 to May 31, 2009. If you have general questions regarding the LM-30 reporting requirement, please contact the IAM Legal Department.

COBRA Health Care Premium Subsidy Reminder

The Department of Labor has a special website for information about the new program that helps laid-off workers pay for their health care coverage that is offered through COBRA. COBRA is a federal law that allows most laid-off workers to continue their health plan coverage at group rates.

President Obama’s economic stimulus bill includes a 65 percent premium subsidy to help eligible workers keep their health care coverage under COBRA. Workers who have been laid off since September 1, 2008, are eligible for the 65 percent subsidy. Premiums would be discounted by this amount and the worker would be required to pay the remaining 35 percent to maintain their health care coverage.

For information on eligibility and the terms of coverage, go to www.dol.gov/cobra and look for the link General COBRA FAQs for Employees.

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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.

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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.
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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.

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