Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

The Sky Is The Limit
April 15, 2008 - For the past six years the IAM has shared a very unique relationship with the students at Aviation High School. Last week these students visited the Winpisinger Center.

Tankers Today, Fighters Tomorrow?
April 4, 2008 - Americans around the country are angry as they watch their jobs and livelihoods go overseas. Most recently, it was the award of a US Military contract to a foreign country. GVP Rich Michalski traveled to Pennsylvania to speak about this issue.

A 'Not So Mock' Negotiations
April 3, 2008 - Many in the labor movement say there's nothing more difficult than negotiating contracts. That's why the Winpisinger Center is arming Machinists with the tools needed to succeed at the bargaining table.

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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NWA-Delta Propose Mega Merger

Not even a year after emerging from dual bankruptcies that wiped out shareholders, devastated employees and cut service to many communities, Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines have announced plans to merge, creating the world’s largest airline and likely triggering additional mergers.

“Airline industry consolidation will come at tremendous public expense,” warned Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “We firmly believe this merger is not in the best interest of passengers, employees or the communities these airlines currently serve.”

While Delta and Northwest may have an agreement, the merger’s completion is far from certain. Any merger proposal must first be reviewed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The proposed merger between United and US Airways languished for 18 months before the DOJ rejected the deal.

“Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines’ attempt to merge is just the latest chapter in the crisis-filled history of our beleaguered industry,” said District 143 President Steve Gordon. “I would not blame any airline employee who sees this as nothing more than a power play by airline executives at the expense of employees and passengers.”

The Northwest-Delta deal is widely expected to trigger additional merger announcements, with some combination of Continental, United and American most likely to follow.

Maintenance Instructors at US Airways to Vote

The IAM this week announced it reached a tentative agreement with US Airways covering 40 Maintenance Training Specialists.

“The Maintenance Training Specialists are the third IAM-represented group to vote on enhanced contract terms,” said Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “I congratulate them and their negotiating committee on a job well done.”

This tentative agreement follows a tentative agreement currently being voted on by the airline’s 7,700 IAM-represented Fleet Service employees and a ratified agreement for 3,300 IAM Mechanics at the Phoenix-based carrier.

The instructors’ tentative agreement would bring US Airways and former America West Maintenance Training Instructors under the same contract and wage scale for the first time since the merger of the two airlines in September 2005. The agreement, if ratified, will be effective through December 31, 2011.

“US Airways’ Maintenance Training Specialists represent a small number of IAM members at US Airways but have tremendous responsibility,” said IAM District 142 President Tom Higginbotham. “This agreement recognizes their dedication, professionalism and skill.”

The tentative agreement must be ratified by the membership. The District 142 negotiating committee is recommending ratification of the agreement, and a voting schedule is being prepared. Complete terms of the agreement will be available on the District 142 website, www.iamdl142.org, after being presented to the membership.

BIW Ship to Honor U.S.M.C. Cpl. Jason Dunham

Friends and family of Cpl. Jason Dunham, a 22-year old U.S. Marine who sacrificed his life to protect fellow Marines in Iraq, were on hand for a keel laying ceremony at Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Bath, ME. The event marked the start of construction of a DDG Arleigh Burke class destroyer that will carry his name.

The grandson of New York Local 2741 member Skip Dunham, Jason Dunham of Scio, NY, was fatally injured in 2004 when he threw himself on a grenade during a fight with insurgents. He was the first Marine to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. The destroyer is slated to be christened in 2009 and be ready for active duty a year later.

Negotiations Underway for 3,000 at Ft. Rucker, AL

District 75 Business Representative Tony Blevins delivers contract proposals to management on behalf of more than 3,000 members of Local 2003 in Ft. Rucker, AL.

Contract negotiations for more than 3,000 members of Local 2003 who fly, test and maintain Army helicopters at Ft. Rucker, AL, commenced this week with employer Army Fleet Support (AFS). Key issues for the union are seniority rights, health care and overall compensation.

As part of the month long preparation for the talks with AFS, Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos and the Local 2003 Negotiating Committee recently took part in a unique negotiations class at the Winpisinger Center. A video of that training is available here.

Negotiations are expected to continue each day until the contract expires on May 4. The Local 2003 website, www.iam2003.org will provide regular updates on the progress of the talks.

“This is a very important contract for Ft. Rucker, the Machinists and the entire area,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “I'm proud of the professionalism of the negotiating team and the work our members do at Ft. Rucker. I wish them all the best in their quest for a strong IAM contract.”

SEIU Gets Rough with Nurses

Several union members were injured when hundreds of SEIU supporters forced their way into a Labor Notes conference in Dearborn, MI.

Leaders of the California Nurses Association (CNA) are demanding an apology from Service Employees International Union President (SEIU) Andy Stern after several busloads of SEIU members and staff disrupted a Labor Notes conference in Dearborn, MI. Several union members were injured and one retiree was hospitalized.

The melee in Michigan follows an escalating SEIU campaign of threats and harassment against CNA officials after the nurses’ union filed for representational elections at eight hospitals in Ohio and Nevada. Hospital employees have called for CNA representation over dissatisfaction with the close relationship between SEIU and hospital management.

“I am deeply concerned about this heightened attack on women and nurses directed by SEIU President Andrew Stern,” said CNA/National Nurses Organizing Committee Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro, who was scheduled to speak at the Dearborn conference. “There is an ugly pattern here of physical abuse and tactics of intimidation that have no place in either our labor movement or a civilized society.”

Click here for a CNA press release with photos and video of the Michigan meeting.

Seniors Need to File Tax Return for Rebate Check

April 15 is the deadline for filing federal income tax returns and seniors should pay extra attention. This year, the U.S. Treasury will be mailing out economic stimulus checks to more than 130 million Americans. Most taxpayers don’t need to take any extra steps to receive the payments, but seniors who may qualify and don’t normally file a federal tax return must do so this year to receive a check. The return must show at least $3,000 in qualifying income, which can include income from employment, Social Security, certain veterans benefits and railroad retirement annuities.

“For years, Alliance members have been instrumental in spreading the word to fellow retirees about key pocketbook issues,” said Alliance for Retired Americans and former IAM President George Kourpias. “Please keep that up by telling your friends and neighbors about filing a tax return to get the stimulus rebate.”

Visit the Alliance for Retired Americans website for more information and resources to help seniors file federal tax returns.

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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
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.

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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.

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