Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

Union Busting
April 17, 2009 - According to recent statistics, someone is fired every 15 minutes for trying to form or join a union. If that wasn't bad enough, there's a whole industry working to see that continues.

Flight Attendant Coalition
April 9, 2009 - In the early 1980's, the Flight Attendant Coalition was created. Today, that group is still going strong, looking at ways to better the lives of flight attendants.

A Bill Protecting Organizing Rights
April 9, 2009 - In addition to honoring majority signup, and forcing binding arbitration, the Employee Free Choice Act would also raise penalties for employers who fire, or harass workers who desire to form unions. Hollywood activists, politicians, and economists recently spoke out in support!

Women and the Economy
April 3, 2009 - According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate has climbed to 8.5 percent, which means more than five million jobs have been lost during this recession.

Frances Perkins
March 27, 2009 - In 1933, President Delano Roosevelt made history as he appointed the first woman ever to hold a cabinet position. That lady was Frances Perkins and her amazing story as FDR's U.S. Secretary of Labor has once again been brought to light.

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.

Media Library
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The Danger of Cutting U.S. Defense Jobs

The Buffalo News in Buffalo, NY, this week published an editorial by IAM President Tom Buffenbarger, left, who addressed the proposed overhaul of the Pentagon budget – a shakeup that could result in the elimination of up to 250,000 U.S. defense and defense-related jobs.

Two key issues are raised in the editorial: can the U.S. afford to eliminate so many manufacturing jobs when the economy is clearly in critical condition? And, could such cuts compromise strategic advantages the U.S. has enjoyed for decades?

Among the programs targeted by Defense Secretary Robert Gates are the F-22 Raptor, the C-17 cargo plane and the Future Combat System. Tens of thousands of IAM members are employed directly or indirectly in these programs.

“There are 24 million unemployed, involuntary part-time and discouraged workers in America,” writes Buffenbarger. “Does it make any sense for the government to kill more than 250,000 manufacturing jobs?”

In addition to economic and strategic concerns, Buffenbarger points to the highly developed skill sets required to manufacture such systems – and the danger of dispersing the workers who possess such skills.

“The weapons system programs on the chopping block employ some of the most skilled and experienced workers in the country,” said Buffenbarger. “Working on a weapons system requires job skills that take years to develop and cannot be easily replaced. These systems demand the cutting-edge plants and equipment to manufacture the composite materials needed for radar avoidance. Such advanced manufacturing is America’s last competitive edge.”

Click here to read the full editorial.

Contract Ratified for 3,200 at Lockheed

Nearly 3,000 members of District 776 filled the century-old Cowtown Coliseum in Ft. Worth, TX, this week to ratify a new three-year contract with Lockheed Martin Corp. that includes the largest pension increase in the unit’s history, from $68 to $79 per month.

In addition to negotiating significant pension increases for current members, District 776 negotiators also rejected a company proposal that would have eliminated pension plan coverage for new hires.

“The IAM Negotiating Committee negotiated a strong contract in tough economic times,” said Aerospace Coordinator John Crowdis. “What they achieved in pensions alone is a compelling testament to the value of union representation.”

The new contract also includes pay raises of 4 percent the first year and 3 percent in the second and third year of the contract, along with a $2,000 ratification bonus. The contract was ratified by a two-thirds margin.

“Our members under this contract provide for our nation’s defense, with their work on the F-16, F-22 and F-35,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “Not only do these highly-skilled workers deserve a strong contract, it’s important for the community in these tough times to have those well-paying jobs and workers who spend their wages locally.”

Machinists in Canada Press for Pension Insurance

The IAM is renewing its call for the federal government in Canada to enact a national pension insurance plan similar to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in the United States.

“Canada needs a national pension insurance program to protect workers from the effects of corporate pension irresponsibility,” said IAM Canada Research Director Louis Erlichman at a recent hearing held by the Department of Finance Consultation.

The IAM proposal calls for the federal government in Canada to set up a national insurance fund, as is available in Ontario, the U.S. and many other countries, that would top up pension funds when the plan sponsor fails. “The government should to amend pension legislation to make solvent employers in the federal jurisdiction responsible to top up terminated, but underfunded pension plans,” said Erlichman. “This is required in almost all other Canadian jurisdictions.”

The changes proposed by the IAM would help protect pension benefits that workers negotiated and earned, including those at Air Canada, which received a special authorization to defer its required pension contributions while under creditor protection in 2004. As soon as it exited creditor protection, Air Canada management moved to dismantle the airline, selling off assets, and removing over $2 billion for distribution to investors and management. All the while, they continued to underfund the pension plan.

The IAM also called for a number of other legislative changes to increase pension security, including restrictions on employers’ use of surplus for contribution holidays.

CBS 60 Minutes Report Examines 401(k) Fallout

Have you looked at your 401(k) lately? For millions of Americans, it is the only source of retirement income, and the situation is not good. Balances, compared to where they once were, are in the basement. And sadly, folks in or approaching retirement years are being hit the hardest.

Older workers are being forced to defer their dreams of no longer having to work. They are, instead, pushing resumes, bagging groceries, and serving up lattes just to make ends meet. When asked if they think they’ll ever be able to retire, the answer is all too often, “I don’t know.”

CBS “60 Minutes” correspondent Steve Kroft’s "The 401(k) Fallout" provides a sobering look at the issues surrounding the investment plans. Kroft reports on how 401(k)’s were never meant to be retirement savings plans in the first place, and how Big Business swears by them because they appear much cheaper to fund than pensions.

Micallef Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Charlie Micallef (right) receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from the United Association for Labor Education (UALE).

Charlie Micallef, a highly respected instructor at the WWW Center since 1988, was recently presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the United Association for Labor Education (UALE) at their annual conference.

The award acknowledges Micallef’s work during than 20 years as an instructor, and his efforts to merge the Workers' Education Local 189 and the University and College Labor Education Association, to create the United Labor Education Association. The UALE brings together educators from a variety of backgrounds, universities, unions and communities. More information about the UALE can be found at www.uale.org.

Last Call for Newsletter and Website Contest Entries

The May 1, 2009 deadline is fast approaching for the popular IAM Newsletter and Website Contest. The contest is open to all local and district lodges in good standing that have publications that are regularly distributed to members and/or websites that are regularly updated. This year’s winners will be honored at the 2009 Communications Conference in Vancouver, BC. Click here for complete contest rules and application forms.

Click here for a copy of the 2009 application.

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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.

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: IAM Profiles

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