Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

Delta and Northwest Merger
April 21, 2008 - Last week Northwest and Delta Airlines announced a merger. GVP, Robert Roach Jr. comments on the situation.

A New, New Deal
April 18, 2008 - Just blocks away from the Capitol, a group from the Roosevelt Institution gathered to talk about a new, new deal for the future.

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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Boeing Seeks No Pensions for New Hires

In 2005, IAM members at Boeing facilities in Kansas, Oregon and Washington rejected a divisive contract offer from the company and voted overwhelmingly to strike.

Despite record profits and a long list of backordered aircraft, the Boeing Company is signaling it will try to replace its traditional defined benefit pension plan for all new hires with a 401(k) plan when negotiations with the IAM begin on May 9.

Boeing’s lead labor negotiator, Doug Knight, outlined the planned attack on pensions in an interview with Seattle Times reporter Dominic Gates. The article, published April 18, drew an immediate response from union leaders at Boeing.

“This proposal is unacceptable,” declared District 751 President Tom Wroblewski, who recalled earlier attempts by Boeing to pit member against member. “They didn’t fall for it in 2005. They won’t fall for it this time.”

Machinists at Boeing struck the aerospace giant in 2005 rather that accept a contract offer that undermined the national agreement covering members in Wichita, KS, Portland, OR and Washington’s Puget Sound area, where the majority of IAM members are employed.

Click here for more information and updates on the closely watched negotiations between the IAM and Boeing.

IAM Launches Airline ‘Merger Watch’

Thanks to a year-long campaign by a handful of airline CEO’s, a series of massive and disruptive mergers are threatening to reshape the troubled industry, culminating in a monopoly-like atmosphere for the few carriers that remain.

In addition to the recently announced merger between Delta and Northwest Airlines, which would create the world’s largest airline, there is widespread speculation that United Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways and American Airlines may also be forced to consider mergers to remain competitive.

To keep IAM members advised of the developments in the this latest shakedown of airline passengers and employees, the IAM created ‘Merger Watch,’ a special web page at www.goiam.org/mergers to provide news and information on the merger-related developments.

In addition to IAM updates, Merger Watch will provide links to news releases, testimony, videos and background information about proposed mergers and how they could affect IAM members, their families and their contracts.

Miami Members at AeroThrust Ratify New Contract

One hundred and fifty members of Local 1126 in Miami, FL, voted unanimously to ratify a new three-year bargaining agreement with AeroThrust, the largest independent provider of jet engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services in the United States. The new accord includes wage increases of 13.7 percent in addition to contract language that ensures seniority-based bidding rights and paid training for specialized job classifications.

“I congratulate the Shop Committee and District 166 Business Representative Robert Miller and Joe Kyle and our dedicated members for standing strong during these tough negotiations,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “We know the job is not complete until we secure the IAM National Pension Plan for these members.”

“This is a growing company and to retain these high-skilled aircraft engine builders they need to provide them a good pension plan,” said District 166 DBR Johnny Walker who credited the committee for a first rate effort on behalf of their fellow members.

IAM Trucker Honored for Gift of Life

L-R: Joe Alley, Local 447 Shop Steward Carl Fernandez, Jerry Obermeymer

Brooklyn, NY, Local 447 member Jerry Oberymeyer was recently honored for his quick thinking last February when fellow member Joe Alley collapsed nearby while they were both making deliveries for their employer, Pumpernickle Express.

Alley was unconscious by the time Oberymeyer reached him and he immediately began administering CPR and continued until an ambulance arrived on the scene. Medical officials credit Oberymeyer's action withsaving Alley's life.

“Jerry Oberymeyer's decisive action and willingness to help saved a life," said District 15 Area Director, Russ Gittlen. “Everyone involved, the IAM and Pumpernickel Express are grateful for Jerry’s action that day.”

Pumpernickel Express also presented Oberymeyer with a plaque thanking him on behalf of the company. “We have spoken to Joe’s family and they are grateful to Jerry for the action he took,” said a representative for Pumpernickel. “Joe is a great guy and speaking for all of us at Pumpernickel, we thank Jerry from the bottom of our hearts.”

Local 1930 Stewards Celebrated in Long Beach, CA

Dedicated union stewards are trained and ready to represent the membership of Local 1930 in Long Beach, CA.

Stewards are often referred to as the backbone of the IAM, for the service they provide on a daily basis. IAM stewards in Long Beach, CA, who represent nearly 4,000 members of Local 1930, were recognized recently at a celebration in their honor.

Approximately 50 stewards and guests attended the “1st Annual Spring Union Steward Celebration,” where the front-line representatives were presented with specially designed shirts, badges and certificates for completing training provided by Western Territory Education Representative Marie Box.

City of Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster
presents a proclamation to District 947
P/DBR Richard Sanchez, declaring April 18th
"The City of Long Beach Stewards
Appreciation Day"

"Stewards play a critical role in the IAM,” remarked Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson, who presented the certificates. “It's often a thankless job, and it's exciting to see such a dynamic and ready group of members willing to step up and take on the challenge.”

Local 1930 represents Long Beach, CA, city workers in five distinct bargaining units: Skilled & General, Office & Technical, Professional, Refuse and Protection.

“Seeing such a large group of stewards here tonight is like a dream come true for me,” said District 947 Business Representative Gloria Carter, who has worked to develop a strong steward network within the local.

The highlight of the evening came with the proclamation presented by Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster officially declaring April 18 as “The City of Long Beach Stewards Appreciation Day.”

GAO: Bush Violates Federal Law on SCHIP

By limiting individual states’ ability to provide health coverage to moderate-income children, the Bush administration is violating federal law, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released last week.

Despite many working families struggling with skyrocketing health care costs, President Bush twice last year vetoed legislation expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

As a result, many state officials have stepped up efforts to provide more children with health insurance. The Bush administration, however, went one step further and blocked states from using money for to cover children whose parents make above 250 percent of the poverty level, which is $44,000 for a family of three.

While the Bush administration will not be forced to rescind their directive, the decision provides much needed support to multiple states looking to expand health insurance to more children and reduces the chances the new policy can be put into effect before Bush leaves office.

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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.

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