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.

Media Library
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New Contracts Cover C-17 Workers in Nine States

Many of the 313 members in nine states who maintain Boeing C-17 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force will see their pay increase dramatically under new IAM contracts recently negotiated under Service Contract Act (SCA) guidelines. While the majority of first year pay raises under the new contracts are between 15 and 30 percent, some members will see their pay jump by as much as 78 percent.

“This first contract is a huge improvement for these members who were previously salaried, non-union employees,” said Aerospace Coordinator Mark Blondin. “Most previous rates were well below the Area Wage Determination (AWD), with no standard rate.”

In addition to significant pay increases, the new agreements include traditional first contract benefits, including seniority protections, a grievance procedure, negotiated vacation language, paid bereavement, a retirement savings account, overtime provisions and more.

“It’s quite amazing to consider we went from considering organizing in mid-January to a ratified collective bargaining agreement by mid-April,” said new member Jim Schneller, who praised the organizers and negotiators who worked together with members to produce the first agreement. “It was critical that the initial organizers who built rapport with our units stay on the case.”

The C-17 workers are employed at Altus AFB in Oklahoma, Jackson AFB in Mississippi, Charleston AFB in North Carolina, Dover AFB in Delaware, McChord AFB in Washington, March AFB in California, Travis AFB in California and McGuire AFB in New Jersey. In addition to the eight Boeing locations, IAM members who perform C-17 work at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, AK, also ratified a new agreement.

TCU Leaders Applaud High Speed Rail Initiative

Transportation Communications Union (TCU) International President Bob Scardelletti and International Vice President Joel Parker attended the recent unveiling of President Barack Obama’s High Speed Rail initiative. The initiative’s goal is to build a network of high-speed rail corridors across America.

“This investment in America’s future and the inclusion of labor in the announcement show the determination of the administration to create a new beginning for high-speed passenger travel across the country,” said Scardelletti.

Ten major corridors were identified for high-speed rail projects as well as improvements. The projects selected for funding were based on merit and benefit of investment. Among the states and regions that would benefit are California, the Pacific Northwest, South Central U.S., the Gulf Coast, and Northern New England. Click here for a hi-rez map showing the corridor locations and here for the plan highlights.

Local 701 Organizes First Student Mechanics

Mechanics who maintain school buses for First Student in Naperville, Yorkville and Grand Ridge, IL, voted overwhelmingly to join Mechanics Local 701 recently, adding 17 new members to the IAM’s Automotive Division.

According to Local 701 Business Representative Armando Arreola, the new members worked for Laidlaw before the firm was bought out by First Student. "Our organizing efforts at First Student seem to be snowballing as more and more potential members hear of the good contracts we are negotiating at other locations. They are interested in our health and welfare package, the pension program and they’re looking for better wages and working conditions."

IAM Midwest Territory GVP Philip J. Gruber welcomed the new members and congratulated Mechanics Local 701 for their organizing efforts. "The organizing efforts at Mechanics Local 701 are continuous and we thank Directing Business Representative Dennis Jawor, Business Representative Armando Arreola, and the rest of the Local 701 staff for their hard work and dedication. We welcome our new members into the IAM family."

IAM Workers' Memorial Day Ceremony April 28th

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated each year on April 28 with services, speeches and prayers to remember the thousands of workers killed or injured in workplace accidents.

The IAM holds its own unique service at the William W. Winpisinger Center, where bricks inscribed with the names of fallen members are placed alongside the hundreds of other IAM members who died since the memorial was dedicated in 2001. This year, families and friends will gather to honor the memories of eighteen fallen IAM Brothers and Sisters and former IAM Communications Director Bob Kalaski.

The IAM Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 28^th at 12:40 pm at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland.

Contact the IAM Safety and Health Department at 301-967-4704 for more information.

A. Philip Randolph Institute Recognizes Jack Marion

Jack Marion and North Carolina Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue at the North Carolina A. Philip Randolph Institute's 35th Annual Award Banquet.

The Asa Philip Randolph Institute in North Carolina (NCAPRI) recently honored retired IAM member Jack Marion with the institute’s award for community service at the organization’s 35^th Annual Award Banquet. Marion currently serves as a field organizer for the Alliance for Retired Americans in North Carolina.

“I feel extremely honored to be recognized by the A. Philip Randolph Institute,” said Marion, who credited the Machinists Union, the AFL-CIO and the Alliance for Retired Americans for giving him the opportunity to help make his community a better place to live.

The APRI was founded by labor leaders Asa Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin in 1965 as a non-profit, non-partisan organization of black trade unionists to fight for racial equality and economic justice. Today the APRI has approximately 150 chapters in 36 states, including North Carolina. APRI chapters provide support for local unions during organizing campaigns, provide outreach programs and services - including an officially certified NC food bank - for community members in need and runs voter registration drives and GOTV efforts.

“Brother Marion is a true trade unionist, and it’s great to see his hard work recognized,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “The Machinists Union is very proud to have him as a member, and he’s very deserving of this award.”

Wear Red in Support of Equal Pay on April 28

April 28is the day to wear red in support of equal pay for women. Equal Pay Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996 to illustrate the gap between men's and women's wages. Even though a full day's pay should be the same for men and women working in the same jobs, to earn the same wage as a man, the typical woman must work for all of 2008 and then four more months into 2009 - until April 28th - to earn what the typical man earned in 2008 alone. The wage gap is even greater for most women of color.

According to U.S. Census statistics, women earn 77.8 percent of what men earn for performing the same work. That gap means families lose an average of $9,575 per year and $434,000 over a working career. The new Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act ensures that victims of discrimination have fair access to the courts, however, women and minorities still have far to go to close the wage gap.

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2008 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
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