Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

Fallen But Never Forgotten
May 5, 2009 - IAM brothers and sisters, family and friends gathered at the Lighthouse Memorial at the Winpisinger Center last week to remember those workers who lost their lives in the workplace.

Fixing Immigration
April 22, 2009 - For more than a century, American society has been described as a melting pot, welcoming people from all countries, races, and religions. But in recent years that phrase has become more criticism than flattery.

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.

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Harley-Davidson to Review York Operations

Waves of economic nausea rolled across southeastern Pennsylvania this week following news that Harley-Davidson would consider cost-cutting measures that include moving its massive manufacturing facility in York, PA to another location. More than 2,600 members of Local 175 currently build Touring and Softail models at the York facility.

Employees learned of the possible move during meetings at the plant earlier this week. Moving the facility was only one option under consideration, according to company officials, who claimed the York plant, as currently structured, was not competitive.

“It’s very important to remember the history and sacrifices that IAM members at Harley-Davidson have made over the years,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “We fought to rebuild this company in the early 80’s, when Harley-Davidson was flat on its back. We’re prepared to discuss measures to increase efficiencies in production but we’re not prepared to let Harley ride out this latest crisis on the backs of its workers.”

While any final decision about the future of the York facility could be months or even years away, the news drew sharp reactions from employees, residents and lawmakers. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, both of Pennsylvania, released a letter sent Tuesday evening to new Harley-Davidson CEO Keith Wandell.

“It is our understanding that various options are being considered in order to improve the long-term competitiveness of Harley-Davidson, including a closure or scaleback of the operations in York,” they said. “We strongly urge you to give serious consideration to any option that will protect the thousands of jobs at stake and preserve Harley-Davidson's presence in the region.”

It is difficult to measure the overall economic impact of closing the York facility, which is the largest employer in the county and a destination for tourists from around the world. In addition to nearly 3,000 employees who are directly employed at the plant, thousands more jobs in the region are indirectly supported.

Machinists Call for Major Changes in Airline Industry

In testimony before the Aviation Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, GVP Robert Roach, Jr. this week called for major changes to the airline industry as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2009.

“The aviation industry is at a crossroads,” said Roach. “Thirty years of deregulation, reckless management and more than a hundred bankruptcies have left the industry in shambles. America deserves an airline industry that benefits employees, passengers and shareholders, not just executives. Airline workers have shouldered more than their fair share to help revitalize their employers and their industry. This FAA reauthorization bill is a chance to change course.”

Roach urged the Committee to resolve jurisdictional conflicts between the National Mediation Board and the National Labor Relations Board, and to address Flight Attendant issues such as fatigue and their lack of workplace health and safety regulations. Roach also called for enough FAA inspectors to ensure a single high standard of aircraft safety and maintenance oversight regardless of where in the world the aircraft maintenance is performed.

“As a consequence of putting dollars ahead of sense, maintenance of U.S aircraft has been exported across the globe at a faster pace than the FAA could respond,” said Roach. “Maintenance personnel who work on U.S. aircraft should meet the same eligibility requirements at home and abroad. The IAM believes there should be one level of safety and oversight for the industry regardless of where an aircraft is repaired.”

General Vice President Roach’s complete testimony is available here.

Legislation Introduced to Restrict Currency Manipulation

The IAM joined with a coalition of labor and business leaders this week in Washington, D.C. to support legislation aimed at curbing international currency manipulation, a practice that has contributed to the loss of more than five million U.S. manufacturing jobs in the past few years.

The legislation, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, was introduced by Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-17) and Pennsylvania Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) at an event on Capitol Hill that drew enthusiastic support from dozens from IAM leaders and delegates attending the 2009 IAM Legislative Conference.

IAM President Tom Buffenbarger spoke forcefully of the illegal and unfair practice of currency manipulation and the price paid by American workers. “Americans have become long on despair and short on dreams, in part due to the misalignment of currencies,” said Buffenbarger. “For far too long, our government has sought alternatives to address this problem. None of them have worked. We urgently need to adopt a more forceful strategy reflected by this legislation.”

Many countries manipulate their currencies to drive down the cost of their products. Countries like China, which do not play by any rules, have been relying on currency manipulation to illegally subsidize their goods. As their goods continue to flood our markets, millions of U.S. jobs have been destroyed.

“Correcting currency manipulation is, of course, only one part of a multi-faceted attack on the current economic crisis,” said Buffenbarger. “The IAM also believes that we must adopt trade policies that work for U.S. workers. We must renegotiate past trade agreements, and re-regulate a variety of industries including the financial industry and the airline industry. We must also eliminate government policies that give corporations incentives to offshore work, put an end to corporate greed, and adopt comprehensive health care reform.”

July 31 Target Set for Health Care Reform

President Obama, House Speaker Pelosi, and other top House leaders met to establish a July 31 st deadline to pass health care reform legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The president described the gathering as “encouraging” and an “extremely productive meeting.” Setting the July target date with the House leadership along with several high-profile public speeches at the White House on health care reform demonstrate Obama’s commitment to tackling health care reform in the United States.

After the meeting the President spoke to the press on health care, pointing out the urgent need for action. Obama cited the millions of American families who are struggling to pay premiums that have doubled over the last decade and the 46 million Americans who don't have health insurance.

Obama laid out his basic principles for health care reform: “first, that the rising cost of health care has to be brought down; second, that Americans have to be able to choose their own doctor and their own plan; and third, all Americans have to have quality, affordable health care.”

The president also called for both the House and the Senate to pass final legislation by the end of this year. Sign up to get alerts on health care and other important issues, or if you'd like to get more in-depth information about health reform and how you can participate, visit http://www.HealthReform.gov.

Photo Contest Deadline June 1

The IAM Photography Contest deadline is June 1, 2009. It is open to IAM members in good standing and photo entries should be of IAM members at work. Winning entries will win a cash prize and be featured in the 2010 IAM Calendar.

Click here for contest rules, entry and release forms. Please read all instructions carefully. Contact the Communications Department at 301-967-4520 for more information.

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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