Tuesday, May 15, 2007

IAM Legislative and Communications Conferences Kick Off


Nearly 400 delegates are gathering this week for the IAM’s Legislative Conference and the Communications Conference, culminating in the participation of both groups on Thursday in the IAM’s Transportation Day of Action on the National Mall.

Included in the schedule for the Legislative Conference in Washington, DC is the opportunity for delegates to meet with their Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill to tell them in person about the issues affecting them, their families and communities.

Up the road in Baltimore, MD, Communications Conference delegates are participating in workshops on news writing, digital photography, website content, and video production.

International President Tom Buffenbarger delivered the keynote address at both conferences, and General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart, General Vice President Rich Michalski and General Vice President Dave Ritchie also welcomed attendees to reiterate what the IAM’s 2007 Transportation Day of Action is all about.

“It’s time to change the direction of this country,” declared IP Buffenbarger at the Communications Conference in Baltimore. “We’ve had enough of the incompetence - enough of the dishonesty - enough of the disguisting corruption of this Bush regime. Enough is enough!"

For more information on the 2007 Transportation Day of Action, go to http://www.goiam.org/content.cfm?cID=8728.



Strike a ‘Definite Possibility’ at Boeing St. Louis


Time is running out for the Boeing Company to put an acceptable offer on the bargaining table for the members of District 837 in St. Louis, Missouri.  The company has proposed cutting future hires out of the Boeing defined benefit pension plan as well as circumventing union seniority by instituting a system that lets the company decide who gets laid off and who doesn’t. 

Mark Blondin, IAM Aerospace Coordinator, declared that both issues are non-movers and ensure the possibility of a strike if left on the table. “We will not allow the Boeing Company to continue the trend of cheating the next generation of union families out of core union benefits. There is time to bring sensibility to the bargaining table, but if they want a fight – we will bring it,” said Blondin.

Additional unresolved issues that must still be addressed include health care costs, wages, seniority and job protection, according to District 837 DBR Rick Smith. A so-called “best and final offer” from Boeing is expected by May 16.



IAM Opposed to Flawed Trade Deals


The IAM announced this week it will vigorously oppose any trade deal in Congress that fails to fully incorporate internationally recognized labor standards as defined by the International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions.

“The actual text of the latest agreement has not yet been made available and widely varying reports of its contents raise serious and troubling questions,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “Any agreement must be clear and unambiguous with respect to all of its provisions.”

Based on initial reports, the IAM is highly suspicious that the trade deal is seriously deficient in many respects. In addition to concerns over internationally recognized labor standards and adequate enforcement mechanisms, the IAM is also raising questions over other provisions of the proposed trade deal, including procurement and investment issues.

“The Machinists Union will vigorously oppose any trade agreement that does not benefit our members,” said Buffenbarger. “This Administration has demonstrated all too often its unwillingness to defend workers’ interests and enforce our trade laws.”



GST Mart Fills Eastern, Midwest Auditor Positions


GST Warren Mart has named Local 743 Secretary-Treasurer Michael Gonzales to become a Grand Lodge Auditor (GLA) in the Eastern Territory. Gonzales will take over for departing GLA Earl Evans, who is retiring after a distinguished IAM career that began more than 40 years ago. GST Mart also named Eastern Territory Communications Representative and 41-year IAM member Jim Tyler to serve as Grand Lodge Auditor in the Midwest Territory. Both appointments will be effective June 1, 2007.

“These appointments assure that locals, districts and members will continue to enjoy the high level of service and support they are rightfully accustomed to,” said GST Mart. “Between these two representatives, there’s more than a half century of tried and true IAM experience and dedication. I’m confident they will provide journeyman service as Grand Lodge Auditors for many years to come.”



United in Love and Membership


Local 660 in East Alton, IL had the privilege recently to honor their 50-year members at the local’s bi-annual Veterans Award Banquet. While receiving a 50-year award is remarkable in its own right, what made this event even more special is the fact that two of the members are married to each other.

Everett and Florence Loy met while both were working in the Empty Shell Department at Olin Corporation. Everett initiated into Lodge 660 in 1955; Florence in 1956. They were married in June of 1965 during a plant shutdown.

“The Loy’s are a wonderful example of what solidarity is all about,” said General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart, who attended the celebration. “Their commitment to the IAM and to each other is a lesson for us all.”

Over the years, Everett served as Trustee, Recording Secretary, Conductor and Vice President for Lodge.  Both he and Florence are now retired, but still very active. Besides participating in the lodge’s Retirees Club, Everett also currently serves as a Delegate for theLodge 660 to the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, CLC; Alton-Wood River Union Label Council; and the 12th Congressional COPE. He also serves as Alton Township Democratic Precinct Chairman.




Next Stop is ‘Madness’ for IAM Pro-Street Bike


The IAM custom Pro-Street bike, built to raise funds for Guide Dogs of America  http://www.guidedogsofamerica.org (GDA), is continuing its nationwide tour and will be on display May 18 & 19, 2007 at Motorcycle Madness the Santa Maria Fairpark in Santa Maria, CA.

On Sunday, May 20, the public will have another opportunity to see the spectacular bike at GDA’s own 4th Annual Motorcycle Ride for Guides, which will start and finish at GDA at 13445 Glenoaks Boulevard in Sylmar, CA.

If you are planning to attend Motorcycle Madness or participate in Ride for Guides, stop by the GDA booth to check out the beautiful IAM Pro-Street bike and help the folks in the booth. Contact GDA reps Grace or Steve Cohan at 818-822-9293 to volunteer.

The one-of-a-kind motorcycle was built through the efforts of the IAM, Celebrity Build TV and Guide Dogs of America to be raffled off at the GDA banquet on November 17, 2007 (winner need not be present). For more information on the bike and to see how it was built, go to http://iamawbikebuild.com.