Tuesday, August 14, 2007

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Blogosphere
August 10, 2007 - The world wide web has changed our lives.  First it was email, then came search engines like Google and Wikipedia.  Today it's the blogs that are taking the net by storm.

Stealing Our Steel
August 09, 2007 - All of nearly two-thousand IAM members who work for AK Steel in Middletown, Ohio want to see their jobs stay put.  That's why Local Lodge President Dan Lawwill traveled to Washington to make sure the U.S. continues to be a leader in the world of steel.

Transportation Makes It Happen
July 31, 2007 - The upcoming elections were at the top of the list at this year's Transportation Conference.

The Next Big Idea July 19, 2007 - Hundreds of young adults gathered in Washington, DC for Roosevelt Institute's 2nd Annual Policy Expo.

Protecting Our Protectors July 18, 2007 - It's been an uphill battle for twelve years, but this week it's over.  Now, public safety employees in all 50 states have finally been extended collective bargaining rights.

Trading Our Future July 13, 2007 - If you're in manufacturing, there's no doubt you've seen American jobs go overseas and probably wondered if your position is next to go.

Bringing Back the Jobs July 3, 2007 - For most, having a good job is the way to achieve the American dream.  It's how families gain not just wages, but also security.  Unfortunately, today's climate of depressed wages and outsourcing is leading many to give up on what was once in their grasp.

National Press Club Welcomes Lou Dobbs July 3, 2007 - For decades Lou Dobbs has been a force in the news business.  In a recent speech at the D.C. Press Club, he focused on immigration and why for the first time in history, most middle class parents don't believe their children will have it better than they did.

Wal-Mart's Dealings With China Driving Job Loss June 29, 2007 - Just how devastating has Wal-Mart’s exploitation of cheap labor in China been?  Since China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001, the corporate giant’s trade deficit with China has cost the U.S. nearly 200,000 jobs.

Outsourcing Security In the Air June 28, 2007 - According to the Department of Transportation, a decade ago, airlines outsourced about 10% of their maintenance work.  Today, more than 60% of aircraft repairs is sent overseas.  Some say this is a huge security risk, with no accountability.

With Honors
June 27, 2007 - Last week a group of Machinists from all walks of life fulfilled a life long dream of graduating from college

Fluctuating Gas Prices
June 28, 2007 - For the second straight summer Americans have been faced with steep gas prices at the pump.

Thousands Rally for Employee Free Choice Act
June 21, 2007 - Every twenty three minutes a worker is fired or punished for supporting a union.  That is why thousands rallied in Washington this week to demand the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Saving Energy
June 14, 2007 - How much is your electric bill each month?  What do you pay to fill up your car?  Will your kids have to stop global warming?  Americans are asking both big and small questions about energy and its future.

Senate Takes Up Manufacturing June 8, 2007 - Union leaders, small business owners, corporate CEO's...this is just a partical list of those who gathered to talk about America's Manufacturing Sector and try to to come up with ways to bring back this industry that once ruled the world.

IAM Voices on the Hill June 8, 2007 - No one knows the issues of workers better than the workers themselves.  That's why it's so important for members of organized labor to take their voices to the hill.

On the Machinists Tour
June 6, 2007 - In the last few weeks, the IAM has seen and heard a lot from quite a few of those vying for the democratic presidential nomination.  Take a look at some of the highlights from these Machinists events.

Ralph Fasanella: A Painter of Working Class People
June 4, 2007 - Whether it’s a strike or factory floor, former union organizer Ralph Fasanella devoted his life to painting working men and women.

To Tell The Truth
June 1, 2007 - IAM delegates gathered in Baltimore for this year's Communications Conference.

Obama Talks Politics at CBTU
May 31, 2007 - More than 1,000 people, including Machinists, gathered in Chicago for the 36th Annual Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Convention.  

Tom Buffenbarger: 2007 Day of Action Speech
May 31, 2007 - International President, Tom Buffenbarger addresses thousands at this years Day of Action rally in Washington, D.C.

IAM's Suit Against OPEC
May 29, 2007 -  In 1978, the IAM, led by International President William Winpisinger, filed a lawsuit charging OPEC with price fixing.

'07 On the Hill
May 25, 2007 - Before the 2006 Elections, the Machinists took their message to the people.  Passing out leaflets, phonebanking, knocking on doors, whatever it took to bring some new faces to Congress.  The end result, a tally in the win column for workers.

DL 751 'Flight for Sight' Fundraising Event May 24, 2007 - IAM District Lodge 751 Women's Committee hosted a fundraising event last weekend to benefit the Guide Dogs of America.

 

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Negotiations Commence at Cessna Aircraft


IAM leaders join District 70 Negotiating Committee members for opening round of contract talks for more than 5,000 IAM members employed at Cessna Aircraft Co. in Wichita, KS. Pictured left to right: DL 70 BR Frank Molina, DL 70 BR Steve Groom, DL 70 P/DBR Steve Rooney, Southern GVP Bob Martinez, Jr., IP Tom Buffenbarger, Headquarters GVP Rich Michalski and Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge.

Local 774 in Wichita, KS opened contract negotiations this week with Cessna Aircraft for 5,400 workers at the manufacturer's Wichita facilities. International President Tom Buffenbarger, Headquarters GVP Rich Michalski and Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez helped open the negotiations.

The IAM leadership and negotiating committee sported buttons that said “Squawk-free contract” and “Definity means Strike.” Definity is the unpopular, high-deductible health care plan that is one of the three options for employees.

“We’re looking forward to sitting down with the company and we believe we’ll come up with a pace-setting contract for the aviation industry,” said Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge.

"We are beginning these talks in positive times," said IP Buffenbarger. "There's strong demand for our product; we have backlogs of orders. But we want to make sure that we don't become complacent, thinking this will last forever. We need to build a good contract for our members to keep going now and to preserve good jobs and good benefits when times lean out."

“The membership wants a stronger pension plan. It’s time to bring the IAM Pension Plan to Cessna Aircraft,” said GVP Martinez.

The current contract expires Sept. 16.

 

IAM Sues NASA Over Space Center Negotiations

The IAM filed suit this week in the United States District Court in the District of Columbia against the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for interfering in the negotiations for a new contract for almost 500 members of Lodge 2061 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The employees provide launch services to NASA through the United Space Alliance (USA), a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Co.

“NASA management is violating the law by attempting to dictate the terms of the economic package between the United Space Alliance and the IAM,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “That interference is a violation of the Service Contract Act and it has harmed the dedicated IAM workers who are a key part of America’s space program.”

The suit alleges that NASA violated its duty under the Service Contract Act by telling the United Space Alliance that it would not reimburse USA for any increased labor costs in a new agreement with the IAM. Federal law requires NASA and other federal agencies to remain neutral in the collective bargaining process between federal contractors and the unions representing their employees.

“The IAM’s proposals have been reasonable and in line with other related contracts at NASA,” said IAM Southern Territory GVP Robert Martinez, Jr. “NASA intentionally undermined the negotiations process between United Space Alliance and the IAM by injecting itself into the negotiating process that should be solely between the IAM and the contractor.”

Negotiations between the IAM and USA began in mid-2007. The parties were unable to reach an agreement because of NASA’s interference and IAM-represented employees were forced on strike on June 14, 2007.

 

Pennsylvania IAM Members Honored for Fire Rescue


Local 2462 members and Scranton Public Works employees Gene Reed and Kim Kandel, standing by bucket truck used to rescue fire victim, are joined by Local Pres. Nancy Krake (middle), who came to congratulate them.

Gene Reed and Kim Kandel of Local 2462 in Scranton, PA, were honored recently by the City of Scranton for their “unselfish act of courage” when their quick thinking saved a woman and her son from their burning home.

Early on the morning of July 16, Reed and Kandel were driving a city lift truck when they noticed flames and smoke billowing from a house in Scranton. On the roof they spotted a woman who had climbed out to escape the flames. Reed instantly drove the truck onto the front yard and hopped into the bucket. Kandel took over the controls and lifted Reed to the second-floor roof where he pulled Kathleen Farley to safety.

Still trapped inside, however, was Farley’s 11-year old son, David Bradshaw. Within seconds, firefighters Paul Schirra and Dan Hanley arrived and rushed David out of the burning house.

Reed and Kandel received a prolonged ovation at the special ceremony honoring them and the firefighters. While appreciative of the recognition, both were still concerned for young David, who suffered second and third degree burns. “It’d be even better if the child turns out alright,” said Reed. “I feel the same way,” added Kandel. “It’s wonderful that we saved [Ms. Farley], but we hope the little boy pulls through.”

“The courageous, quick-thinking of Brother Reed and Sister Kandel is so impressive. They did what we all hope we would do in that type of situation,” said District 1 DBR Danny Chmelko. “Gene and Kim didn’t hesitate for a moment to do what had to be done, regardless of possible personal harm,” added Local 2462 President Nancy Krake.

 

Tentative Agreement Reached for 7,700 at US Airways


District 141 President Randy Canale (right) and members of the IAM-US Airways Fleet Service Negotiating Committee finalize details of the tentative agreement reached last week at National Mediation Board headquarters in Washington, D.C.

IAM District 141 announced a tentative agreement with US Airways covering the carrier’s 7,700 Fleet Service workers that will provide a single contract and uniform terms for all Fleet Service employees for the first time.

The tentative pact includes substantial wage increases and calls for a single pay scale for all Fleet Service employees. The accord also improves the scope of work performed by IAM members and provides increased contributions to the IAM National Pension Plan, the only defined benefit pension plan remaining at US Airways. The negotiations were prompted by last year’s merger between US Airways and America West Airlines.

“US Airways’ bankruptcies wreaked havoc on employees,” said IAM Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “The negotiating committee has given the members the opportunity to vote on a contract with immediate improvements in wages, job security and pension benefits.”

The IAM negotiating committee unanimously recommended membership ratification of the agreement. Results are expected to be announced on September 5, 2007. If ratified, the agreement will become amendable on December 31, 2011.

“We were able to do more than just combine the two airlines’ contracts,” said District 141 President Randy Canale. “This tentative agreement ensures our members benefit as US Airways charts its course for the future.”

Negotiations for 2,900 Mechanic & Related employees represented by IAM District 142 are continuing with the assistance of a facilitator from the National Mediation Board.

 

Early Negotiations Open at Pratt & Whitney


Left to Right: Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos, Grand Lodge Representative Bill Rudis, Eastern Territory GVP Lynn Tucker and Chief Negotiator Jim Parent at the opening session of negotiations between the IAM and Pratt & Whitney.

The IAM and Pratt & Whitney, the Hartford-based subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), opened negotiations in Connecticut, two months ahead of schedule. The talks cover more than 4,100 IAM members at the company.

“A one-way relationship is no longer acceptable to the IAM and its members,” Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. told Pratt & Whitney negotiators at the opening session last Tuesday. “The street goes both ways because at the end of the day, like it or not, we need each other. Otherwise we would not be sitting together in these early negotiations.”

Top issues for IAM members at Pratt are healthcare and jobs. “We're here to address the issues of concern to our membership,” said IAM Chief Negotiator and District 26 ADBR James Parent. “Jobs will be an issue in these negotiations. The company has a need for new workers. It's not just about maintaining current jobs, it's about growth, it’s about jobs of the future, good jobs, right here in Connecticut."

A vote on a final contract proposal is expected August 19th. For the latest updates on negotiations, go to http://www.iamdistrict26.org/p&w_contract_2007.htm

 

EAP Coordinators: Saving Lives and Careers

Having a trained Employee Assistance Program (EAP) coordinator at your worksite can make a life or death difference for an employee facing drug, alcohol or mental health issues at home or on the job.

While EAP coordinators throughout the labor movement traditionally perform their work with the greatest confidentiality, more than 400 gathered recently for a week-long conference in Las Vegas, NV, to discuss issues ranging from domestic violence and adolescent addictions to compulsive behaviors. Over three dozen IAM representatives took part in the Fourteenth Annual Labor Assistance Professionals (LAP) Conference.

“Employee Assistance Programs are one of the best services we can provide for our fellow union members,” said IAM Community Services and Retirees Director Maria Cordone, who attended the conference and promotes EAP programs at every opportunity. “The program does much more than just help people in trouble, it helps co-workers, family members and loved ones who frequently bear the burden no less than the employee in trouble.”

 

 


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Announcing the IAM Photo Contest
The IAM is repeating its members-only photography contest again this year and you are encouraged to enter. You can download a complete contest entry form by clicking here.

2006 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
Summer 2007


ENOUGH! More than 5,000 union members packed the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to stop the attacks on working families in the largest labor rally since 1991.


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.


Union Plus
IAM Member Benefits
mean money-saving discounts for IAM members and their families.


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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


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