View Candidate Conversations Live on GOIAMMachinists from Skowhegan, Maine to Santa Rosa, California will be able to follow the IAM’s Conversation with the Candidates in Orlando, Florida, next week by clicking on the streaming video icon located prominently on the home page at www.goiam.org. On Aug. 27 and 28, presidential candidates from each party will take part in a series of conversations that are designed to generate an in-depth discussion of key domestic issues, including trade, jobs, schools, health care, manufacturing and energy. Instructions for viewing the live video feed and a schedule of the Conversation with the Candidates will also be posted at www.goiam.org.
IAM Member Elected to US House of RepresentativesCalifornia Local 1930 member and Long Beach Assemblywoman Laura Richardson ran away with a special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by the death of former congresswoman Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald. Richardson, who defeated four other candidates for the post, will be sworn in as the Representative for California’s 37th District when Congress returns from its summer recess in September. Prior to the special election, Richardson prevailed in a hard fought Democratic primary where she bested a field of nine other candidates. “I’m incredibly grateful,” said Richardson after the votes were tallied. “I’m a hard worker and I’m using my skills to advocate for the people I represent.”
Machinists at Cessna Vote to Authorize StrikeBy an overwhelming 99.3 percent, members of District 70 in Wichita, KS, voted to authorize a strike at Cessna Aircraft Co., if the company fails to produce a satisfactory contract offer when the current contract expires on Sept. 16. Negotiations covering 5,400 IAM members at Cessna began on August 13 with both sides pledging to produce an agreement that can be ratified by members. While Cessna is currently enjoying robust sales, IAM leaders at the opening round of talks expressed a determination to craft a contract that can withstand the ups and downs of the volatile aircraft manufacturing industry. “There's strong demand for our product and we have backlogs of orders,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger at the opening round of talks. “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.”
Ohio Senator Brown Returns to MiddletownU.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, (D-OH) visited Local 1943 in Middletown, OH this week to hold a roundtable discussion on jobs, trade and other community concerns with the local lodge Executive Board, Middletown Sheriff Richard Jones and GLR James Smith, who is Mayor of nearby South Lebanon. “It’s nice to be back under much different and certainly better circumstances,” said Brown, who joined forces with Sheriff Jones and Governor Ted Strickland to help bring an end to the nearly 13-month long lockout at AK Steel.
IAM Opens Contract Talks at Auto Truck Transport The IAM opened contract negotiations in Rosemont, IL this week with Auto Truck Transport for 1,636 workers at the company's Cleveland, NC, Mt Holly, NC, Macungie, PA, Garland, TX, Laredo, TX, Springfield, OH, Portland, OR, and Dublin, VA facilities. Automotive Coordinator Boysen Anderson opened the negotiations. The current agreement is set to expire October 31, 2007. “Times are lean in the trucking industry and our members want to protect their jobs and benefits. The company is taking advantage of our members by outsourcing work. The IAM leadership and negotiating committee have let the company know we are determined to win a contract that protects our members’ jobs and their families’ futures,” said Automotive Coordinator Boysen Anderson.
Register Now for Advanced Women’s Training Program The registration deadline for the 2007 Advanced Women’s Training Program is quickly approaching. While there are still some seats available, all interested lodges should take immediate action to secure a seat in the class to be held November 4-9, 2007, at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland. Successful completion of the Basic Women’s Training class is a prerequisite for members wishing to attend the Advanced Women’s Training class. Both the Basic and Advanced Women’s Trainings are now college accredited courses.
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