Tuesday, August 28, 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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Clinton, Huckabee Welcomed at National Staff Conference


International President Tom Buffenbarger opens the 2007 IAM National Staff Conference in Orlando, FL.

2008 Presidential hopefuls Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee joined nearly 700 IAM delegates yesterday for the opening day of the 2007 IAM National Staff Conference in Orlando, FL.

During the “Conversation with the Candidates,” which were moderated by CBS News Correspondent Erin Moriarty, both presidential hopefuls were allotted 45 minutes to discuss six key domestic issues impacting IAM members: Jobs, trade, schools, health care, manufacturing and energy.

“I was at your Day of Action and there’s no better slogan right now – ‘Enough is Enough’,” said Clinton. “We need to make a change now so we can ensure every single American has a good job, quality health care, pension security and we need to get back to the point where workers can freely form a union.”

The one-on-one format allowed the candidates the opportunity to delve deeper into tough issues. Huckabee surprised many of the attendees with his stance on trade and manufacturing.

“In order for this country to be free there are three things we must do: feed ourselves, fuel ourselves and fight for ourselves,” said Huckabee. “That means we need to be manufacturing our own means of defense and making it a national security issue.”

When asked about immediate changes she would make when elected, Clinton spoke at length about the nation’s broken health care system. “I have scars to show from my efforts in 1993 to get universal health care. It’s going to be hard because there’s so much money on the other side, but I hope to sign in my first year a bill giving all Americans quality, affordable health care,” she said.

The opening day of the 2007 staff conference also saw fiery speeches from International President Tom Buffenbarger and General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart, both of whom called on the attendees to take part in the changes that will help the IAM grow and move forward.

“The war against labor is not over,” said Buffenbarger. “This is not the beginning of the end. This is the end of the beginning and we must fight like hell all the way through to November 2008 and beyond for our survival.”

“We must forge new paths of change,” said Mart. “The path may be bumpy at times, but at the end of the day we will preserve the strength of the union.”

Democratic Presidential hopefuls former Sen. John Edwards (NC) and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH) are set to speak with attendees Tuesday evening. The 2007 IAM Staff Conference runs through Thursday.

 

Organizing Successes Recognized at National Staff Conference


District 947, District 190, District 725 members and Western Territory staff were honored at the IAM National Staff Conference for their outstanding efforts with the City of Long Beach workers tht brought in 1,800 IAM members.

Organizing efforts took center stage at the IAM National Staff Conference in Orlando, FL this week. IAM President Tom Buffenbarger recognized organizing successes by each Territory and Canada, including a special presentation for District 947, District 190, District 725 members and Western Territory staff for their outstanding efforts with the City of Long Beach workers that bought in 1,800 IAM members.

Also honored were IAM District and unaffiliated Local Lodges who organized at least 250 new members this past year. International President Tom Buffenbarger reminded the nearly 700 delegates gathered that it was at the 2003 Staff Conference in Cincinnati when the Executive Council first made the challenge to organize at least 250 new members each year. “We’d like to honor those who took the challenge, met it, and then surpassed it,” said IP Buffenbarger. “Each of these lodges made a commitment, worked hard and worked together. And the result was that each of them organized 250 or more members from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007.”

Receiving special honors were: Local 1943, Middletown, OH; District 1, Philadelphia, PA; Federal District 1, Washington, DC; District 4, Brunswick, ME; District 96, Savannah, GA; District 140, Richmond, BC; and District 947, Long Beach, CA.

 

IAM Delivers for Maryland Members at DynCorp

The members of newly-chartered Local 4 in Lexington Park, MD, overwhelmingly ratified a new contract this week that clearly demonstrated the benefits of collective bargaining as well as the Machinists’ prowess in negotiating under Service Contract Act (SCA) guidelines.

Nearly 850 aircraft mechanics, inspectors, electricians, painters and support workers employed by DynCorp at Patuxent River Air Force Base will receive a whopping first-year pay boost of 19.2 percent, followed by raises of three percent and three percent in subsequent years of the accord. The first contract for the group also includes major improvements to workers’ benefits including vacation pay, sick leave and due process rights.

“With the support of a sophisticated negotiating committee and the experience of numerous SCA negotiations under their belts, District 4 DBR Tony Provost and BR Rick Compher did an outstanding job of bringing this contract back for ratification,” said Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. “In addition to the immediate benefits in the contract, the members of Local 4 at Pax River also gained the long-term benefits of the IAM National Pension Plan. This agreement is proof positive of what IAM representation can bring members working for contractors covered by the Service Contract Act.”

 

An Opportunity for U.S. Aerospace

In an editorial published August 27 in the St. Louis Post Gazette, GVP Rich Michalski questions the fairness of awarding a $40 billion contract to build aerial refueling tankers to a French-based company that receives more than $100 million in government subsidies and boasts they mean to win the contract “by any means necessary.”

“Europeans, particularly the French, have been engaged in what is widely regarded in the U.S. as an illegal and systematic effort to steal jobs and market share from American aerospace workers,” said Michalski. “And they've been effective with this gambit, gaining nearly 50 percent of the market while the American-based manufacturer Boeing Co. was forced to shed 65,000 U.S. jobs.”

While the Bush administration responded by filing the largest lawsuit in the history of the World Trade Organization against the European Union, U.S. workers have been largely abandoned by a government that believes wholeheartedly in letting the global market cherry pick the U.S. aerospace industry of its best jobs, technology and future prospects.

“The Boeing tanker is American made, and would never be held up or left unsupported by a country whose government suddenly went from ally to enemy,” warned Michalski. “An award to the American manufacturer could support some 44,000 jobs and hundreds of communities here at home.”

If Airbus wins the contract, the Defense Department will, in effect, create tens of thousands of jobs in France, rewarding the very company that our trade representatives have sued as rogue violators of trade laws.

“This aerial refueling tanker decision is about jobs, jobs for machinists, engineers, programmers and thousands of others in a critical economic supply chain,” said Michalski. “That supply chain can support the U.S. military and industrial bases in communities all across the country — including in Missouri — or it can support jobs and communities in France. The choice is ours.”

 

Utah Workers Win Contract in Record Time

In less than 5 weeks, the employees of AHNTECH Inc. went from making initial inquiries about IAM representation to ratifiying a first contract with average wage gains of over 28 percent over the term of the accord. The new contract also includes improvements in paid travel time, severance pay, personal time off, guard/reserve time, shift premium, lead pay, health care, and the IAM National Pension Plan.

“This is an amazing story,” said Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. “These workers reached out to us, and about a month later, they had a contract that they could depend on. We are proud of our relationship with AHNTECH, and together we avoided the delay tactics that are too common today. We were able to focus on delivering a satisfied workforce to the company, and giving these workers the standard of living they deserve. It is truly a Win-Win for everyone.”

The workers, who are employed by AHNTECH Inc. at Dugway Proving Grounds, in Dugway, UT, first contacted the IAM about representation on July 20. Of the twelve employees, eight of them signed the “Authorization Petition.” After the signatures were verified by an impartial party, the IAM was given recognition rights for the new unit. On August 23rd, these new members ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. This entire process, from the first meeting, through the card recognition, and finally to a ratified contract, lasted a total of 34 days.

Grand Lodge Representative Mike Wardle led the organizing campaign, assisted by Local 568 President Richard Lee and in-plant committee member Chris Burbidge. Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos headed up the contract negotiations and was a key part of the entire process. Together, these four comprised the negotiating committee, along with bargaining unit member Brian Graesser, who said, “Every day you are working without an IAM collective bargaining agreement in place, is a day you’re losing money.”

 

Forgione Appointed Territory Organizing Leader

Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. appointed GLR Frank Forgione to assume the duties of Eastern Territory Organizing Leader (TOL) effective August 21, 2007. Forgione has been an IAM member for more than 40 years since joining Local 1363, District 54 in Cleveland, OH, while employed at Associated Transport in 1963. He was elected Shop Steward that same year. Frank was appointed Special Representative in 1979, and became a Grand Lodge Representative in 1983.

“Brother Forgione brings a wealth of knowledge to his new assignment,” said GVP Tucker. “His prior experience as an organizer and negotiator will enhance the organizing goals of the Eastern Territory and the IAM. Frank has an extensive background in NLRB work combined with a history in the automotive industry, all of which will add to the continued success of this organization.”

 


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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.


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mean money-saving discounts for IAM members and their families.


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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