Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

Sharing Bankruptcy Backlash
September 27, 2007 - Unfortunately, most workers know the hardships of corporate bankruptcy. That's why Congress is trying to pass a new bankruptcy bill to protect the men and women who helped build the organization.

Uninsured America
September 26, 2007 - Families USA, a national non-profit voice for health care, just came out with startling statistics about uninsured Americans. According to their data, the health insurance issue in the U.S. is worse than it looks.

Fresh Faces on the Hill: Congresswoman Laura Richardson
September 21, 2007 - IAM member Laura Richardson is the newest additon to Capitol Hill, representing California's 37th District.

Something About A Harley
September 17, 2007 - Machinists never say no to the Guide Dogs and most members won't turn down a Harley ride either. For the IAM, Hogs and Dogs just works.

Protecting Programs That Work
September 14, 2007 - The Alliance for Retired Americans is a substantial voice for senior issues and one that may impact the next presidential race.

Congress's Machinist
September 11, 2007 - The IAM has always had some friends on Capitol Hill. But until now, they never had one of their own. On September 4th, Laura Richardson became the first Machinist in Congress.

IAM's Seal of Approval
September 10, 2007 - At the 2007 National Staff Conference held just weeks ago, the IAM endorsed two presidential candidates...Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Mike Huckabee.

Hot Days At NASA September 7, 2007 - Since June 14, 2007 nearly 500 members from IAM's Local Lodge 2061 have been on strike at the Kennedy Space Center. The place that once helped to launch a man on the moon, can't seem to put a fair contract on the table.

Conversations with the Candidates
Hear what the candidates have to say about jobs, globalization, healthcare and the other domestic issues that matter most to you.

Labor Day 2007
August 27, 2007 - For the IAM, Labor Day is a very important date. Not only does it celebrate American workers, but it's a holiday founded by a Machinist.

A Solution to Health Care
August 23, 2007 - It's almost impossible to talk about good jobs and wages without mentioning health care. That's why everywhere you look, someone is trying to come up with a solution.

The Next President...
August 22, 2007 - For the first time in its history, the IAM is making a dual endorsement for candidates in the 2008 presidential primaries. International President Tom Buffenbarger comments.

Will Bush Deny Millions of Children Health Insurance?
August 21, 2007 - You can now add America’s children to the list of potential victims of the Bush administration.

China Threatening to Sell Off U.S. Reserves
August 20, 2007 - For years, the Bush administration and Congress have stood by idly while China’s currency manipulation and unfair trade practices have led to massive jobs loss and a record $230 billion trade deficit.

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.

Media Library
IAMpodcast

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IAM Wins Recognition at Six UPS Freight Locations

Approximately 85 UPS Freight maintenance employees at six locations have won card-check recognition for IAM representation thanks to their strong determination to join the IAM and a team of lodges from coast-to-coast working together on the campaign.

Local Lodge 701 helped organize the Bedford Park and South Holland, IL locations; District Lodge 60 helped in Detroit, MI; District 190 helped in Reno, NV; Local 10 helped in Richmond, VA and District 9 helped organize the UPS freight facility in St. Louis, MO. The next step is bargaining a first contract. “Our intent is to sit down at the bargaining table and reach a standard IAM agreement for all locations,” said Automotive Coordinator Boysen Anderson. “Credit goes to these new members and to the skillful cooperation of the IAM representatives involved.”

“This is IAM organizing at its finest,” said International President Tom Buffenbarger. “Working together across lodge boundaries benefits all concerned. We look forward to continuing what’s been started here so that UPS Freight employees across the country can have an opportunity to reap the benefits of an IAM contract.”

Connecticut Jobs Program Wins Tax-Exempt Status

In a ruling that recognizes the public service value of GrowJobsCT, the IAM-initiated program was recently granted 501c3 tax-exempt status by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). GrowJobsCT is a coalition that brings together labor, businesses, community groups and elected officials to preserve and expand manufacturing jobs in Connecticut. GrowJobsCT was created by District 26 in Kensington, CT, with the support of Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. and the IAM Executive Council.

“Getting the tax-exempt status from the IRS means that GrowJobsCT can seek funding from major foundations that only give to 501c3 groups,” said District 26 DBR Everett Corey. “This will be a big help in continuing our work fighting for Connecticut jobs.”

GrowJobsCT has become an important player in bringing together non-traditional allies on issues crucial to a common goal – good jobs. U.S. Representatives John Larson, Joe Courtney and Rosa DeLauro all submitted letters to the IRS in support of the GrowJobsCT application, praising the work of the coalition. “It was not easy to win this ruling from the IRS, and we could not have done it without the backing of GVP Tucker and the entire IAM Executive Council,” said GrowJobsCT Director John Harrity. “We’re very grateful for that support and will take full advantage of the opportunities it creates.”

District 111 Delivers for Members at Clifford-Jacobs

District 111 in Herrin, IL, successfully negotiated a new four-year collective bargaining agreement at Clifford-Jacobs in Champaign, IL. Eighteen members at Local 1000 who work in maintenance and machining at the facility ratified the new pact that took effect September 24, 2007.

According to IAM District 111 DBR Steve Jones, the new contract provides for a $2.10 wage increase over the term of the agreement. "We were able to negotiate a very accessible and affordable worker-friendly health care plan for our members," said Jones. “Improvements in the IAM Pension will increase the employer contribution to $2 dollars per hour over the term of the agreement and we achieved improved jurisdictional protections for our members as well.”

Jones praised all the unions involved saying, “This contract is a significant improvement over the last agreement as a result of the solidarity of the parties at the table, including the IAM, Boilermakers and the IBEW.”

IAM Videos Examine Bankruptcy, Health Care

The IAM’s Machinists News Network has put out a trio of hard-hitting videos recently, taking a close look at key issues impacting working families.

Sharing Bankruptcy Backlash looks at Congress’ recent efforts to pass a new bankruptcy bill to protect the men and women who helped build the organization.

Uninsured America examines a study from Families USA that shows the health insurance issue in the U.S. is worse than it looks.

In Fresh Faces on the Hill: Congresswoman Laura Richardson, the newest member of Congress, and an IAM member, talks about issues impacting IAM members.

And Now a Word from the Lunatic Fringe…

According to CNBC talk-show host James Cramer, there’s no reason to build cars in America and General Motors won’t be around much longer if they don’t “break” the United Auto Workers (UAW). That’s the sum of an outrageous exchange this week on MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews.

In his trademark hyper-caffinated style, Cramer nearly foams at the mouth as he gleefully describes the strike at GM as an opportunity to end union representation at General Motors. “This is all about saving American manufacturing,” bellows Cramer, “and the only way to do that is to break the UAW!”

The UAW represents nearly 73,000 members at GM where it recently secured a tentative agreement that protects pensions and retiree health benefits, key issues in the dispute. The accord also includes pledges by GM to invest in its U.S.-based plants, a move the UAW sought to secure a new generation of good-paying jobs at the Michigan-based automaker.

Cramer’s rant was cut short by Ross Eisenbrey, Vice President of the Economic Policy Institute , who reminded Cramer that the UAW strike is about keeping jobs in America and ensuring the promises made by companies to workers and retirees are promises kept.
“This is a problem that every American worker has a stake in and they ought to be rooting for the UAW here,” said Eisenbrey.

When asked by host Chris Matthews if he saw a future in 5-10 years when we don’t have an auto industry in this country, Cramer responded, “If you don’t break the UAW, we won’t. There’s no reason to make cars here.” Taking his case a step further, Cramer delivered the strongest argument for changing channels: “If GM wins and they bust this union, I’m telling you you’re going to have a five-fold increase in this stock, and in the end - this is America - that’s what we care about.”

Legislation Would End Sex, Gender Discrimination

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is moving toward a vote in Congress. The bill would protect working Americans from job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

With support from the labor movement, ENDA was first introduced in 1994 but has never gone to a vote of the full House of Representatives. It was well received at a hearing held by the House Education and Labor Committee on Sept. 5, and is expected to move to the floor for a vote by the end of the month.

“Discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin and disability have long been illegal in the workplace,” said IAM Human Rights Director Charlotte Sund. “The time has come to also eliminate discrimination against our brothers and sisters on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Fairness in the workplace should be a fundamental right for all workers.”

Tell Congress to enact this important piece of legislation. Go to www.unionvoice.org/campaign/pawenda, and urge your Representatives to protect the rights of fellow workers by supporting ENDA (HR2015).

Past iMail | Your Email |www.goiam.org | Print Version

Machinists News Network @ YouTube
YouTube For You We Can't Make It Here Anymore - by James McMurtry

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.

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.

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

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