Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

NWA/Delta Merger: A Future Bailout?October 15, 2008 - In one of the most volatile financial times in history, it seems wrong to many that a possible airline merger is still being considered.

A Fresh Look At Healthcare
October 12, 2008 - With the presidential election just weeks away, Americans are taking a serious look at the issues. As always healthcare is close to the top of the priority list.

Retirees Take On Raytheon
September 26, 2008 - After 26 years, IAM member Dave Lillie retired from Raytheon. At the end of his more than two decades as a tool and die maker, he believed retirement would be bliss. Raytheon saw it another way.

Closing Day for the 37th ConventionSeptember 12, 2008 - Welcome to the closing day for the IAM's 37th Grand Lodge Convention. It's been a busy week but alot has been accomplished.

Freedom Of ReligionSeptember 11, 2008 - No matter how, when or why you do it, every person in the U.S. and Canada has the right to Freedom. "Freedom of Religion" was the theme on the fifth day of the 37th Grand Lodge Convention.

Freedom From Want
September 10, 2008
Freedom from want is another one of the four freedoms Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke about more than 60 years ago. "Freedom From Want" was the theme on the fourth day of the 37th Grand Lodge Convention.

New Dues Structure
September 10, 2008
More than 32 years ago, union delegates gathered in a room like this, changed the financial structure of the IAM. Today, that decision was again in front of this year's delegaes who voted o amend the current financial structure.

HRC Becomes Honorary IAM Member
September 8, 2008 - Nothing seems to bring the Machinists to their feet like Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. She spoke at the the 37th Grand Lodge Convention where she became an honorary lifetime member of the IAM.

Freedom From Fear
September 8, 2008 - In some of the most famous words ever spoken, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." "Freedom From Fear" was the theme on the second day of the 37th Grand Lodge Convention.

Opening Day for the 37th Convention
September 7, 2008 - Today the IAM opened its 37th Grand Lodge Convention. This week promises a nod to the past as we look for solutions to the problems of the future.

Legally Protecting Our Green Jobs
August 28, 2008 - US manufacturing has lost millions of jobs due to outsourcing. But can you keep that from happening? Some labor advocates are ready for a radical pro manufacturing political agenda, and they want it applied to America’s next economic craze, “Green” energy.

A Plan For Greatness
August 13, 2008 - For years the Machinists have told anyone who would listen that this country's in trouble. Unfortunately, many times these warnings fell on deaf ears.

Spirit Aerosystems: A Conversation With IP Tom Buffenbarger
July 2, 2008 -
IP Tom Buffenbarger discusses unique wage negotiations at Spirit Aerosystems.

Hawker Beechcraft: A Conversation With IP Tom Buffenbarger
July 2, 2008 -
IP Tom Buffenbarger discusses the latest developments at Hawker Beechcraft.

IAM College Graduating Class of '08
July 2, 2008 -
Last weekend 11 Machinists graduated from the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The GAO Says No!!!
June 26, 2008 -
A few months ago, the United States Air Force awarded a U.S. Military Contract to a foreign owned company. Machinists jumped on the issue and the government heard us loud and clear.

Around The Globe June 25, 2008 -
A historic event took place recently at the Winpisinger Center when 37 women from 25 different countries gathered to change the future.

An Agenda For Education
June 18, 2008 - According to recent polls, Americans want to see more training for middle class jobs but the government doesn't seem to be getting the message. The IAM is hoping to help change that.

To All Who Would Listen
June 4, 2008 - It's one thing to talk something and a whole other to take action. That's exactly why Machinists at this year's Legislative Conference took their issues to Capitol Hill, talking to all who would listen.

Mergers, Tankers and Fairness
June 2, 2008 - IAM Members from around the country gathered in Washington D.C. to let the politicians know they aren't going to be silent on the issues that matter most.

The Recession Question
May 28, 2008 - All around the country economists are trying to answer whether or not the United States is in a recession.

Off-Setting the Economy
May 8, 2008 - Owen Herrnstadt, Director of the IAM'S Trade and Globilization Department talks about the topic of offsets.

You Are Not Forgotten
April 29, 2008 - For twenty years the IAM has been observing Worker Memorial Day, honoring those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrafice to the job.

Equal Pay for Equal Work
April 29, 2008 - In a union, workers share the same contract and therefore, the same pay and benefits.

More Broken Merger Promises
April 29, 2008 - Last week the IAM's International President Tom Buffenbarger headed to Capitol Hill to tell Congress that the proposed merger between Northwest and Delta Airlines is going to do much more harm than good.

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2008 IAM Photo Contest Winners Announced

The results of the 2008 IAM Photo Contest are in and the winners are:

Jamy R. Kaiser, Local 52 won first place for his photo, pictured above, “Pantographing,” which depicts Paul Cerra engraving a steel hand stamp at Pannier Corporation, in Pittsburgh, PA. Second place goes to Ted Mazurek, of Local 688, for his photo “Hand Mig Welding a Snack Vending Machine” that shows Charles Wesbrook hand mig-welding a vending machine cabinet at Crane Merchandising Systems, St. Louis, MO, the last union vending machine maker in the U.S. Third place goes to Josh Posvancz, of Local Lodge W98, for his photo “Face of Our Union” that shows Lead Benchperson Mike Gamble preparing to work on a band saw at California Redwood Company in Korbel, CA.

Honorable Mention winners are Larry W. Wilson, District Lodge 70; Dave McWaters, Local Lodge 1788; Melissa Lyons, Local Lodge 175; Paul Ertel, Local Lodge 330; Bill McClister, Local Lodge 1484; Bart Schramm, Local Lodge 31; Larry M. Webb, Local Lodge 141; Frank L. Kammerer, Local Lodge 912 and Jim Stewart, Local Lodge 2323.

Winning photographs will be included in the 2009 IAM Calendar. Two dollars from each calendar sold is donated to Guide Dogs of America. Look for calendar order forms in the Fall 2008 IAM Journal or click here to download an individual order form.

“Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated,” said Communications Director Rick Sloan. “This is a great way to showcase the work our members do and to help a great cause, Guide Dogs of America.”

Click here to view the winning photos.

Sherwin Williams Workers Win New Contract

Nearly 130 workers at Sherwin Williams in Local Lodge 708 in Wichita, KS recently found out the value of a union contract after ratifying a new agreement. The workers manufacture all kinds of paint, from government camouflage paint to the base coat on Cessna Jets.

Union negotiators won a three-year agreement with absolutely no takeaways; annual raises of four, four and three percent; a one-dollar bump each year in the pension plan; an improved grievance procedure; increased sick leave; shift differential pay and better short-term disability pay.

“This is a great contract, and it shows how important unions are to protect and increase the earning power of workers, even in today’s environment,” said District 70 BR Steve Groom.

“This is what happens when people stand together,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “The workers at Sherwin Williams stood together, and negotiated a strong IAM contract. Congratulations to our members of Local 708.”

Kentucky Veteran, Union Member Honored for Service

During an extraordinary career that included service as a medic during WW II, fighting for improved veteran’s health care and volunteering in every imaginable capacity during a 39-year career with the Letter Carriers, Jim “Snoz” Davis became known as someone you could always count on.

At an awards ceremony in Henderson, KY, Jim’s lifetime of service was honored with the Community Service Award from the AFL-CIO Tri-County Council of Labor. Among the speakers at the event was IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart, who delivered the keynote address.

“When I think about all the things Jim Davis has done, and for how long he’s been doing them, it seems like we should be unveiling a statue or christening a ship,” said Mart, who was joined by Kentucky Democratic Senatorial candidate Bruce Lunsford, Kentucky Democratic House Candidate David Boswell and others who praised Davis for his long service to veterans, union members and their families.
While attending the ceremony for Jim Davis, IAM members showed their support for U.S. House of Representatives candidate David Boswell, in orange shirt, with a donation from the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL uses voluntary donations from IAM members to help candidates who support working family issues). From left, Kenny Davis President LL 153, Tony Blevins Special Representative, Scott Ferguson GLA Warren Mart General Secretary-Treasurer; David Boswell Candidate for U S Congress, Robert Hamilton GLA; Benny Adair, DBR Dist 154 and Kentucky State Council President and Gerald Stone DBR LL 153. “David Boswell has always been a great friend to the working men and women of Kentucky,” said Adair.

Quebec Local 1660 Inks New Deal with Robco

Members of Local 1660 in Lachine, Quebec, who manufacture industrial gaskets and oil seals for Robco, Incorporated, have ratified a new five-year collective agreement with the company.

The new agreement, which is retroactive to February 1, 2008, includes wage increases of three percent each year, improvements to the grievance procedure and bereavement leave, increased meal allowances and an improved new hire pay rate.

“The membership put its full support behind the negotiating committee led by Oscar Moscayza and Alain Maseé,” said District 11 Business Representative Yves Raymond. “The membership rejected the first offer and made it clear they wanted improvements and the negotiating committee delivered those improvements.”

Minnesota Machinists Welcome Senate, House Candidates

U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken, center with glasses, joins IAM supporters at a District 77.

U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken was enthusiastically welcomed by members of District 77 and IAM Midwest Territory GVP Philip J. Gruber at a recent meeting of the Minnesota Council of Machinists. Franken reinforced his support for the Employee Free Choice Act, Health Care Reform and for rebuilding America's crumbling infrastructure.
"Al Franken is a true champion for our values,” said Gruber.

U.S. House of Representatives candidate Ashwin Madia, center, wearing suit, is welcomed at the Minnesota State Council of Machinists meeting.

The Minnesota Council members also gave a warm welcome to Ashwin Madia, who is the Democrat running for an open Congressional seat in the Minnesota 3rd District.

"This seat is really in play this year and we have a great chance to elect a new member of Congress who believes in our values,” said District 77 Directing Business Representative Don Yetman.” This seat has traditionally been a tough win, but now is turning into a Democratic area." Madia addressed the conference and strongly supported the enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act and a whole host of issues important to working families.

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2008 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
Fall 2008

During the days of the Republican-controlled Congress, GOP-insiders replaced the open debating and crafting of legislation with midnight votes and backroom deals.

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.

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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

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