Labor issues you care about in streaming video.

CAFTA Strikes El Salvador
November 9, 2007 - CAFTA was supposed to change the world. The promise was that this would increase the economies of many countries but workers from both sides of the continent agree, CAFTA didn't deliver.

Rally the Troops
November 9, 2007 - This Fall, the National Labor Relations Board has not been kind to workers in its decisions. The men and women of organized labor want the NLRB to know, they aren't going away quietly.

Hot Days Are Over!!!
November 5, 2007 - The IAM strike at the Kennedy Space Center is finally over! After nearly five months of walking the line, hundreds of Machinists are heading back to work.

Bridging the Gap: Part Two
November 2, 2007 - Last week we aird a story about the millions of Americans who work full time but because of low wages and no benefits, still can't make ends meet. This week, we bring you a story on ways organized labor can help close these income gaps.

2007 Automotive Conference: Thinking Outside the Box
October 30, 2007 - The last few decades have dramatically changed America's industrial landscape. The automotive field is no stranger to this new world. The challenge for the IAM is to harness this power by thinking outside of the box.

Bridging the Gap: Part One
October 26, 2007 - The middle class is caught in a trap. Although most work full time becasue of low wages and no benefits, millions of Americans still can't make ends meet.

NASA On Notice
October 19, 2007 - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of Ohio took the floor in the US House of Representatives this week in support of the IAM workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Labor's Red Carpet
October 19, 2007 - For the past seven years, the DC Labor Film Fest has been celebrating workers around the world. Premiering at the American Fil Institute Theatre in Silver Spring, this event turns the Hollywood spotlight on what really matters.

Pushing State Politics
October 11, 2007 - The Northern Virginia CLC canvassed the community last weekend in support of Chap Peterson for State Senate.

A New World Order
October 5, 2007 - Globalization is something organized labor has been talking about for years. But nowadays, the issue seems to seep into conversations around the world, no matter your economic status and many are starting to notice its' dramatic effects.

Financing the Future
October 2, 2007 - House Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer, doesn't paint a promising picture of the country's long term fiscal growth if nothing changes.

A Call To Duty
September 28, 2007 - National Service or working for a non-profit organization may not be something you think of as a job option. But some people are starting to look at it as a key for developing future leaders.

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.

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Labor Board Rulings Spark Outrage, Protests

United Mine Workers President Cecil Roberts addresses the labor rally outside National Labor Relations Board headquarters in Washington,D.C.

A three-block long column of union members, religious leaders and civil rights activists marched on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) today in Washington, DC, to protest a series of anti-worker, pro-business rulings by the federal labor board. Simultaneous rallies took place at NLRB offices in more than 20 cities across the country, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Denver.

“The recent string of anti-worker decisions from the Republican-dominated NLRB are a blatant assault on the most basic worker rights,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. “America would be better off with no NLRB than having to contend with one that is totally hostage to the Bush administration and its corporate agenda.”

Having already stripped 8 million workers of the right to organize by expanding the definition of supervisor, the NLRB recently issued decisions that make it harder for workers to use majority sign up and easier for employers to discriminate against union organizers.

“Under Bush, America’s labor board has so failed our nation’s workers that we must now turn to the world’s international watchdogs to monitor and intervene,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “There is no historic precedent for such aggressive efforts by the board to curtail workers’ rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.”

Ft. Bragg Simulator Techs Ratify New Accord

Members of Local 2296 in Havelock, NC, have ratified a new bargaining agreement with Pulau Electronics Corp., a contractor providing flight simulator services for the U.S. Army at Ft. Bragg, NC. Among the highlights of the three-year agreement are an 11 percent pay raise and increased shift differential for three classes of technicians at the base. Top pay for a Class III Technician will increase to $30.95 in the third year of the contract.

In addition to wage and benefit improvements, successor language in the contract has the potential to provide job security in the event the Army engages a new contractor. The new contract also contains language to prevent the company from subcontracting work normally performed by bargaining unit members.

Aerospace Coordinator Mark Blondin praised the Local 2296 Negotiating Committee and credited assistance from District 75 DBR Steve Pridgen, who recently negotiated an agreement with the same employer at Ft. Rucker, AL. “The contract in Alabama helped pave the way for what we accomplished in North Carolina,” said Blondin. “This is an example of good communication and coordination paying off for IAM members.”

Schmelzer Named IAM Service Support Manager

GST Warren Mart announced this week that IT Support Specialist Brad Schmelzer has been named Service Support Manager, effective December 1, 2007. Brad’s responsibilities will include managing the Help Desk team at IAM headquarters and researching new technology for IAM purposes.

Schmelzer joined the IAM in 2001 as a machine operator for Collis Inc. in Evansville, IN.

As a member of Local 153, Schmelzer served as Shop Steward and Communicator before coming to Grand Lodge in 2004 as an IT Support Specialist.

“The IAM is fortunate to have professionals like Brad on our IT team,” said GST Mart. “I am confident his skills and experience will help keep the IAM on the cutting edge of IT technology for years to come.”

GLR/Mayor Smith Elected to 6th Term

Eastern Territory GLR James Smith was recently re-elected to a sixth term as Mayor of South Lebanon, OH.

The 32-year IAM member has a long history of public service. A graduate of the Lebanon Police Academy and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Smith was appointed Special Representative for the Eastern Territory in 1999 after holding various leadership positions at the local and district level. Smith was first elected mayor of South Lebanon in 1982.

Smith also serves as the Political & Legislative Representative for the 14 states in the Eastern Territory and provides membership training and education on the importance of participating in political activity.

“Jim brings so many skills to the table, including a keen understanding of the connection between politics and paychecks,” said Eastern Territory GVP Lynn D. Tucker, Jr. “He knows that almost anything in a labor contract, including wages and pensions, can be altered in the legislative arena. For more than 25 years, Jim has been an outstanding advocate for workers’ rights. It’s an honor and a privilege to have him on our team.”

Ira Levy to Join Transportation Staff

International President Tom Buffenbarger announced the appointment of District Lodge 141 General Chairman Ira Levy to the position of Special Representative in the Transportation Department effective December 1, 2007.

“Ira brings a wealth of experience to the department,” said Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “His skills in negotiating, organizing and political action are great assets as he continues serving the IAM membership in this new role.”

Levy, currently a member of Local Lodge 1886, began his career in 1977 as a Ramp Serviceman for United Airlines (UAL) in New York while simultaneously earning a degree in accounting from Hofstra University. He held local lodge positions of Shop Steward, Grievance Committee member and Grievance Committee Chair before being elected a District 141 Assistant General Chair in 1995.

At District 141, Levy was the lead negotiator for the initial United Airlines Fleet Technical Instructor agreement. He was also instrumental in organizing UAL Public Contact Employees and then serving as a negotiator for their first contract.

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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
Fall 2007

Choices!Americans can choose to register to vote or not, select a political party or remain independent; follow the campaigns closely or tune in later; switch off the debates or debate with friends over the merits of various candidates; and, finally, choose to cast a ballot or stay home.

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.
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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