Challenges Ahead: A Discussion by IAM Vice Presidents   Lee Pearson General Vice President Western Territory "We're fortunate to have dedicated activists at every level of our union," said General Vice President Lee Pearson. "With the help of IAM retiree clubs and the new communicators and educators, we're meeting the challenges facing members today, and preparing for what may come tomorrow. "Our biggest challenge in the Western Territory is the cost of energy. It's affecting everyone," says Pearson. "Companies are closing, saying it's too expensive to produce their products. Aircraft manufacturing in Washington and aerospace firms in California have been hit especially hard. We're out there in the community pushing for refunds and educating our members about what's happening and who's responsible." Dave Ritchie General Vice President Canadian Territory "We're unique in important ways," said General Vice President Dave Ritchie. "To begin with, we're a country with provinces rather than states and we have different labor laws from those in the U.S. The challenges faced by workers here, however, are the same as those in any industrialized nation.  "Across the provinces and across the border with the United States, we operate best when we operate as a team," Ritchie. "I am privileged to hold this position and I am honored to serve the interests of IAM members in Canada."   Alex Bay General Vice President Midwest Territory "We are the picture of America at work today," says General Vice President Alex Bay. "Our newest Asian and Hispanic members have the same concerns as working people have had for years: decent wages, good health benefits, and time to care for their kids and parents. "We're doing more for the families of union members," says Bay. "At nearly every IAM conference, we now schedule events designed particularly for spouses. It's critical for family members to understand the work we do and why." Robert Thayer General Vice President Headquarters The Headquarters General Vice President has the administrative responsibilities for the IAM headquarters staff and handles bargaining for more than 20,000 IAM woodworkers and government sector workers. "The move toward privatization in the federal sector is a real concern for our members there," says Thayer. "When good jobs disappear one day and reappear the next day at half the pay, we're seeing the worst side of privatization and outsourcing. Global economic issues, such as imported lumber products, are seriously affecting our woodworkers. And unless we stop initiatives like Fast Track trade authority, it could get a lot worse." Warren Mart General Vice President Eastern Territory "It's so very important for our members to be informed and active," says General Vice President Warren Mart. "There are a lot of challenges ahead. All of our members are affected by new technology and anti-worker legislation," says Mart. "One example is the return of so-called 'Fast Track' legislation. If we're not involved and it passes Congress, it will have a big impact; costing jobs and lowering our hard-won standard of living." The Eastern Territory will host the 36th Grand Lodge Convention in 2004. "We're already planning for the event, which will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio," says Mart. "It's going to be an honor to have the convention here." Robert Roach, Jr. General Vice President Transportation "Collective bargaining for airline and rail employees differs from other industries," explains General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. "Transportation contracts cover all employees, regardless of which state or which airport they work. "The prospect of mergers, acquisitions and government intervention has gotten a lot of attention in recent months," says Roach. "We stay focused, however, on our primary responsibilities: to negotiate and administer contracts, and to deliver services to members and their families on the job and in the community." George Hooper General Vice President Southern Territory "One of the fastest growing sectors in our territory is civilian aircraft manufacturing at companies like Cessna, Learjet and Raytheon," says General Vice President George Hooper. "Our members also maintain the very best in U.S. military aircraft." Twelve out of fourteen states in the Southern Territory are right to work (for less) states. "It is a challenge, no doubt about it," says Hooper. "We're constantly educating members and non-members alike on the benefits of union membership. Layoffs and plant closings are a painful lesson, and it's a harder burden to shoulder when free riders don't carry their part of the fight," says Hooper. "We're lucky to have the resources and support of IAM members everywhere in this constant challenge."   Contents