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IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli welcomed Midwest Territory staff to the Local 701 Union and Training Facility in Aurora, Ill. for the territory’s staff conference.
“As a union we stand for more than just the work we do,” said Cicinelli. “We stand for solidarity, mutual respect, and fairness for all our members. Each of you play a vital role in creating a culture of strength and support that echoes throughout the workplace. You are not just employees, you are leaders, advocates, and the driving force behind the progress we’ve made and the progress we will continue to make.”
View photos from the Midwest Staff Conference
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the room of dedicated union representatives, thanking them for their service and reminding everyone of the union’s mission.
“I wish you the best this week; a lot of great items that are going to be covered in addition to other critical items,” said Bryant. “We talk a lot about organizing, and that’s important, but most important is the servicing of our members. We can never lose sight of that. Servicing is critical, and it’s on us from the Executive Council to make sure that we give you all the support, tools and knowledge to be able to be successful leaders out there. Because when everyone’s successful in this room, the whole union is successful.”
Bryant highlighted relevant campaigns, negotiations, and strikes to exemplify the Territory’s work and strength, including the Tempus AI organizing and first-contract win and the current District 837 strike at Boeing.
IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel gave an informative and interactive presentation about common legal intricacies of representation and strikes, as well the state of the National Labor Relations Board and how the Board affects union representatives’ daily work.
IAM Assistant Secretary Paul Kendall provided a brief overview of the union’s finances, emphasized the duty of the union to properly and diligently manage funds, and encouraged staff to help members step into positions, like Secretary-Treasurer, in their locals.
Newly appointed IAM Midwest Territory Coordinator William LePinske presented a training about SharePoint; IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center Educational Representative Tim Hight shared the process for locals to host virtual membership meetings; IAM International Representative Kevin Murch spoke about podcasts, lobbying, and talking politics with members; and IAM Special Assistant to the International President Jeff McLeod provided an extensive training on negotiations and strike preparations and procedures.
IAM Executive Council members in attendance:
IAM International President Brian Bryant
IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett
IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen
