Reid to Head IAM Safety and Health Department
June 2, 2015
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IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger announced that Grand Lodge Representative Jim Reid will take over as Director of the IAM’s Safety and Health Department, effective June 1, 2015.
“The IAM places an enormous amount of importance on safety and health training for our members, many of whom work in potentially dangerous work environments,” said Buffenbarger. “Jim is the right person to carry on this legacy, as well as to continue our commitment to expanding opportunities for apprenticeships and educational scholarships.”
Reid initiated into Toronto IAM Local 235 in 1981. He served as Newsletter Editor and Secretary-Treasurer of his Local, as well as on the District 78 Executive Board and the Ontario Provincial Council of Machinists. In 1992, he was tapped to become a Special Representative and then rose to Grand Lodge Representative. Reid has served in the IAM’s High Performance Work Organization (HPWO) Department since 1997.
“Jim has always been a tireless advocate for worker safety and wellbeing,” said IAM General Vice President Diane Babineaux. “Our members can take comfort in knowing that their union will continue to fight for laws and regulations that protect our brothers and sisters.”
Reid holds a bachelor’s degree in labor studies from the National Labor College and a Master’s of Education from Capella University. He is an active member of many AFL-CIO constituency groups, including the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, Coalition of Labor Union Women, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and Pride at Work.
The IAM’s Safety & Health Department’s primary mission is to assist union leadership and members with safety and health issues. Through IAM CREST, in cooperation with the department, additional safety education and training is provided to members and their employers. The department also administers the popular IAM Scholarship and Apprentice programs.
