A trio of organizing victories in Kentucky and Texas are the latest examples of workers in Southern states turning to the Machinists union for the security and stability of an IAM agreement. In Louisville, KY, eight Recast Energy LLC workers voted to join the IAM. The IAM’s newest members are boiler operators who provide steam energy to Zeon Chemicals and Lubrizol at the old B.F. Goodrich facility in Louisville, KY. Their duties also include monitoring equipment that supplies Brine and Zeolite with water. “Our new members are eagerly awaiting the start of contract negotiations,” said District Lodge 27 Organizer Christ Bradley.
An organizing win and subsequent strong contract for 82 bus drivers last year at Brymak on Lackland AFB, TX led to two voluntary recognition wins at Fort Sam Houston, TX. The IAM was voluntarily recognized for about 30 bus drivers at Shiloh Services Inc. and the sub-contractor, Phoenix Management, Inc. According to District 776 Business Representative Joe Alviar, the drivers were attracted to the IAM on the basis of the contract at Lackland.
“Good contracts, a democratic voice on the job and strong servicing is what the IAM is all about,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez, Jr. “Congratulations to our newest members.”
