Washington, D.C., December 08, 2011 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is branding Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) as 2011’s ‘Job Killer of the Year’ for his willingness to obstruct legislation that would create and sustain tens of thousands of American manufacturing jobs.
In addition to relentless opposition to all substantive jobs proposals, Cantor is now threatening to withhold funding for the US Export-Import Bank . At stake is a deal for 3.4 billion in loan guarantees that will allow Air India to finance the purchase of 27 U.S.-built Boeing 787s.
“The purpose of the Ex-IM bank is to finance transactions that promote the export of U.S. manufactured products and create U.S. jobs ,” said IAM&AW President Thomas Buffenbarger. “The loan guarantees for Air India to purchase Boeing-built aircraft are a clear example how the bank was designed to operate and would provide a clear benefit for the U.S. economy with tens of thousands of jobs.”
Cantor ‘s actions intended or not, support lobbying effort by Delta Air Lines to prevent Air India from acquiring the additional aircraft. The effort includes a lawsuit by Airlines for America (formerly Air Transport Assn.) This is the same Delta Airlines that could afford the Northwest Airlines merger but is projected to avoid federal taxes for several years due to huge operating losses and it is the same Delta Airlines that has dumped nearly $10 billion in pension liability on the taxpayer.
“Rep. Cantor and the AFA are willing to give a single company, Delta Air Lines, an unfair competitive advantage at the expense of tens of thousands of U.S. workers,” declared President Buffenbarger. “Our economy needs jobs much more than any one company needs special treatment from any elected official.” A review of the record of costly special treatment at the taxpayer’s expense for Delta Airlines is attached.
A vote on legislation to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank could to take place as soon as tomorrow or next week.
The IAM represents more than 35,000 Boeing workers among nearly 700,000 active and retired members in dozens of industries. For more information about the IAM, visit www.goiam.org.
