Automotive — 4

Those present at the meetings discussed their successes and strategies, as well as what they feel is necessary to successfully organize new car dealerships. An IAM Automotive Organizing Program was put together to be used in conjunction with the IAM Organizing Department Program. They also designed new automotive pamphlets to be used in organizing new car dealerships (My Family and My Job) and the trucking industry (Join Us), which are available through Headquarters.

We have the ability of increasing our membership in the automotive trade, an industry comprised of skilled workers who are in high demand. The IAM has much to offer these highly skilled mechanics and technicians: job security, excellent wages and benefits enjoyed by our present automotive membership.

For those involved in the Automotive Industry, there is little doubt about the potential for growth. These jobs provide stable and community-specific work, work that cannot be moved to another country to save labor costs.

The IAM has historically negotiated contracts in auto dealerships, new truck dealerships, trailer repairs, body shops, freight lines, etc., which have set the standard in metropolitan areas.

The list of potential organizing sites other than new car dealerships is endless. Some examples are transmission shops, automotive machine shops, automobile motor rebuilding, automobile parts and supplies, boat dealerships, motorcycle dealerships, etc.

The Territorial Automotive Organizing Blitz Program was developed in 2001 to target the professional Mechanics/Technicians. Its strategy is simple: through personal contact with the unorganized auto technicians and mechanics at targeted dealerships, the IAM Automotive Blitz Program plants the seed for growth by educating unorganized techs and mechanics on their rights to join the IAM and the benefits of union membership through meetings, IAM literature, house visits, etc.