www.goiam.org
Tuesday, April 1, 2003
War in Iraq Impacts
Workers More than 20,000 union members belong to the National Guard and to various military reserve units. Many of them have been called to active duty and are serving overseas, Buffenbarger noted. “They do not forfeit their workplace rights when they’re called to serve,” he said. When they return, they are entitled to the same status, pay and benefits as they would receive had they not gone on active duty. For more information, visit www.aflcio.org/reserverights
Justice at Taylor
Machine After 12 Years The IAM filed charges against the company following the firings and stood by the employees during more than a decade of hearings and court appearances. “We welcome the ruling despite the prolonged legal battle required to resolve this case,” said GVP Warren Mart. “Organizing rights are routinely challenged by employers. They will find the IAM does not walk away from workers willing to stand up for their rights. “On behalf of the Eastern Territory office, I would like to thank Organizing Department Director Ken Walsh, District Lodge 60 and all those involved for a job well done,” said Mart.
New Chapter Begins for US Airways Employees at US Airways are credited with making the sacrifices needed for the company to successfully emerge from bankruptcy. “Our members, along with all US Airways employees, made enormous sacrifices so that their airline would survive,” said GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “Without their dedication, US Airways would not be here today.” The reorganized US Airways will operate with help from a $900 million loan guaranteed by the federal government and a $240 million equity investment from the Retirement Systems of Alabama Holdings (RSA).
Defense Offset Deals
Cost U.S. Jobs “The significance of these offset deals continues to increase,” said Owen Herrnstadt, director of the IAM’s Trade and Globalization Dept. “The threat they pose to U.S. workers is enormous.” During the 6-year period, “U.S. defense companies entered into 307 offset agreements…with an export contract value of $40.2 billion,” said the report. The report noted a destabilizing threat to the entire aerospace industry: “Because 90 percent of offset agreements are aerospace-related, concerns about the continued economic stability of U.S. prime contractors in the aerospace infrastructure have increased.” Outsourcing, a soft economy, subcontracting and trade offsets were cited in the final report by the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry for widespread aerospace job losses in 2002.
Organizing Wins in
Missouri and Illinois District 55 Business Representative Terry Lindley said the Adams County employees were a determined bunch. “This was a team effort,” said Lindley. “Winning pay, benefits and a voice in the workplace were their main issues.” The new members at Royal Gate Dodge celebrated a hard fought win, battling for a written contract, a pension plan, dental and vision insurance. “Their willingness to stick together was the key to their victory,” said District 9 Organizer Mark Conner. The Midwest Territory extended a warm welcome to the new members and congratulations to BR Terry Lindley and Organizers Mark Connor and Scott Stackle for their hard work and dedication.
Airline Aid Proposals
Ignore Workers, Again! The ranks of unemployed airline workers swelled by more than 10,000 in recent days as carriers cut schedules and staff in response to reduced passenger demand and concerns over the U.S. war in Iraq. Some in the Bush administration are opposed to any aid for airlines, calling instead for a massive restructuring of the industry, with bankruptcy and liquidation used to force drastic cuts in employee pay and benefits. To send a message to Congress calling for aid to airline workers, go to the Action Alerts & Advocacy page of the IAM web site at http://congress.nw.dc.us/iamaw/issues/alert/?alertid=1795836
Urgent Need for Jobs
Policy Now Without quick action and a commitment by our elected officials, the crisis threatens to expand beyond our nation's ability to address it. “We are up against trade and tax policies that actually encourage corporations to move their facilities overseas,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “I strongly urge every IAM members to speak out about this urgent crisis and to urge your elected representatives to make job creation policies a priority before it’s too late.” To send a message to Congress urging support for a national jobs policy, click here: http://congress.nw.dc.us/iamaw/issues/alert/?alertid=1795656
Maryland Maintenance Workers Join IAM Eastern Territory GVP Warren Mart credited a team approach for the organizing win. “On behalf of the Eastern Territory office and its members, I extend our congratulations and appreciation to District Lodge 12 Business Representative Rick Compher and DBR Vickie Fultonberger and Organizing volunteer Bill Winpisinger.” Mart also thanked GLR George Myers, Apprentice Organizers Shellie Zegarac and Gary Anthony for a job well done.
Legislative
Conference Deadline Looms “Delegates attending the conference should pre-schedule meetings with their senators and congressional representatives,” Michalski said. Two afternoons during the conference have been set aside for meeting with congressional delegations. IP Tom Buffenbarger heads a list of distinguished speakers and delegates face a full agenda of activities, Michalski added. He urged delegates to act quickly to ensure reservations are available for this important event. |