www.goiam.org Tuesday,
June 4, 2002
Frank Savage
Vacates Enron Hot Seat As a finance committee member on Enron’s board, Savage participated in reviews of the company’s arrangements with Arthur Anderson and in the decision to allow Enron executives to set up off-book partnerships that concealed huge losses. After Enron’s fall, Savage was at the center of a national debate over corporate accountability and the fitness of current Enron directors to serve in similar positions at other publicly held companies. Despite employee and shareholder outrage, Lockheed Martin CEO Vance Coffman nominated Savage to serve on Lockheed’s board of directors. In a labor-led campaign to reject Coffman’s choice of Savage, shareholders nearly overturned the nomination in the largest vote ever against a management appointed choice for director.
Boeing’s
Stonecipher Exits to Applause “During Stonecipher’s reign, Boeing moved in a direction that served neither employees or shareholders,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “Despite his reputation as a hard-nosed number cruncher, Boeing’s stock is lower today than when he arrived.”
Rather than name a
single replacement for the departed Stonecipher, Boeing CEO Phil Condit
created a 3-person Office of the Chairman, staffed by Chief Financial
Officer Michael Sears, Chief Technology Officer David Swain and Chief
Administration Officer Laurette Kollner.
Hope at Hand
for Kentucky Rail Facility The offer by National Railway of Dixmore, Illinois for Paducah-based VMV Enterprises was the highest of seven competing proposals. The bid awaits approval at a June 18 hearing in U.S. District Court. IAM leaders welcomed the announcement, which followed a determined effort by employees, local politicians and the IAM to keep the shops from being dismantled following the descent into Chapter 11. “This outcome is a good example of the positive results that are possible when everyone works together,” said GVP Robert Roach, Jr. A casualty of the recession and competition from overseas repair shops, VMV closed the historic rail yard in April and declared bankruptcy after laying off nearly 400 employees during the past two years. “This bid will bring IAM rail jobs back into the VMV shops,” said Bob Reynolds, President and Directing General Chairman of District 19. “Our members worked hard alongside potential bidders and community leaders to give this facility a fighting chance. We’re more determined than ever to preserve these shops and the jobs that go with them.”
Voices at Work Month Kicks Off Workers face increasing opposition when they try to form unions. Employers often engage in both legal and illegal tactics to sidetrack union organizing drives, notes Karen Bronfenbrenner, a Cornell University scholar. One-fourth of employers illegally fire workers for union activity during organizing drives, she adds, and 78 percent force employees to attend one-on-one anti-union sessions with managers. “Freedom of association is under severe, often buckling, pressure when workers in the U.S. try to exercise it,” notes a report by Human Rights Watch. “Many workers who try to form unions…are spied upon, harassed, threatened, suspended, fired, deported or otherwise victimized in reprisal for their exercise of the right to freedom of association,” the report added. For additional information and to see how union membership benefits workers, check www.aflcio.org/2002/o531_voiceatwork.htm
IAM Member
Wins Scholarship Since returning to school, Milbert has maintained a 4.0 grade point average at Mid-State Technical College, a significant accomplishment for a single parent who both works and attends classes full-time. “I have been very happy with the benefits the union has offered me,” she said. “Our union makes us stronger in this world of big business and helps the little people have a voice in what happens to us.”
Memorial
Service Set for Labor’s Priest
The Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) program is focused on educating kids about the perils of using drugs. First, though, you have to get their attention. Windsor Locks, CT police officer Joe Oliveria found a solution. He bought a 1996 Chevy Camaro with his own money and began to restore it. That’s when Local Lodge 743 stepped in. They donated $2,000 to help with the restoration costs. The car is now the centerpiece of many school and community functions—and sends a firm message to kids about drugs. |