IAM Releases ‘Candle’

The IAM released “Candle," the second Internet ad in its vigorous yet humorous virtual ad campaign that explores the moves and motivations of a group of autocrats intent on destroying the American Labor Movement. "Candle" pierces the darkness surrounding the SEIU's reason for splitting the labor movement.

If your internet connection does not support streaming video, click here for downloadable version.

IAM and Boeing Open Negotiations

The IAM and the Boeing Company opened formal negotiations for a new contract in a meeting in Seattle, WA. The IAM presented a comprehensive proposal to senior Boeing management that reflects the important contract issues identified by IAM members.

“Our objective is to keep our members working in jobs that provide a good standard of living,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “Our partnership with Boeing in this industry is demonstrated every day as our members build the best airplanes in the world. They’ve helped Boeing turn the corner and now Boeing should do the right thing -- negotiate a contract that recognizes the vital role our members play in the company’s success.”

“We are optimistic as we enter this round of bargaining,” said District 751 President Mark Blondin. “We have all been through hard times in the last few years, but we met the challenges. The top issues facing our members at Boeing – retirement benefits, health care and job security – are the very same issues that are troubling millions of working men and women, all across America. We have an opportunity to lead the way in these negotiations to prove that realistic solutions to these problems exist if people work together.

The current 36-month labor agreement expires at 12:01 a.m. September 2, 2005.

IAM Transportation Conference Kicks Off

The 2005 IAM North American Transportation Conference opened in New York City to more than 500 railroad and airline activists. International President Tom Buffenbarger gave a rousing keynote address, challenging IAM members to grow their Union. “We must make organizing a top priority. Every local lodge is to have an active Organizing Committee and report all organizing activity at each local lodge meeting,” said Buffenbarger.

Buffenbarger reported on negotiations in the aerospace industry and the cyclical relationship between transportation and aerospace. “Our members in the aerospace industry build the airframes that our members in transportation fill with passengers and cargo, both aspects ensure the safety of our family, our friends, and our communities,” he said.

Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta addressed the conference and reminded delegates of the lives that are entrusted to their care day in and day out. “With the IAM’s help we’ve brought about the safest three-year period in aviation history and the lowest rail fatality rate ever recorded,” said Mineta. “Thank-you very much for your dedication and your commitment to keep America flying and traveling safely.”

IAM Demanding New Negotiations with Onex

In the next few days the IAM will be delivering a demand letter to bargain to the Onex Corporation, the owners buying the commercial side of Boeing in Wichita, KS.  “We understand Onex is closing the sale with Boeing on June 16, and we want immediate negotiations,” said Aerospace Coordinator Dick Schneider. “We need to get back to the collective bargaining table to secure a contract for our members at Onex.

“This will be a brand new employer, and we will have an opportunity for a brand new beginning with this company. Onex has made a commitment to keep work in Wichita, and to grow the business in Wichita. We need to secure the very best Collective Bargaining Agreement as possible for our members, with as many accompanying jobs as possible,” said Schneider. “We hope to have a new proposal for our members to vote on in the next few weeks.”

Defense Department Delays NSPS Deadline

Over the past year Department of Defense (DoD) workers and a union coalition have been battling over the new civil service personnel rules known as the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). NSPS, as proposed by the DoD and the Bush administration, eliminates the current pay schedule, creates stricter disciplinary rules and restricts bargaining rights and representation for the Department of Defense workers.

NSPS was originally set for implementation on July 1 st but Pentagon officials announced that the rollout of NSPS would be pushed back. Officials stated that the date for implementation is “event driven” and that instructions and training must be underway before NSPS is rolled out.

Union officials will meet with Office of Personnel Management’s Acting Director and the Acting Secretary of Defense June 16 in an attempt to obtain worker friendly modifications to the system.

The Bush Administration released a similar proposal this week to revamp the civil service system government-wide by 2010. Specifically written into the proposal is a roadmap to circumventing union representation.

Go to the Action Alerts and Advocay section at www.goiam.org to send a message to Congress to stop NSPS.

International Forum Opens
Transportation Conference

Representatives from major air transport unions in North America, Europe and Japan gathered in New York City on the eve of the 2005 IAM Transportation Conference to exchange ideas and develop a strategy for representing the interests of air transport workers worldwide. Air and rail workers around the globe are increasingly subjected to outsourcing decisions that eliminates their jobs and sends their work to companies and countries that do not recognize even the most basic and fundamental human rights.

The New York meeting of the International Alliance of Air Transport Workers Unions also focused on rampant mismanagement in the air transport industry, from the onset of deregulation to the outrageous compensation packages currently being bestowed on executives of struggling carriers.

“Workers are increasingly being called on to sacrifice their hard earned and negotiated wages and benefits (e.g. pensions) to ‘save’ airlines,” said the alliance participants in a joint statement. “Far too often, these very same airlines that demand cuts from workers, reneging on sacred commitments reached in collective bargaining, continue to provide CEO’s and other upper level workers of management exorbitant compensation packages.”

Participants at the meeting included nearly every craft and class working in the industry today, including mechanics, ramp service/baggage handlers, cargo workers, cleaners, fuelers, cabin crew/flight attendants, customer service representatives, reservations agents, catering/food service workers, and security personnel.

New IAM Website to Feature Google Search

When the Communications Department began mapping out the changes it planned for www.goiam.org, the first thought in mind was to make visits to the IAM website convenient and rewarding. With its 5,000 plus pages, www.goiam.org needed to provide a high-power search engine for its viewers.

“This was no place for compromise, or to use a second-rate tool,” said Communications Director Rick Sloan. “For Goiam to be the kind of website the membership wants, we needed the very best search capability The answer was simple, we went to Google.”

Google is widely recognized as the world's largest search engine -- an easy-to-use service that usually returns relevant results in a fraction of a second. Google's utility and ease of use have made it one of the best known brands almost entirely through word of mouth from satisfied users.

The IAM contracted with Google to use the company’s award-winning search engine tools on the IAM website. Members will find that searches operate more quickly and more effectively with the Google software.

IAM members will have the chance to check out Google search on the revamped www.goiam.org on July 1, 2005.

IAM Photo Contest Deadline is Near

The deadline for this year’s IAM Photography Contest is closing in. Entries must be received no later than June 30, 2005. Entries can be either traditional film prints, or digital images. (Digital photos must however be taken with at least a 3-megapixel camera and set at its best resolution.)

Contest winners will be awarded cash prizes and their photos will appear in the 2006 IAM Calendar. A portion of the calendars sales receipts are donated to the Guide Dogs of America. A complete set of downloadable entry forms and contest rules can be found at: www.iamaw.org/pc2006.