Members Vote for 'New Beginning' in Wichita
Members of Local 834 in Wichita, Kansas, employed by Mid-Western Aircraft Systems, Inc. (MWAS), voted overwhelmingly to ratify a five-year agreement with the newly formed company.
The members voted by an 89 percent margin for an agreement that includes a defined benefit pension plan, an equity participation program and vacation and sick leave accrual language similar to the previous contract with Boeing. The agreement would also bring back members affected by the divesture at 90 percent of their previous salary.
"Onex managing director Nigel Wright indicated to us they intend for MWAS to become the Harley Davidson of the Midwest," said Aerospace Coordinator Dick Schneider. "They have committed to participate in our HPWO program and it's clear they want to be partners with us into the future."
Schneider thanked the negotiating committee, IP Buffenbarger, GVP Bob Thayer and Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge for their efforts, advice and assistance. "It was a great team effort by everyone involved," said Schneider.
House Approves Pension Legislation
The U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment that would prevent the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) from spending money to carry out its agreement to accept liability for United Airline's terminated pension plans.
The amendment, attached to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (H.R. 3010), passed by a vote of 219-185, sending a clear message that Congress does not endorse the backroom deal United made with the PBGC.
The language specifically states: "None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be used by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to enforce or implement the "Settlement Agreement By and Among UAL Corporation and all Direct and Indirect Subsidiaries and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation", dated April 22, 2005."
Since the PBGC uses insurance premiums and terminated plans' assets to fund its operations and pay benefits, the impact, if any, this bill may have on IAM members if it becomes law is unclear. The bill would have to also pass the Senate and be signed by the President to take effect.
Local Lodge 141 Hosts Transportation Activist Training
Detroit Air Transport Local Lodge 141 last week hosted the initial Transportation Activists Program (TAP) field training class. Local 141 volunteers received training in political involvement, organizing, employment services, global union alliances, face to face and print communications, the Railway Labor Act and IAM structure.
"Local 141's leadership and volunteer activists demonstrated a firm commitment to the IAM membership." said GVP Roach. "The participants developed plans for organizing and membership mobilization to help ensure the continued success of the Machinists Union."
Local 141 is preparing for an additional TAP class in the fall. Any Transportation Local Lodge with ten or more volunteers can host TAP volunteer training. More information about the TAP program is available online or by calling Education Representative Monica Silbas at 202-776-0106.
IAM Family Member Wins Union Plus Scholarship
Jody Hanneman, wife of Thomas Henneman of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Local 655 has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship award from the 2005 Union Plus scholarship program.
Jody was one of 120 chosen to receive a scholarship from an initial field of more than 5,500 student applications.
"My goal is to graduate from Lakeland College in two years with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. I will target employment opportunities within the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools. I will use my voice to keep the union federation strong," Jody said.
"As tuition costs skyrocket and the government makes cuts in federally funded grants and scholarships it is a pleasure to congratulate one of our own that has won an opportunity to bring higher education within grasp," said International President Tom Buffenbarger.
"We wish Jody all the best in furthering her education."
Oil Tops $60 a Barrel
Oil prices continued their budget-busting surge this week, jumping to nearly $61 a barrel. Analysts predicting supplies will struggle to meet demand in the coming summer months, and prices are expected to increase even further.
"These high prices really have not significantly dented demand particularly in the United States market," Victor Shum, petroleum analyst at Pervin & Gertz, said in an Associated Press article.
American consumers and working families have been directly impacted by the record oil prices, most notably at the gas pump where prices are 40 percent higher than a year ago.
The average retail price for gas increased 8 cents over the past two weeks to $2.24 a gallon, according to a national survey of retail gas prices.
President Bush: Union Buster
President George W. Bush is featured on the cover of the June 5th issue of Government Executive magazine, and according to the publication, Union Buster is his title.
While federal workers are unable to directly bargain for wages and cannot strike, they do have the right to bargain for working conditions and employment practices. But even that is now under direct threat by sweeping new regulations contained in the National Security Personnel System (NSPS).
Under the new system, pushed into place by Union Buster Bush, managers would have the ultimate authority in work assignments, discipline, deployments and the use of technology. For more information, click here. Watch Union Buster Bush.
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