Tuesday, July 26, 2005

AFL-CIO Delegates Enact Historic Reforms

Nearly 1,000 delegates at the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Chicago approved major reforms designed to require diversity at every level of the federation.

In the afternoon session of the Convention’s first day, delegates approved resolutions and amendments to add representatives of the AFL-CIO’s six constituency groups and allied retiree organization to the General Board. The delegates also acted to require the AFL-CIO Executive Council and state and local union movements to develop plans that increase diversity by the next AFL-CIO Convention in 2009.

The imminent danger posed by the Central American Free Trade Act was on delegates minds as they approved a resolution opposing the free trade pact, which could come before the House of Representatives as soon as this week. Throughout the convention, delegates and guests lined up at computers to send messages to lawmakers urging them to oppose the free trade deal. Visit the AFL-CIO website for complete information about resolutions and amendments being debated at the convention in Chicago.

Failed Coup Mars AFL-CIO Convention

The year-long attempt by the Service Workers and the Teamsters to wrest control of the AFL-CIO from the current leadership team collapsed this week when leaders of those unions failed to secure enough support for their plan and sent letters formally withdrawing from the labor federation.

Delegates and union leaders meeting at the AFL-CIO quadrennial convention in Chicago expressed anger and dismay over the decision to disaffiliate at a time when workers in all unions are facing unprecedented economic and political pressures.

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney called the move a “grievous insult” and chastised the dissident leaders saying “The labor movement belongs to all of us and our future should not be dictated by the demands of any group or the ambitions of any individuals.”

The AFL-CIO will continue as a potent force on behalf of working people, representing 50 international unions and millions of union members. The Machinists Union remains a bedrock supporter of the labor federation, with a powerful network of delegates and state council representatives in each of the union’s five U.S. territories.

“Despite predictions the House of Labor will be wounded by the departure of a handful of union leaders, I believe the AFL-CIO can be more focused, more militant and more effective without the distraction of uncommitted and unwilling affiliates,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger, who questioned the motives behind the split.

“I firmly believe in solidarity among unions and I know that millions of union members share that belief. But I question the future of any new organization whose first order of business was to skip town without paying millions in back dues owed to the AFL-CIO.”

Last Chance to Stop CAFTA – Call Today

The U.S. House of Representatives could vote this week on another disastrous trade deal, the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). There is still a good chance to stop this deal from going through if enough Americans speak up and pressure their Representatives to stand up to big business interests.

Take just a few minutes to fight for your job. Call your U.S Representative toll-free at 800-718-1008 today. All you need is your zip code, the telephone system will determine your Congressional district and connect you with their office automatically. Urge your Representative to vote against CAFTA and any other unfair trade deals that cost U.S. jobs.

You can also click here to send an email message to stop CAFTA.

Relief, Pride and Excitement at LL 2061 as Shuttle Blasts Off

As the shuttle lifted off today right on time from Cape Canaveral, Florida, IAM members working at the Kennedy Space Center were elated to see the shuttle blast into the heavens. “Everyone has mixed emotions,” said Local Lodge 2061 President Lynn Beattie. “There’s a sense of relief, pride and excitement.”

“We’re happy with the success, we hope the post checks are all A-1, and thrilled the astronauts are safe and doing well,” continued brother Beattie. “There is a great amount of pride from everyone connected to the program. We certainly don’t take our responsibilities lightly. We want to see America continue exploring space, and we also want to see the program moving forward, with good jobs for our members and our families.”

As the shuttle powered its way into space, all America joined the Florida IAM members in the sense of pride and awe at their accomplishment. “As always, the skill and pride of workmanship is what drives the space program,” said Southern Territory General Vice President Bob Martinez. “The shuttle flies on the shoulders of the great people who work on it. They deserve praise for a job well done.”

Florida IAM Members Support Cleveland Strikers

Auto Technicians at Halleen Chevrolet-Kia in Cleveland have been on strike for six weeks, seeking recognition of the union. IAM members in Florida visited Love Honda-Nissan in Homosassa, FL last week to show support for their brothers and sisters in Cleveland. The dealerships are owned by the same family.

Grand Lodge Representative Paul Morris, along with Representatives from the Southern Territory and District Lodge 166 handbilled the auto technicians at Love Honda-Nissan about the strike in Cleveland, and the importance of having a strong IAM contract. After a walk-through blitz that took the dealership completely by surprise, IAM members demonstrated in front of the dealership and resolved to get the attention of the Love family business.

“We know what our brothers are going through at Halleen Chevrolet-Kia in Ohio. If it takes bringing their message to the Love dealership then that is what we must do. Showing our support is our way of saying to our fellow members that we will not forget you, we will stand with you. We are all in this together,” said GLR Morris.

“We won’t leave a stone unturned to bring the protection and respect of the IAM to unorganized workers throughout the south,” said Southern Territory General Vice President Bob Martinez. “I’m proud of our representatives for showing their support for our striking members in Cleveland, and in letting Florida Auto Technicians know about joining the IAM.”

ATSB Approves US Airways Merger Plan

The Air Transportation Stabilization Board (ATSB), a federal agency that holds loans for both US Airways and America West, has approved the merger of the two carriers. The ATSB approval is one of several steps they must go through before the merger is complete. The Department of Justice gave its approval in June, but the deal must still win approval by U.S bankruptcy court, US Airways’ creditors and America West shareholders.

US Airways owes about $708 million of a $900 million ATSB loan it received in 2003 and America West owes about $300 million on a $380 million ATSB loan it received in 2002. The ATSB will consolidate the two loans and set a new payment schedule that will run through 2010.

Executives from both carriers predict the merger will be complete by September.

Chicagoland Mechanics Ratchet Up Wages & Benefits

Mechanics Local 701 members voted by an overwhelming margin to ratify a new four-year "standard automotive agreement" with the Chicagoland Automotive Trade Association covering approximately 3,100 mechanics working at 200 dealerships.

The new contract goes into effect on August 1, 2005.

"It was the hard work and dedication of the Local 701 committee that helped us bring this package back to our members,” said Local 701 Directing Business Representative Denny Jawor. “This team produced the best monetary package that the standard automotive group has ever enjoyed."

The new package includes more than six dollars in wage and benefit increases averaging $1.50 per year over the term of the agreement. In addition, vacation pay, holiday pay and pay for all paid time off will increase by $1.60 per hour.

"This was a difficult negotiations and the Local 701 leadership came through,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President James E. Brown. With an overwhelming majority of our members voting in favor of this agreement, it's obvious the negotiating team brought back a package worthy of ratification. We congratulate DBR Denny Jawor, the Local 701 bargaining committee and members on their new contract. We wish them continued success in the future."

IAM Offers Condolences for Scout Leaders

Four scout leaders were killed and three others injured when their tent pole contacted a power line during the opening day of a scouting Jamboree being held at the Army's Fort A.P. Hill less than an hour from IAM headquarters in Maryland.

“It’s a tragedy that these men died while giving so selflessly of their time,” said IP Buffenbarger, a former Eagle Scout and long-time supporter of scouting. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims.”

Spokeswoman Renee Fairrer told the Associated Press the Boy Scouts would do something to honor those who were killed. "We are family, and this is like something has happened to four members of our family," she said. "We are all hurting."