Tuesday August 30, 2005

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Labor issues you care about in streaming video
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Republicans Ready Social Security Push
When Congress returns from their month long recess in September, Republicans will renew their push to privatize social security.
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Back to School Shopping

It’s back to school time for families.That means fresh supplies of number two pencils, wide or college ruled paper, composition books, and backpacks.
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Wal-Mart Wages War on Worker
s

AUGUST 16, 2005 - Wal-Mart announced a $2.8 billion profit for the second quarter of 2005. The conglomerate is still opening stores, still undercutting the competition and is still showing a lack of respect and dignity to their associates.

 
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Unions Win Major Victory For Government Workers

In a major victory for government workers U.S. District Judge Rosemary M. Collyer ruled on Friday, August 12th against the Department of Homeland Security’s new personnel rules.
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Bush Administration Slow to Curb Textile Imports from China

AUGUST 5, 2005 - For the third time in two weeks, the Bush administration has delayed imposing safeguards on textile imports from China.

 
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Wal-Mart's Green Goals

JULY 29, 2005 - Last week Wal-Mart opened an experimental eco-friendly superstore near Dallas, Texas. The new store boasts wind turbines, rain-harvesting ponds, and bio-fuel recycling in hopes to becoming a better neighbor.
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Millie Hughes - One of the most senior active members in District 751 sends a clear message to management.

Boeing Contract Offer Strikes Out

Contract negotiations between the IAM and Boeing drew closer to a strike rather than a settlement as Company representatives continue proposing massive takeaways and a meager pension benefit for nearly 18,500 workers in Portland, Oregon, Wichita, Kansas and Washington state.

“This is the lowest economic package we have ever received,” said Aerospace Coordinator Dick Schneider. “Our members have earned more.”

Describing Boeing’s proposals as “insulting” and “substandard offers that refuse to address workers’ top issues – pensions, health care and job security,” IAM negotiators called on Machinists at Boeing to remain focused on their priorities and steadfast in their resolve.

“Now is the time to stick together,” declared District 751 President Mark Blondin in a bulletin to members. “Do the right thing and don’t allow this company to divide the workforce.”

“If we allow them to segregate Wichita, retirees, recalls, new hires, age groups or any other division, who’s  next?” asked President and DBR Steve Rooney. “Our Brothers and Sisters in Seattle are committed to standing with Wichita.”

A final “last, best” offer from the company is now expected sometime on August 30. Voting on the company’s final proposal will take place on Sept. 1, 2005. The current contract expires at 12:01a.m.on Sept. 2, 2005.

“Boeing’s profits have tripled in the past three years and their pockets are bulging with new aircraft orders,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “As it stands now, Boeing’s offer is little more than an invitation to strike.”

 

IAM Mourns B.R. Brownell

It is with deep sadness that the IAM announces the passing of recently retired Directing Business Representative B.R. Brownell on August 27, 2005. Hailed by Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez as “great trade unionist and a great leader,” Brownell was also one of the IAM’s pre-eminent organizers.

When he wasn’t hammering out contracts and assisting IAM members in Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, Brownell helped the staff at District 75 to lead the Southern Territory in new member organizing during the past several years. “Brownell understood it’s all about organizing,” said GVP Martinez when B.R. retired earlier this year. “He always found a way to get it done.”

Brownell joined the IAM in 1966 working for Page Aircraft at Ft. Rucker, AL and served as a Shop Steward for over 20 years. He became a Business Representative for District 75 in 1995 and Directing Business Representative in 2002.

 


Twenty nine local and district activists traveled from the U.S. and Canada to attend the first-ever Communicators class

WWW Center Hosts Communicator Class

Twenty-nine local and district lodge activists traveled from across the U.S. and Canada to attend the first-ever class designed exclusively to support IAM members appointed to the Communicator position.

The full week of classroom instruction and hands-on workshops is in response to requests from Communicators for training and assistance in building websites, establishing newsletters and using broadcast email as means to keep local members informed.

“This class is a unique combination of several classes offered here at the Winpisinger Center,” said IAM Communications Director Rick Sloan. “We know the role of Communicators has evolved since it was created by delegates at the 2000 Grand Lodge Convention. The class is also an acknowledgement of the importance of the Communicators to this union and its members.”

 

Seniors Cool to Flawed Drug Plan

President Bush is hitting the road in Arizona and California this week again to try and convince older Americans to enroll in the new prescription drug plan set to take effect January 1 for Medicare patients.

Seniors, however, have yet to buy into the flawed plan, which will give a huge windfall profit to HMOs and pharmaceutical companies, while reducing or eliminating prescription drug benefits for many older Americans. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that only slightly more than one in five seniors say they plan to enroll in the benefit.

“America’s seniors will recognize a good plan when they see one,” said George Kourpias, President of the Alliance for Retired Americans. “Their skepticism of the new prescription drug benefit is well founded, and it’s evident we’ll be stuck paying exorbitant drug prices.”

The only group that seems to be sharing the Bush administration and Republican lawmakers’ enthusiasm for the new plan is the health care industry, who spent $325 million last year alone to influence Congress and federal agencies, according to a report in the New York Times.

 

Union Label Week Starts September 5

Union Label Week 2005 kicks off on Labor Day, Monday, September 5 and will run through Saturday, September 10. The message this year: Add Value to Your Life—Buy Union.

Union Label Week is an opportunity to create a better understanding of the many ways unions and union members contribute to America’s security and prosperity.

Unions and their members set the standard for employment value, working conditions and vital benefits such as health care and retirement. By enhancing their communities, Unions are building the foundation for a strong America.

This Labor Day, make America stronger by making a special effort to purchase union-made goods and to patronize businesses displaying union shop cards and employing union workers.


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IAM members are now eligible for special discounts on Dell computers and laptops at www.dell eppbuy. Use the ID Code: PS16626766


See who works for you, how the IAM is structured, and what services the IAM offers. Go to: IAM2005

FlatRateTech is an organization “created for and by Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians solely to speak as one loud voice rather than 50,000 smaller voices.” according to their website The fast-growing site offers forums for Ford customers, technicians and dealers to exchange information.

IAM
Executive Council


Tom Buffenbarger
International President


Warren L. Mart
Secretary-Treasurer


Lee Pearson
GVP Western Territory


Dave Ritchie
GVP Canada


Robert Thayer
GVP Headquarters


Robert Roach,Jr.
GVP Transportation


Lynn Tucker
GVP Eastern Territory


Robert Martinez
GVP Southern Territory


James Brown
GVP Midwest Territory