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www.goiam.org |
 A close look at how big business wants to expand NAFTA. Free Trade Area of the Americas
The IAM Executive Council International
President Secretary Treasurer GVP Western GVP
Canada GVP Midwest GVP Headquarters GVP
Southern GVP Transportation |
Tuesday, November 27, 2001 Aerospace Panel Opens Hearings The 12-member Presidential Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry held its first public hearing today in Washington, D.C. IAM President Tom Buffenbarger was the sole labor representative on the panel. “Ensuring that the U.S. aerospace industry remains robust ought to be our highest priority,” said Buffenbarger. “Defense priorities, tax, trade and employment policies should be examined. But, unless we understand how much we stand to lose in the way of jobs, prestige and potential economic growth if aerospace follows this country’s steel, auto and manufacturing sectors, we will have failed dismally.” “Government, industry and labor can produce a sound aerospace program, but not by encouraging overseas contracting-out to the lowest bidder,” said Buffenbarger. “That’s what King George did when he hired Hessians during the Revolutionary War. We simply cannot allow this industry’s best and brightest employees to be replaced by a multinational grab bag of low-bid operatives.” The commission will also examine the nation’s space launch infrastructure and support for science and engineering education. According to commission chairman and former U.S. Rep. Robert Walker (R-PA), the panel’s congressional charter allows it to address the impact of the Sept. 11 events on the U.S. airline and aircraft manufacturing industry. The commission has scheduled three more public meetings in February, May and September 2002. The panel’s final recommendations go to the President in November 2002. High
Court
Rejects NAFTA
Challenge Earlier a federal district court in Alabama held that the U.S. President had the authority to negotiate and conclude the NAFTA agreement. The lower court also ruled that NAFTA was permissibly approved and implemented through an act of Congress in 1993. A simple majority vote of the U.S. Congress had approved implementing legislation. A U.S. appeals court dismissed the
lawsuit. The Steelworkers then appealed to the Supreme Court. The high
court sided with the U.S. Justice Department, denying the appeal without
any comment. Georgia
Local Wins $600,000 Arbitration “The members of Local 1128 have a lot to cheer about. This is the biggest win in the history of District 112. Congratulations to Business Representative Steve Hernandez and Local Lodge 1128, and Happy Holidays to our 12 members and their families.” “Everyone in the Local Lodge is excited,” said Hernandez. “We knew we were right, and it’s great to see justice served. It will make Christmas a lot happier for 12 families.” Durango Georgia Paper laid off the 12 employees in October, 2000 despite a clause in the new contract that no employees were to be laid off as a result of an agreement to change from a single classification to a dual classification per employee work system. The IAM asserted that the layoffs were a direct result of the new classification program. Brother Hernandez immediately started the process to get these members back to work. “I couldn’t have done it without the Arbitration training I’d received at the William W. Winpisinger Center at Placid Harbor. The training is so complete. This award is directly attributable to the Center.” Midwest
Notches Organizing Wins The
IAM Midwest Territory announced organizing victories at William Moorehead
& Associates in Chicago, IL, and at the Badger Truck Center
in Milwaukee, WI. The Moorehead win brings 11 new members who are
elevator technicians into IAM Local Lodge 701, while six warehouse workers
at Badger Truck will join the ranks of Local Lodge 2110. The main issues
of concern to our new members were the desire for true voice in the work
place, a grievance procedure and pay inequities. LL
31 Wins Arbitration Award Comments, suggestions,
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