iMail for Tuesday, January 3, 2012
NMB Sets United Airlines Passenger Service/Reservation Election Dates
The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced that January 17, 2012 will be the starting date for a five-week election that can establish the IAM as the collective bargaining representative for 17,930 Passenger Service and Reservation employees at the airline formed by the merger of United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia.
ExpressJet/Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants Vote ‘Yes’ for IAM
In an election prompted by the merger of ExpressJet Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines, the IAM emerged as the clear winner in a contest to determine union representation rights for more than 2,160 Flight Attendants.
NLRB Approves New Rules to Minimize Undue Union Election Delays
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has approved new union representation rules to ensure workers can freely exercise one basic right we hold dear in this country – the right to vote.
New Indiana Statehouse Rules Limit Right-to-Work Protests
Indiana state officials have announced that the state will limit the number of people allowed in the statehouse. The announcement, made less than one week before the start of a legislative session where state lawmakers are expected to take up the so-called “right-to-work” bill, would limit the number of protestors allowed in the building at any given time.
Special Edition iMail for Friday, December 16, 2011
IAM Announces New Aerospace Territory, Names Mark Blondin General Vice President
IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger announced today the creation of a new Aerospace Territory that will be led by General Vice President, Mark Blondin.
iMail for Friday, December 15, 2011
District 751 Welcomes New Members at URS
The 352 workers who perform site maintenance and repair work for URS Corporation in Dupont, WA, have voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation. The workers will now join District Lodge 751 in Seattle.
Anthony Named New Eastern Territory Representative
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Lynn D. Tucker, Jr., announced the appointment of District Lodge 1 Organizer Gary Anthony to the staff of the Eastern Territory as a Special Representative, effective January 1, 2012.
Solomon Honored with NBCSL Labor Award
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) awarded IAM Legislative and Political Action Assistant Director Hasan Solomon as its 2011 Labor Leader of the Year.
Shop Union-Made This Holiday Season
The holidays are fast approaching. But never fear. American Rights at Work and the National Football League Players Association have put together a handy gift guide of union-made products made in the USA. Find great gift ideas like Play-Doh, All-Clad, Omaha Steaks, Louisville Sluggers, Snap-On tools, American Greeting cards, including a host of products made by your fellow IAM brothers and sisters.
Grand Lodge Sets Holiday Closing
IAM Headquarters will close for the holidays at the close of business Friday, December 16, and re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Best wishes to all for a safe and joyous holiday season.
iMail for Tuesday, December 13, 2011
IAM Welcomes NMB Ruling for United/Continental Passenger Service Employees
The IAM welcomed the National Mediation Board (NMB) single carrier ruling for Passenger Service and Reservation Employees at United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia. The ruling follows the merger of the three airlines and is necessary before union representation issues can be resolved and integration of the pre-merger Passenger Service groups can occur.
Wisconsin Unions Rally in Support of Striking Machinists
More than 2,500 union members from across Wisconsin rallied in the small town of Manitowoc, WI, to support striking Machinists at Manitowoc Cranes. IAM Local 516 members have been on strike since mid-November because of the company’s last minute “Scott Walker” style union busting proposals.
Join UCubed’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign
The right to vote and choose our leaders is at the heart
of what it means to be an American.
If you've moved since the last time you voted, your right to
vote could be challenged at the polls. Avoid potential
problems by adding "Update voting address/register to vote"
to your holiday to-do list. It's never too early! Simply
click
here.
Fill out the form. Print it. Sign it. And drop it in the
mail.
Machinists Name Republican Majority Leader Cantor 'Job Killer of the Year'
The IAM is branding Republican House Majority Leader Eric
Cantor (R-VA) as 2011's “Job Killer of the Year” for his
willingness to obstruct legislation that would sustain tens
of thousands of American manufacturing jobs.
Take Action: A vote on legislation to
reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank is coming soon. Click
here
to tell your House Representative to vote “yes” on the bill
to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank today.
Special Edition iMail for Friday, December 9, 2011
Download the December 2011 IAM Journal!
The December 2011 IAM Journal is now
available on the new IAM App.
Get the IAM App on the iPad, Android Tablet and Android
Phone. iPhone support coming soon! For information on how
to download the free IAM App, click
here
and follow the links to Apple’s iTunes Store or the
Android Market.
iMail for Thursday, December 8, 2011
Machinists Leader Sees New Era for Boeing/IAM
A key figure in the negotiations that led to the landmark agreement between the IAM and the Boeing Company welcomed the vote by members to ratify the accord and predicted additional benefits beyond the terms of the contract.
NMB Rejects Delta Employees’ Election Appeal
IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. condemned the National Mediation Board (NMB)’s indefensible dismissal of the IAM’s 2010 Delta Air Lines Fleet Service election interference complaint.
Tell the House to Support a Stronger Buy American Act
U.S. Representative Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), top
Democrat of the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee, has introduced legislation to create American
jobs and revitalize American manufacturing.
TAKE ACTION: Click
here
to tell your House member to support the Invest in
American Jobs Act of 2011 as part of the surface
reauthorization bill today.
Update Passports, Cell Phones for 2012 Convention
IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada.
iMail for Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A Victory for U.S. Labor Law
The right-wing darlings in Congress who are so quick to wave the U.S. Constitution about and declare they favor strict adherence to the laws of the land, might want to applaud the 75-year old law that created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and set the stage for a resolution of the contentious dispute between the IAM and Boeing.
U.S. Air Force Decision Bombs in Wichita
With the U.S. light aircraft industry still in a financial tailspin, it’s hard to comprehend the recent Air Force decision favoring a Brazilian plane-maker over Wichita, KS-based Hawker Beechcraft for a $1 billion contract to build a new light air support aircraft.
Talks to Resume in Minnesota Tanker Strike
Contract negotiations are set to resume for members of District 165, Local 623 who are employed at Polar Tank in Opole, MN. The members voted overwhelmingly last week to strike after the company proposed contract language that would increase outsourcing, compromise seniority provisions and job security.
Send Congress a Lump of Coal
UCubed needs your help in collecting 5,000 signatures for its new online petition to send Congress a lump of coal for the upcoming holiday.
Vote for USA’s Brotherhood Outdoors TV Show
Brotherhood Outdoors, the outdoor TV series of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) is a finalist in the 2011 Sportsman Choice Awards. The show, which showcases hardworking union members on hunting and fishing adventures, has been nominated for the categories of Best Fish and Best Combination (hunting/fishing) Show.
Wall Street Tycoon Pushes Peacetime WPA
A 68-year-old Wall Street veteran echoes UCubed in calling on President Obama to create a 21st century version of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA).
iMail for Thursday, December 1, 2011
Machinists at Boeing to Vote on 737 MAX Pact
In an announcement that made front-page news around the world, leaders of IAM District 751 in Seattle said that union members in Washington, Portland and Kansas will vote next week on a four-year contract extension that includes a commitment by the Boeing Co. to build its 737 MAX passenger jet in Washington state.
Dougan Responds to Perry’s ‘God-Awful’ Comment
After Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry stated that he would reassign government workers “to some really god-awful place” if they disagreed with his “core philosophy,” NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 President William Dougan shot back with a statement on behalf of our members and all workers in the federal government.
Ohio District 54 Responds to Factory Fire
A fire at the Janesville Acoustics factory in Newcomerstown, OH destroyed the facility and left members of Local 1285, District 54 and the local community facing an uncertain future. The facility, which manufactures automobile insulation, provided employment for nearly 60 IAM members and was poised to triple in size in the near future.
IAM Supports Dec. 8 Prayer Vigil for Unemployed
On December 8, 2011, the IAM will join the AFL-CIO and affiliates in a National Prayer Vigil for the unemployed, demanding Congress renew unemployment insurance benefits for millions of jobless Americans.
Voting Begins for ASA-ExpressJet Flight Attendants
Voting Instructions are in the mail for ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants who will now have the chance to cast ballots for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the only union that negotiates mainline-quality Flight Attendant contracts at regional airlines.
Pelosi Speaks in Support of Workers’ Rights
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor yesterday against the Republicans’ so-called Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act.
iMail for Tuesday, November 29, 2011
IAM President Urges ‘No’ Vote on Election Prevention Act
IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger has sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives urging lawmakers to vote “no” on a GOP-sponsored bill aimed at delaying and ultimately preventing union representation elections.
Monthly Per Capita Tax Set for 2012
The Grand Lodge monthly per capita tax for 2012 will be $31.78, reports GST Warren Mart in a letter to all IAM District and Local Lodges. The figure was calculated using the formula approved by Delegates to the 2008 Grand Lodge Convention.
Members Can Help Test the New IAM App
The IAM App for Android phones is now available, but we need your help testing it. Please search for the "IAM Journal" in the Android Marketplace. Then drop IAM Communications Director Rick Sloan an email at rsloan@iamaw.org, and let him know how it works on your ‘droid.
AT&T Mobility Deserves Union Support
With organizing rights increasingly under attack by right-wing politicians and their well-funded corporate allies, it’s unusual to find a major company that respects workers’ collective bargaining rights and their elected representatives.
GOP Legislation Targets Public Health, Workplace Safety
The Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) is the
biggest threat to environmental standards, workplace
safety rules, public health, and financial reform
regulations to appear in decades.
TAKE ACTION: Click
here to tell your House
Representative to vote “NO” on the Regulatory
Accountability Act.
iMail for Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sito Pantoja to Lead IAM Transportation Department
Tapping into the wealth of experience that is among the IAM’s greatest resources, International President Tom Buffenbarger announced that Sito Pantoja will become the newest member of the IAM Executive Council. Pantoja will begin serving as General Vice President (GVP) of the Transportation Territory on January 1, 2012 and succeed current Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr., who will become the IAM’s General Secretary-Treasurer.
Guide Dogs of America Banquet Big Success
More than 1,000 people gathered to support Guide Dogs of America (GDA) at the 31st Annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet held in Las Vegas, NV. The crowd cheered locals, districts and companies as they stepped up to make donations.
Local 1484 Member Wins Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide
The winner of the 2011 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle raffled off by Guide Dogs of America (GDA) is Tim Tietz of Huntington Beach, CA, a 29-year member of IAM Local Lodge 1484.
Michigan Local 475 Scores Labor-Management Award
Grand Rapids, MI Local 475 members and their employer, Anderson Global, were honored recently with the Harold Workman Labor-Management Cooperation Award, presented at the Muskegon Area Labor-Management Committee (MALMAC) annual tribute to labor.
GVP Ritchie Elected to CLC Executive Committee
IAM Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Canadian Labour Congress.
iMail for Thursday, November 17, 2011
District 19 Reaches Tentative Pact for Freight Rail Members
After several months of negotiations, mediation and a presentation to a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) appointed by President Obama, IAM District Lodge 19 has reached a tentative agreement with the National Freight Carriers represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).
Management Proposal Triggers Strike at Manitowoc Crane
Leaders of IAM District 10, Local 516 in Manitowoc, WI, are citing a last-minute proposal from the company as a key reason for an overwhelming vote to reject the contract and authorize a strike.
IAM Seeks Federal Intervention at Honeywell FM&T
The IAM is calling for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to immediately release all information related to the recent water main break at the Honeywell FM&T plant and the subsequent handling of the waste from the extensive spill.
Recall Walker Campaign On a Roll
The campaign to recall Wisconsin GOP Governor Scott Walker officially kicked off on November 15 and is on a roll. In just the first two days, more than 18,000 recall petitions were downloaded throughout the state.
Guide Dogs Featured at Alabama’s Peanut Festival
The National Peanut Festival is held every year in Dothan, AL, where peanuts and helicopters provide much of the area’s jobs. Nearly 4,000 IAM Local Lodge 2003 members work at nearby Ft. Rucker, servicing the Army’s helicopter fleet.
iMail for Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Mediation Board Sets Dates for ExpressJet Election
The National Mediation Board (NMB) announced November 30, 2011 will mark the start of a three-week election period to determine union representation for more than 2,000 ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants.
Winners Named in 2011 Newsletter & Website Competition
The winners in the 2011 IAM Newsletter and Website Contest have been chosen. The District and Local Lodge first place winners for each category are:
In the Newsletter Category – Top honors for General Excellence goes to NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 in Washington, DC for The Federal Employee and to Local Lodge 869 in Montreal, QC for the IAMAW...
Check it Out: ExpressJet / Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendant Webcast
Hundreds of ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Flight Attendants logged on and listened in to a live webcast where a quartet of IAM-represented Flight Attendants answered questions about contract negotiations, job security, seniority protection and the upcoming representation election.
Iowa Sen. Harkin Slams Anti-NLRB Hearings
In an op-ed published on The Hill, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) rebukes Republican attempts to convince Americans the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is somehow responsible for the down economy, and that getting rid of the board will somehow spark job growth.
Members at NAS Whidbey Reap Rewards in First Contract
Seattle Local 751-A members working for defense contractor URS Corp. at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington State are reaping the rewards of their first IAM contract
iMail for Thursday, November 10, 2011
Anti-Worker SB 5 Goes Down in Flames in Ohio
In a major setback to GOP attacks on collective bargaining rights, Ohio voters overwhelmingly rejected Republican Governor John Kasich’s assault on public sector employees by a 61 to 39 percent margin in Tuesday’s election.
Fearing Protests, Walker Cancels Visit to Wichita
With a possible recall election looming, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker planned a fundraising tour to gather as much right-wing cash as possible to fight any recall. One of his stops was to be Wichita, KS, the hometown of the Koch brothers.
AFL-CIO Metal Trades Dept. Holds 69th Convention
Delegates to the 69th Convention of the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department (MTD) re-elected IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger as MTD’s 1st Vice President. Also re-elected were Ron Ault as President and ten other incumbent members of the Department’s Executive Council.
Senate Poised to Approve Veterans Benefits
In a rare display of bipartisanship, the Senate is poised to approve modest legislation that would offer job training services and incentives for employers to hire veterans. The measure includes tax credits of up to $9,600 for companies that hire disabled veterans who have been jobless for six months or more, as well as enhanced job training and counseling for veterans.
Honor Veterans Tomorrow
Friday November 11, 2011 is Veterans Day. Please take time out to honor the men and women in the armed forces who are serving and have served our nation.
iMail for Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Corporate Agenda Guides GOP Attacks on NLRB
Right-wing Republicans in Congress, who have been relentless in their attacks on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), are increasingly on the defense for failing to introduce a single policy or program to address the nation’s job crisis.
Missouri Local 778 Salutes Honeywell Nuclear Workers
Nearly 500 former and current workers from the Honeywell FM&T plant in Kansas City, MO, took part in an event sponsored by IAM Local 778 to honor the nuclear weapons workers at the facility. The workers were joined by friends, family members as well as federal, state and city officials.
Wisconsin Machinist Releases Collection of Labor Songs
In addition to rejuvenating the American Labor Movement, the struggle to restore collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin is now the inspiration for a newly-released collection of labor songs by Milwaukee, WI Local 66 member Joe ‘Pepe’ Oulahan.
UCubed Calls for Government Hiring of Unemployed
In light of the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Union of Unemployed is renewing its call for the U.S. government to commence FDR-style programs that would directly employ millions of unemployed American workers.
Germany Marching to a Different Drummer
U.S. officials could learn a lot from their counterparts in Germany. According to an article in the United Kingdom’s The Guardian, Germany has achieved “real, lasting economic success” in the midst of a recession that has crippled most other countries.
iMail for Thursday, November 3, 2011
Union Forces Gaining Ground in Ohio and Wisconsin
November is a busy month for pushing back state-level attacks on working families. In Ohio, voters will get the chance on November 8 to roll back GOP Governor Kasich’s union-busting bill known as Senate Bill 5.
2011 IAM Photo Contest Winners Announced
The results of the 2011 IAM Photo Contest are in and the winners are...
New Local Chartered for Continental/United Fleet Service
More than 2,700 Fleet/Ramp Service workers for United/Continental Airlines have been assigned to newly-chartered Longhorn Local Lodge 811 in Houston, Texas. The new Local Lodge was chartered following the merger of Continental Airlines, Continental Micronesia and United Airlines and the IAM’s successful campaign to win representation rights for the combined airline’s Ramp/Fleet Service group.
Register Now for 2012 MLK Holiday Observance
The 2012 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance will be held January 12-16 in Detroit, Michigan. The conference registration is $180 from November 1 to November 30. Online registration and refund deadlines are November 30, 2011.
iMail for Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Machinists Launch New IAM APP
The Machinists Union launched the new IAM APP today. The web-based application will enable IAM members to use their smartphones and tablets to read the new digital IAM Journal, act decisively on vital issues, share information with friends and family, and help organize new members.
First Transit Workers in Tennessee Vote IAM ‘YES’
Sixty-two drivers and mechanics at First Transit in Nashville, TN voted “Yes” for IAM representation. The workers drive the shuttle buses for short-and long-term parking at the Nashville airport, and the mechanics maintain the buses.
Retiree Forum Energizes California Seniors
Spurred by the onslaught of attacks on Social Security and Medicare, the Western Territory recently held a retiree forum that was facilitated by retired Grand Lodge Aerospace Coordinator Frank Santos and attended by retirees from across California.
Michigan Machinists Honor 60-Year Member
The highlight of the recent meeting of the Michigan Machinists Council was the presentation of a 60-Year Service Award to Local Lodge 475 Trustee Ruth Cain.
Cut-Off Dates Near for Federal Employees Classes
The IAM Government Employees Department is conducting two programs in January 2012 at the William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center in Southern Maryland, and the enrollment deadline for both classes is approaching.
iMail for Thursday, October 27, 2011
New Instructors to Join WWW Center Staff
With the addition of two new instructors, the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center continues to build on a successful tradition of hiring from the ranks of former students.
NMB Issues Ruling for ExpressJet/ASA Flight Attendants
The IAM is welcoming the National Mediation Board (NMB) single carrier ruling for Flight Attendants at ExpressJet Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA). The ruling follows the merger of the two airlines and is necessary before union representation issues can be resolved and integration of the two pre-merger Flight Attendant groups can occur.
Time Running Out for Chance to Win a Harley-Davidson
There’s still time to buy raffle tickets to win the 2011 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle, but the clock is ticking. The bike, donated by Harley-Davidson Motor Company and customized by Legends Vintage Motorcycles, was built as a fundraiser for Guide Dogs of America (GDA) and will be raffled off on November 19, 2011 at GDA’s annual banquet in Las Vegas, NV.
Federal Retirees to See First COLA Increase in Two Years
For the first time in two years, our nation’s 1.9 million retired civil service employees will receive a cost of living adjustment. Consistent with the release of September’s Consumer Price Index figures, most federal retirees will receive a COLA of 3.6 percent.
Midwest Locals Awarded $249,756 in FMCS Grants
IAM locals in the Midwest territory were recently awarded grants totaling $249,756 from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS). The IAM High Performance Work Organization (HPWO) Partnerships Department assisted Local 1260 in New Holstein, WI and Local 701 in Chicago, IL in the development and submission of their grants.
Choose Union-made Candy this Halloween
When those little ghosts and goblins come collecting on Halloween, make sure you have a full supply of union-made treats to share.
iMail for Tuesday, October 25, 2011
IAM President Warns Against Deep Defense Cuts
The IAM joined forces with the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., to denounce the federal budget proposals that would cut nearly a trillion dollars from the U.S. defense budget.
Presidential Board Concludes Freight Rail Hearings
The IAM, TCU and a coalition of nine other rail unions and rail carrier representatives have wrapped up a week of hearings before a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) in Washington, D.C. The parties are now waiting for the PEB’s written recommendations for settlement of the contract dispute between the unions and the nation’s Class 1 Freight Rail Carriers represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).
The IAM App is Coming November 1
The IAM’s newest communications tool, the IAM App, will be available to download Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
Korea FTA to Cost U.S. Jobs and Big Money
Any alleged benefits from the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (KORUS), which was signed into law last week by President Barack Obama will certainly come at a high cost.
Apply Now for $150,000 in Union Plus Scholarships
Applications are now open for the 2012 Union Plus Scholarship Program, which provides $150,000 in scholarships to union members, their spouses and dependents.
iMail for Thursday, October 20, 2011
The End of Paid Sick Leave?
The corporate front group known as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is promoting legislation that would enable state lawmakers to override municipal laws that require paid sick leave.
Millions to Benefit from Repeal of Ohio SB-5
With less than three weeks until the Nov. 8 election, the fight to repeal Ohio Senate Bill 5 (SB-5) is gathering momentum. Enacted in March by the Republican-led legislature, SB-5 sharply limits collective bargaining rights for public employees, including police, firefighters and teachers.
Ohio District 54 Dedicates New Digs
IAM District 54 celebrated the rededication of their new headquarters in Columbus, OH. District 54 serves more than 14,000 members across Ohio and West Virginia.
Register Now for 2012 MLK Holiday Observance
The 2012 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance will be held January 12-16 in Detroit, Michigan. The conference registration fee is $150 through October 31, with late registration at $180 from November 1 to November 30. Online registration and refund deadlines are November 30, 2011.
Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Planned for Nov. 9
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test on Wednesday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.
iMail for Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Support Grows for NLRB Complaint Against Boeing
Rising above the clatter of anti-union diatribes over the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaint against the Boeing Company, has been the occasional voice of reason that cuts to the core of the dispute.
Miriam Baker Named to Florida Labor Hall of Fame
The Florida AFL-CIO recently honored longtime Florida IAM activist Miriam “Bunny” Baker with the A. Philip Randolph Award and inducting her into the Florida Labor Hall of Fame.
Machinists Organize Canada Retirement Workers
Employees at the Villa Orléans Retirement Home in Ottawa, ON, have become the newest members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7, 2011
The Alliance for Retired Americans reminds us that Open Enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 through December 7, 2011. This is the time for seniors to join, add, drop or switch Medicare health or drug coverage. Changes made during this period will take effect January 1, 2012.
Looking Back: The 1981 PATCO Strike
When Ronald Reagan fired the nation’s air traffic controllers in 1981, the war on workers and the middle class was clearly rekindled - a war that is still being fought today.
iMail for Thursday, October 13, 2011
Congress Sends Mixed Messages on China Currency, Trade
With a 63-35 vote, the U.S.
Senate passed legislation to crack down on China’s
unfair currency manipulation. The bipartisan Currency
Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 provides
sanctions on China and any other nation that
manipulates its currency.
Take Action: Click
here and
here to tell Congress to make
this bill workable so America’s jobless can get back
to work.
Bogus Voter Fraud Laws Threaten to Disenfranchise Millions
While the nightly news focuses on GOP presidential debates, Wall Street protests and gridlock in Congress, a real revolution is taking place just under the radar that threatens to prevent millions of voters from casting ballots in next year’s presidential election.
District 10 Completes Successful Negotiations with Ladish
IAM District 10 in Milwaukee, WI, recently negotiated a new six-year agreement with Cudahy, Wisconsin–based Ladish Company, demonstrating what can be achieved when all sides honor the requirement to bargain in good faith.
Last Call for Communicators Course
The enrollment deadline for the IAM Communications Department’s Communicator Course is extended to October 21, 2011.
Enroll Now for Nov. 13 Spanish Leadership II Program
Don’t miss the opportunity to send Spanish-speaking members to the 2011 Spanish Leadership II program at the William W. Winpisinger Center, located in Hollywood, MD.
13 de Nov programa de Liderazgo II en Español 2011 - todavía existen vacantes; se registre hoy
Aproveche la oportunidad y mande miembros que hablan Español al programa de Liderazgo II en Español en el Centro William W. Winpisinger, localizado en Hollywood, MD.
iMail for Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Take Action: Americans Need Jobs, Real Jobs
Majority Leader Harry Reid
will bring the American Jobs Act for a vote on
Tuesday evening October 11. Let your representatives
in Washington know where you stand on this critical
issue - contact them at 1-888-659-9401 or send them a
message by clicking
here and
here.
Congress will also take up the the Korea, Colombia
and Panama Free Trade Agreements as early as
Wednesday, October 12th. Click
here to learn more about the
Trade Agreements and take action by contacting your
congressional representatives
here.
President Creates Emergency Board for Rail Negotiations
As expected, the President of the United States created a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) in the negotiation dispute between a coalition of rail unions (including the IAM and TCU/IAM) and the nation’s Class 1 Freight Rail carriers represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC). Direct bargaining began in January 2010, with the IAM requesting federal mediation in July of the same year. The IAM represents 8,000 members under the NCCC’s National Agreement.
UCubed Passes 25,000 Mark
Ur Union of Unemployed, UCubed, announces its number has grown to 25,000-plus activists, leaders and fans since its inception in January of last year. One reason for its popularity is that UCubed provides a forum for unemployed people to connect with one another, helping to diminish the feeling of isolation that comes with being unemployed.
Missouri Members Vote to Reject Honeywell Offer
The 840 members of IAM Local 778 in Kansas City, MO, voted by an overwhelming majority to reject Honeywell's final contract offer with 79 percent voting the proposal down and over 85 percent of our members voting to strike beginning at midnight on October 10, 2011.
IAM Supports U.S. Army Museum
The U.S. Army is scheduled to open its National Museum of the U.S. Army in 2015 to preserve the history of America’s oldest military branch and celebrate the selfless service and personal sacrifice of over 30 million men and women who have worn the Army uniform. Complete with historical artifacts, interactive exhibits and other displays, the state-of-the-art museum will be on the grounds of Fort Belvoir, VA, less than 30 minutes south of Washington, DC.
iMail for Thursday, October 6, 2011
Umpire Rules CWA-AFA Violated AFL-CIO Constitution
In July, 2011, the Communication Workers of America (CWA) filed charges with the AFL-CIO alleging the IAM violated the AFL-CIO Constitution by posting the election interference charges it filed with the National Mediation Board in the United/Continental/Continental Micronesia Flight Attendant election on a website for Flight Attendants to review.
‘The Truth About Boeing's Biggest Labor Union’
An article published this week in TheStreet.com provides a refreshingly enlightened view of the dispute involving Boeing, the IAM and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Aveos Negotiating Committee Gears Up for Contract Talks
Transportation District Lodge 140 and affiliated Local Lodges 714, 764, 1681 and 1751 are preparing for their first round of negotiations with Aveos Fleet Performance Inc. The IAM members provide airframe, engine, component, and maintenance solutions for a wide range of customers including Air Canada as well as technical training.
Le comité de négociation des employés d’Aveos se prépare pour les négociations
Le district des transports 140 et les sections locales 714, 764, 1681 et 1751 qui y sont affiliées s’organisent pour leur première ronde de négociation avec Aveos Performance aéronautique. Les membres de l’AIM font l’entretien des cellules, des moteurs et des composants pour un large éventail de clients, dont Air Canada, en plus d’offrir de la formation technique.
New Government Plan to Fix Economy: Import Shoppers
On the eve of voting on trade deals that will send even more North American jobs overseas, the Washington Post reports that “for the first time, lawmakers, businesses and even White House officials are courting consumers from cash-rich countries such as China, India and Brazil to fill the nation’s shopping malls and pick up the slack for penny-pinching Americans.”
Hurricane Irene Hits Home
When Hurricane Irene barreled up the East Coast, the area surrounding the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education Center in southern Maryland was in its path. The Center made it through without significant damage, but Instructor Dave Miskolczi and his wife Cindy’s house was not so lucky.
iMail for Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Labor to Congress: No More Flawed Trade Deals
Hundreds of IAM members and AFL-CIO affiliates gathered on the U.S. Capitol Grounds today demanding Congress vote “NO” on the South Korea, Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Buffenbarger Speaks Out for ‘Buy American’ Provisions
IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger called for changes to the proposed American Jobs Act and called for more support of America’s aviation manufacturing industry and a strong “Buy American” provisions in the bill.
‘Save Our Shipyard’ Rally to Keep Avondale Open
With thousands of jobs on the line, more than 1,000 union members, elected officials, local business owners, faith leaders and the New Orleans/West Bank community marched from the Superdome to the Federal Building in downtown New Orleans, LA, on a mission to save Avondale Shipyard, the largest private employer in Louisiana.
IAM Members Helping IAM Members
This year has been particularly harsh when it comes to natural disasters. All across North America, people have been hit with tornadoes, hurricanes, wild fires, massive flooding, severe drought and/or earthquakes. Some IAM members have been the unfortunate victims of these
disasters; some losing everything they had.
