Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill
MACHINISTS UNION PAYS TRIBUTE TO WORKING FAMILIES HERO RICHARD TRUMKA: National AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka passed away last week at the age of 72.
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. released the following statement on the passing of National AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka:
“Today, workers across the world mourn the loss of a labor movement giant and working people’s champion, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Rich revitalized the labor movement and stood toe-to-toe against any enemy standing in the way of dignity and justice on the job. He made life better for working people across our nation and the world. Our heart goes out to his family, friends, and the entire AFL-CIO.
“The IAM will forever be grateful to President Trumka for standing up for IAM members all across our different industries. Rich marched on our picket lines and helped lead efforts to improve the lives of working families. He was a fighter for change, and his work will never be forgotten. The IAM will honor Rich in a way he would want us to–fighting like hell to pass his legacy legislation, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.”
Richard L. Trumka was president of the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO from 2009 until his death on August 5, 2021.
READ: Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, dies at 72 The Washington Post
MACHINISTS APPLAUD BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION: The Senate recently passed the massive piece of legislation that includes funding for rebuilding the nation’s roads, airports, passenger and freight rail, and bridges and expanded broadband access.
The Machinists Union supports the trillion-dollar federal infrastructure bill that “will uplift millions of working families through good union jobs that offer decent wages and benefits,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.
Martinez applauded the federal bill and its provisions like Buy American rules intended to boost domestic manufacturing.
“This package will make an unprecedented federal investment in public transit and passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak. As the largest transportation union in North America, we applaud the investment in airline and rail infrastructure.” Martinez said. “Our transportation sector will benefit through the modernization projects created through the robust funding provided in this infrastructure package. The Biden-Harris administration committed to building back better our vital manufacturing and transportation sectors during my meeting earlier this year at the White House.”
The legislation now moves for House consideration as early as next month. The IAM looks forward to working with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of the chamber to get this historic investment passed.
MACHINISTS SUPPORT CALLS TO FAA TO USE CIVIL ACTION, FINES TO ADDRESS UNRULY AIRLINE PASSENGERS: The IAM praised a recent letter the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) sent to the Federal Aviation Administration, urging the agency to take swift actions like civil enforcement and steep fines to help thwart the growing number of assaults on airline employees.
“On top off being overworked, fatigued and under constant stress, our airline membership is being mentally and physically abused by unruly passengers, which adversely affects their health and safety,” said Richard Johnsen, Chief of Staff to the International President. “We are calling on the airlines and FAA to address airline passenger assault as well as the understaffing issue. The IAM is willing to work with the airlines, FAA and Congress to address these very serious concerns.”
The IAM Transportation Department includes more than 160,000 workers in the airline and rail industries. The IAM is the largest airline union in North America.
DeFazio’s correspondence to the FAA referenced the agency’s own data showing steep increases in air rage incidents subject to enforcement this year. There have been 628 such incidents in 2021 as of August 6, nearly twice the previous peak of 310 in 2004.
“The violent, disruptive behavior that we’ve seen on airplanes this year must not go unpunished,” DeFazio wrote. “Recklessly refusing to wear a mask during the deadliest pandemic in a century is dangerous enough, but punching flight attendants, running for the cockpit door, assaulting other passengers, and the litany of other outrageous incidents reported in the press requires a strong federal response, and I want to ensure that the FAA has the legal tools and authorities necessary to put these incidents to a stop.”
The IAM has been urging lawmakers and other federal officials to step up measures to protect the safety of airline workers in recent months. That includes Johnsen taking part in the Aviation Labor Recovery Roundtable call with FAA Administrator Steve Dickson and U.S. Transportation Department Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg.
Johnsen then urged participants on the call to share the union’s urgency to assure airlines properly staff positions, adding that “airlines were granted billions of dollars in federal relief from this administration to address these problems, and they must act now.”
IAM DISTRICT 751 CALLS FOR ACTION ON CHINESE 737 MAX RECERTIFICATION, UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: IAM District 751, which represents more than 26,000 aerospace workers at Boeing and its suppliers, is calling for action as China becomes a global competitor in the aerospace industry.
In a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai hosted at its Seattle union hall, District 751 President Jon Holden called for immediate Chinese recertification of the IAM-built 737 Max and outlined concerns over China’s growing aerospace footprint. Holden thanked Tai for focusing efforts on worker-centered trade and sounded the alarm on the transfer of U.S. technology and jobs to China, as well as unfair Chinese government subsidies to its aerospace industry.
Holden also raised concerns about worker and human rights in China.
“China’s continued refusal to honor basic human rights, including those concerning forced labor, discrimination, child labor, the right to form and join a union and engage in collective bargaining, are moral issues,” said Holden. “They are also economic issues, which drive standards down around the world. We see U.S. and European aerospace companies continuing to outsource work and build production plants in Mexico to take advantage of low wages and no workers’ rights.”
“Our members at IAM District 751 will benefit from President Holden’s advocacy,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “We will fight for the immediate recertification of the 737 Max and to stop China’s unfair trade practices that are causing harm to aerospace and manufacturing workers in the Puget Sound.”
READ: USTR Tai, DelBene meet with labor on worker-centered trade The Stand
Holden was joined at the meeting by IAM District 751 Chief of Staff Jason Chan, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and other Washington state labor leaders.
CHICAGOLAND REPS. GARCIA, NEWMAN CRITICIZE METRA BARGAINING STANCE: Rep. Chuy García (D-IL) and Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) recently wrote a letter expressing concern at the state of contract negotiations between Metra and several labor unions.
“We write to express concern at the state of contract negotiations between Metra and several labor unions, stated Reps. Garcia and Newman. “We understand Metra has an obligation to represent its interests in negotiations, but some of Metra’s current negotiating stances are troublesome and unproductive,” the letter states. “We hope that an agreement can be found that honors our frontline heroes by providing them with fair contracts and stand ready to assist Metra in achieving that goal.”
Click here to read the full letter
PENNSYLVANIA LOCAL 1717 PRESIDENT MEETS PRESIDENT BIDEN AT BUY AMERICAN SPEECH: President Biden made a stop at the Mack Truck plant in Macungie, PA, recently to talk about his plan to strengthen Buy American rules.
During the speech, Biden told the audience of about 130 people that he would be making some of the biggest enforcement changes the Buy American plan had ever seen. No longer would it be good enough for the federal government to spend tax dollars on products made in the U.S.A. built with just 55% of American components. By 2029, he wanted that number ramped up to 75%, with companies having to prove that they have met that threshold. Right now, the government spends about $300 billion a year to buy these products.
READ: On ‘Buy American’ Visit, Biden Spotlights PA Manufacturing
IAM Local 1717 (District 1) President Joe Gerrity was in the third row to hear what the president had to say. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an IAM member who grew up just five blocks from where Joe Biden once called home in Scranton.
“Excellent! That’s all I can say. It was such a great experience,” said Gerrity. “Talking to him was like talking to someone from the old neighborhood.”
And in this case, that was the truth.
“When President Biden’s staff tried to get him to hurry up and move onto others waiting in line to shake his hand, he literally said to them ‘He’s from Scranton, he’s my guy. I love talking to people from the old neighborhood.’ I still can’t believe the president of the United States took time to talk to a guy like me,” explained Gerrity, who said he’s still on cloud nine from that day. “He even took my mother’s phone number, who still lives in the old neighborhood, and promised to give her a call if he had time. That was unbelievable.”
But it was the speech Biden gave that solidified Gerrity’s belief that President Biden is good for workers and the labor movement.
“He said the word union at least 20 times in his speech,” said Gerrity. “That speaks volumes.”
READ: Machinists Union Praises Biden Administration’s Buy American Expansion
“The increases and enforcement changes to the Buy American program will really benefit U.S. workers,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “This is something the IAM is constantly fighting for. If it’s stamped Made in the USA, it should really mean, Made in the USA. We have the best workers who make the best products right here, so there’s no reason to look anywhere else. You can be sure the Machinists Union will never stop fighting to get that number to 100 percent.”
“My dad has been a union member for 55 years and I followed in his footsteps,” said Gerrity. “It is so important that we have politicians like President Biden in our corner fighting for workers. A stronger Buy American plan is good for all workers. I can’t thank my union enough for this opportunity that I know I will never forget.”
LABOR DEPARTMENT RULES IAM FLIGHT TRAINERS COVERED BY SERVICE CONTRACT ACT: The Labor Department’s Wage and Hour division recently sided with the Machinists Union in its decision that U.S. Air Force contractors employed by FlightSafety Services Corporation (FSSC) are covered under the Service Contract Act (SCA). The federal agency’s Aug. 2 ruling creates opportunities for the IAM to negotiate stronger labor contracts with Service Contract employers who have to abide by the guidelines that require contractors and subcontractors to pay area wages and benefits that are determined by the government.
The Labor Department’s decision is a victory in the IAM’s longstanding effort to get the designation for its Local 708 members who train pilots and maintain flight simulators for the new KC-46 at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas. The U.S. Air Force contracts office failed to include this designation of SCA for its government contract, a decision that led to a years-long fight that included strikes and mounting support from elected officials.
Service Contract workers are private-sector employees who work under federal contracts, primarily at military bases and other federal installations.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Your Senators and Representative to Help Protect SCA Jobs Today
Without an SCA designation, IAM members at McConnell AFB had been paid less than their counterparts working in the same industry.
“This is a tremendous victory for this critical workforce that helps the men and women who support our nation’s armed forces,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This DOL ruling finally creates the opportunity for these workers to have the same protection that the Service Contract Act offers to the hundreds of other companies doing the same or similar work for the government. I want to thank our Legal and Aerospace departments for their hard work fighting for our membership.”
The Air Force has until Oct. 1 to decide whether to appeal the DOL ruling. The IAM remains confident, however, that the agency’s decision will ultimately be upheld.
The IAM also represents FlightSafety workers at Pease AFB in New Hampshire, Altus AFB in Oklahoma and Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina.
The DOL ruling also comes as the IAM is urging the Biden administration to reinstate protections in the SCA that were removed by former President Donald Trump.
The IAM represents nearly 40,000 Service Contract Workers in various industries, spread across more than 800 locations.
MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS NLRB CONFIRMATIONS: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently applauded the U.S. Senate confirmation of NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo.
“On behalf of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, we applaud the U.S. Senate confirmation of NLRB General Counsel Abruzzo. Jennifer Abruzzo’s NLRB experience will allow the agency to be a fair venue for enforcing laws governing the right to join a union. Ms. Abruzzo has spent her career protecting the rights of workers under the National Labor Relations Act. The IAM looks forward to witnessing the shift that will come with the confirmation of Ms. Abruzzo and other members of NLRB.”
The IAM also praised the confirmations of Gwynne Wilcox and David Prouty to the NLRB.
“The Machinists Union couldn’t be more pleased with the confirmation of Gwynne Wilcox to the National Labor Relations Board,” said Martinez. “Gwynne has devoted her entire working life to making sure workers get justice in the workplace. This confirmation will strengthen the NLRB and ensure that corporations are held accountable. Gwynne’s experience will ensure that union representation elections get back on pace and put in fair rules that create an even playing field. The IAM looks forward to working with Gwynne and the Biden-Harris administration to reverse changes from the previous administration that rolled back workers’ rights.
“David’s breadth of professional experiences make him particularly well suited for a position on the board,” said Martinez. Throughout his long career as a labor attorney, Mr. Prouty has demonstrated his dedication to protecting the rights of workers in a wide range of fields. His commitment to the principles of workers’ rights and advocacy, as well as his in-depth understanding of the National Labor Relations Act and organizing, make him particularly well-suited to be a member of the NLRB.
NFFE-IAM PRAISES NOMINATIONS OF SUSAN T. GRUNDMANN AND KURT RUMSFELD TO THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY: NFFE-IAM is supportive of the nominations of Susan T. Grundmann and Kurt Rumsfeld, along with Ernest DuBester, to the Federal Labor Relations Authority. These nominees form a highly qualified team of dedicated professionals who will properly execute the mission of the agency. NFFE-IAM is requesting the Senate vote for the confirmation of the nominees as quickly as possible.
Read the rest of the statement: NFFE Praises FLRA Nominations of Susan T. Grundmann and Kurt Rumsfeld
HELP PASS THE PRO ACT: The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act or H.B. 842 that passed the House in early March, has gained momentum in the Senate after IAM Members along with working families across the U.S. flooded Senate offices with calls to support the hardworking men and women of this country by supporting the PRO Act.
The PRO Act puts workers first and strengthens the rights of workers to join and participate in a labor union.
The PRO Act will:
- Create pathways for workers to form unions without fear of retribution
- Repeal anti-worker “right-to-work” laws across the country
- Hold corporations accountable by strengthening the National Labor Relations Board
- Empower workers to exercise the freedom to organize and bargain
- Ensure that workers can reach a first contract quickly after recognition
The Machinists Union has compiled a list of ways you can help pass the PRO Act:
The PRO Act is the most comprehensive piece of labor legislation introduced since the Great Depression. At its core, it protects the rights of people who want to be part of a labor union and repeals laws that hurt workers.
The post Machinists Pay Tribute to Trumka – IAM District 751 Calls for Action-Machinists Support Action to Address Unruly Airline Passengers appeared first on IAMAW.
Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill
MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS SPEAKER PELOSI, HOUSE DEMOCRATS FOR MOVING PRO-WORKER, PRO-DEMOCRACY AGENDA FORWARD: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. released the following statement in full support of the Build Back Better Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill:
“We applaud Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats for helping move a historic pro-worker, pro-democracy agenda forward. Their courage will help uplift millions of working families through good union jobs that offer fair wages and benefits.
“We have an opportunity to strengthen our U.S. manufacturing sector and increase the amount of good-paying union jobs. Now we must roll up our sleeves and rebuild America’s infrastructure and workforce across all industries.”
TELL CASCADES CONTAINERBOARD’S CEO THAT MACHINISTS UNION MEMBERS DESERVE A FIRST CONTRACT: More than 100 workers at Cascades Containerboard voted to join the Machinists Union in April 2019, and have been attempting to bargain for a fair contract for more than two years. Working conditions at the facility are key issues for Cascades employees.
CLICK HERE: Tell Cascades Containerboard’s CEO that Machinists Union Members Deserve a First Contract
IAM WESTERN TERRITORY FIGHTING BACK AGAINST ATTACK ON WORKERS RIGHTS IN CALIFORNIA RECALL: IAM members in California are working hard to make sure IAM members participate in the September 14 recall election that will decide whether California Gov. Gavin Newsom will be removed from office.
The Fighting Machinists in the Western Territory are educating members on why they should oppose the recall effort led by millionaires who want to roll back the clock on California’s worker protections. Many of these millionaires are funneling big money into a campaign to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The IAM Western Territory has led a robust program that includes phone banking, text messaging, robocalls and other member-to-member interactions.
“I am extremely proud of the efforts from our staff and officers on the ground,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “This is a fight to protect our union contracts, wages and healthcare. We won’t allow union-busting candidates to take control of the great state of California.”
Learn more at noantiworkerrecall.com
MACHINISTS APPLAUD PASSAGE OF THE JOHN R. LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ACT: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. released the following statement applauding the passage of H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 (VRAA).
“The IAM strongly believes that voting is a sacred pillar in our country’s democracy. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act would help eliminate racial discrimination in our elections. The same groups fighting to suppress voting rights are also pushing some of the most anti-worker laws in our nation. We must stand in solidarity to fight back against any voter suppression attempts in our great country.
“Our union will continue to help ensure that all our members have full access to the ballot box. Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in a process that legendary and late civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis championed in the halls of Congress.
“In 2013, Congressman Lewis personally participated in the IAM’s 125th birthday commemoration in Atlanta. Speaking to IAM members there, Lewis encouraged us to fight against voter suppression. ‘We must not step backward to another dark period in our history. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society,’ Lewis said.
“The IAM will work to carry on his legacy and fulfill the democratic promise of America.”
NJSCM HOLDS THEIR ANNUAL CONFERENCE: The New Jersey State Council of Machinists (NJSCM) held their annual conference last weekend in Jersey City, where they welcomed their new officers. The newly elected officers include:
President: Cristino Vilorio, IAM Local 447 Business Representative
Secretary-Treasurer: Michael Buonpastore, IAM Local 1776 Safety Representative
Legislative Director: Anthony Stevens, TCU/IAM Local 626 Chairman
Education Director: Ira Stern, IAM District 15 CREST Apprenticeship Program
Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant administered the oath of office to the new board and addressed the delegates. During his address to the delegates, Bryant spoke on the importance of passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and electing the right people to office.
“We’re going to need to keep electing pro-worker candidates up and down the ballot in New Jersey and across the country, said Bryant. “We need to elect more worker-friendly politicians here in New Jersey and across the country.”
IAM International President Robert Martinez sent a letter to the delegates thanking the entire NJSCM delegation.
“I can’t begin to describe how proud I am of the New Jersey State Council of Machinists,” wrote Martinez. “You have shown tremendous solidarity and strength during some of the most difficult times in the 133-year history of our great union.”
During the conference, NJSCM announced their endorsement of Gov. Phil Murphy (D) for re-election.
NJSCM members commended Murphy’s first-term accomplishments, including enacting paid sick leave, expanding paid family leave, enforcing strong workplace protections, and investing in workforce development and apprenticeship programs that have enriched New Jersey’s talent pool.
“The Murphy-Oliver administration ushered a new era of progressive, pro-worker legislation in our state, making New Jersey a model for the nation on issues such as equal pay, earned sick leave and paid medical and family leave for all workers, tax fairness, making apprenticeship programs and community college more accessible and affordable, and protecting and expanding voting rights,” said Ines Garcia-Keim, President of NJSCM. “Our state budgets have demonstrated their commitment to these values of fairness and compassion, and their steady leadership guided our state from being an epicenter for COVID-19 to a recovery that is rebuilding our economy and saving lives.”
“Alongside the hardworking men and women of the NJSCM, we’ve reclaimed New Jersey’s rightful place as a national leader in protecting the rights of workers and standing up for organized labor,” said Murphy. “I’m honored to have earned NJSCM’s endorsement and look forward to building on our partnership to keep the union doors open for future generations of New Jerseyans to walk through and into the middle class.”
During the conference, Juan Negron, Special Assistant to the International President, was awarded the annual Frank Darcy Award for Leadership. Juan was praised for his steadfast dedication to IAM members and the Passaic County Central Labor Council, which he led as president for many years.
NFFE-IAM PRAISES BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ON FEDERAL SERVICE IMPASSES PANEL PICKS: This week, the Biden Administration announced the appointment of 10 new members to the Federal Service Impasses Panel (FSIP), a small agency that resolves disputes when an impasse is reached between unions and government agencies during labor-management negotiations. NFFE-IAM lobbied hard to get biased Trump appointees removed on Day One of the Biden White House, and praised the new picks announced this week.
“NFFE is in strong support of President Biden’s picks for the Federal Service Impasses Panel. During the previous administration, the anti-union, anti-employee attitude of the White House trickled down into the agency, resulting in opinions that overwhelmingly favored management,” stated NFFE-IAM President Randy Erwin.
TCU/IAM UNIT 167 DIVISION CHAIR ANTHONY STEVENS ELECTED AS DIRECTOR OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE COUNCIL OF MACHINISTS LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR: TCU/IAM Unit 167 Division Chair Anthony Stevens elected as Director of the Legislative Department of the New Jersey State Council of Machinists: Anthony Stevens, a 30-year TCU member and New Jersey Transit (NJT) worker, Division Chairman of Unit 167 and six-time selected Local Chairman of Lodge 626, was elected to the New Jersey State Council of Machinists (NJSCM) as Legislative Director.
Pictured are Unit 167 Local Lodge Officers (Left to Right) Dean Harris, John Boe-Siclari, Anthony Stevens, Keith Gilbert, and Jeff Pacini.
Anthony has tirelessly fought for the rights of his members on NJT for 18 years.
His institutional knowledge of NJT history, beginning when it formed from Conrail thru today, has made him the go-to guy for answers for TCU and the other Unions on the property.
He has been politically active for 30 years in New Jersey making the selection of him as Director of the Legislative Department of the NJSCM a perfect fit.
TCU/IAM President Artie Maratea said, “We are proud of Anthony for his dedication to our Union and our TCU/IAM brothers and sisters.
“We congratulate Brother Stevens in his new role. We know he will be a valuable asset to our union members in his role as Director of the Legislative Department of New Jersey State Council.”
IAM HOSTS WOMEN OF LABOR: The Machinists Union’s Political and Legislative Department is hard at work, making sure our members’ concerns are a top priority. Part of the job includes networking and lobbying through groups like Women of Labor. “So, the Women of Labor is an organization of women who work on the Hill, they handle political and legislative issues and we meet monthly with the women of Congress,” said Monica Lee Silbas, Asst. Director of the IAM Political and Legislative Department.
Members of Congress often walk over for meetings like this and special events, making themselves available for questions, concerns and feedback, whether it’s in the IAM townhouse or outside on a summery day. “It’s very important that we support and encourage our women lobbyists, as women we need our voices heard,” said IAM General Secretary Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “As caregivers and mothers, we’re passionate about things that affect and impact our families’ everyday life as well, as in the workplace, so it’s very important that we get out first and have our voices heard.”
MACHINISTS UNION WELCOMES NEW AFL-CIO LEADERSHIP TEAM: As the IAM, the labor movement and working people around the globe continue to mourn the untimely passing of Richard Trumka, the Machinists Union looks forward to working with the most diverse leadership team in the history of the AFL-CIO.
On Friday, August 20, the AFL-CIO Executive Council elected Liz Shuler as the first woman to hold office in the history of the labor federation. Shuler, an IBEW member, had served as AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer since 2009, where she was the federation’s chief financial officer and placed an emphasis on grassroots organizing and youth engagement.
“I am humbled, honored and ready to guide this federation forward,” said Shuler. “I believe in my bones the labor movement is the single greatest organized force for progress. This is a moment for us to lead societal transformations—to leverage our power to bring women and people of color from the margins to the center—at work, in our unions and in our economy, and to be the center of gravity for incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented union growth.”
The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers International (USW) Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold the No. 2 office. At the USW, Redmond oversaw the Civil and Human Rights Department, as well as the union’s shipbuilding, health care and public sector bargaining, and worked with USW allies across the country in responding to attacks on voting rights and in combating economic inequality.
“I could not be more excited to get to work with President Shuler so we can build on the labor movement’s legacy of change, writing a new chapter that brings the promise of union membership to workers across this country,” said Redmond. “This is the right team at the right time to help bring about the economic and social justice America is hungry for.”
Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO.
The AFL-CIO is a federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members across the United States, including the IAM.
HELP PASS THE PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT: The Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) or H.B. 842 that passed the House in early March, has gained momentum in the Senate after IAM Members along with working families across the U.S. flooded Senate offices with calls to support the hardworking men and women of this country by supporting the Protecting the Right to Organize Act
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act puts workers first and strengthens the rights of workers to join and participate in a labor union.
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act will:
- Create pathways for workers to form unions without fear of retribution
- Repeal anti-worker “right-to-work” laws across the country
- Hold corporations accountable by strengthening the National Labor Relations Board
- Empower workers to exercise the freedom to organize and bargain
- Ensure that workers can reach a first contract quickly after recognition
The Machinists Union has compiled a list of ways you can help pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act:
The Protecting the Right to Organize Act is the most comprehensive piece of labor legislation introduced since the Great Depression. At its core, it protects the rights of people who want to be part of a labor union and repeals laws that hurt workers.
The post Pro-Worker, Pro-Democracy Agenda Moving Forward – Attack On Workers Rights in California Recall – IAM Members at Cascades Demand a First Contract appeared first on IAMAW.
Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill
IAM SAVES THOUSANDS OF MACHINISTS JOBS: The IAM’s Political and Legislative Department’s strong advocating for the new federal aerospace job protection program is saving thousands of IAM jobs.
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released the first round of funding to more than 300 companies as part of a new federal program aimed at saving aerospace manufacturing and repair jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IAM aggressively advocated for and won the successful passage of the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program (AMJP), which is part of the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan. The program provides $3 billion in payroll support funding to aviation manufacturing employers, allowing them to keep aerospace manufacturing workers on their payrolls, avoid additional furloughs, and re-hire workers previously furloughed during the pandemic.
“This program will help ensure our nation’s aerospace industry will keep moving forward with the critically important workforce it needs,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I want to thank the hard-working staff in the IAM’s Political and Legislative Department who won bipartisan support to ensure these highly-trained and skilled jobs remain intact as our nation’s aviation industry goes through one of the hardest moments in history.”
The U.S. DOT this week announced the release of $482.3 million in funding to 313 businesses, including approximately 20 with IAM-represented employees like Spirit Aerosystems, Pratt & Whitney, Hexcel Corp., and Learjet.
The IAM, the largest aerospace union in North America, has been urging U.S. aerospace employers to apply for funding from the federal program.
“Our nation’s aerospace industry has been successful due to the diligent and hard-working workers they employ. That’s why it’s so important that these workers remain on the job,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “These men and women are very important to the vitality and recovery of our nation’s aviation industry.”
The IAM’s effort has already saved thousands of IAM-represented jobs.
For example, the U.S. DOT provided $75.5 million to Spirit AeroSystems, which is estimated to save 3,214 jobs. Spirit, based in Wichita, KS, is a major supplier for the Boeing Co.
READ: Wichita-area aviation manufacturers get more than $100 million to save jobs
Machinists Union members were among many workers in the aerospace industry who experienced layoffs and furloughs because of COVID-19. While air travel dropped significantly during 2020, so did the need for parts, repairs, modifications, and other services, hurting aerospace supply chain companies.
FIGHTING MACHINISTS HELP THWART RECALL: The hard work of the IAM Western Territory has helped defeat the Sept. 14 attempt to remove California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) from office.
For months, the Fighting Machinists in the Western Territory has been in the midst of a campaign to educate members about the importance of voting to reject the recall, which was led by millionaires who wanted to roll back the clock on California’s worker protections.
Several publications like The New York Times dubbed Newsom’s win a landslide victory against conservative talk show host Larry Elder, a staunch critic of minimum wages and labor unions.
“I am so proud of our territory’s staff and officers. Their dedication to this very important campaign has pushed back an effort to rewind the workers’ rights that are so important to our members in California,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “With this attempted recall in our rearview mirror, it’s now back to work to help rebuild the economy and assure state laws continue to improve the lives of our IAM members.”
The Western Territory’s program included phone banking, text messaging, robocalls, and other member-to-member interactions.
LEADING CHARGE TO ‘BUY AMERICAN’ DEFENSE EXPANSION: An amendment championed by the IAM and U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) that would dramatically increase domestically made procurement requirements in major defense programs has cleared a critical hurdle in Congress.
The IAM has been pushing the increase for years in order to strengthen the defense industrial base and domestic supply chain while helping prevent vulnerabilities created by military products being made in China and other countries.
“Buy American policies serve the public good by targeting our tax dollars for the purchase of American-made products and services,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We must understand that the foundation of our industrial base lies with the skills and abilities of the American worker. Congressman Norcross’s amendment would help ensure that our tax dollars are used to support the U.S. workforce and the firms who employ them.”
The amendment passed on a bipartisan vote during a House Armed Service Committee mark-up of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation would increase “Buy American” requirements for major defense programs from 55 percent to 60 percent upon the bill’s enactment. Requirements would further rise to 65 percent by 2024 and to 75 percent by 2029.
“I am proud to have fought for provisions that make America safer by investing in the American worker,” said Norcross. “This bill will put us on a path to build back better by increasing our domestic supply chain capabilities, strengthening our workforce, and giving our service members the tools they need to win the future fight.”
IAM DEMANDS EMPLOYERS BARGAIN OVER VACCINE MANDATE: The Biden administration recently ordered the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop a rule requiring employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require unvaccinated workers to produce a weekly negative COVID-19 test result.
The IAM will closely examine the final rule and its full effect on different industries and employers once the rule is final.
“The IAM places the highest priority on the health and safety of our members at all times,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We continue to demand that employers provide personal protective equipment, practice social distancing and follow all CDC guidelines to ensure the safety and health of our members during this pandemic.”
OSHA will issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to implement this requirement.
“As the administration moves to adopt an emergency temporary standard concerning vaccines and testing, the IAM will work to enforce the legal obligation of employers to bargain with unions over effects that implementation will have on union-represented employees,” said Martinez. “Rest assured, the IAM will, as always, continue to vigorously protect our members’ rights.
This requirement will impact more than 80 million workers in private sector businesses with 100+ employees.
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FIGHTING ‘ANTI-DEMOCRATIC, ANTI-AMERICA’ TEXAS VOTER SUPPRESSION LAW: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) recently signing a voter suppression bill into law has drawn ire from IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., a Texas native, who urged union members and our allies to help unseat the “right-wing radicals” who spearheaded the Republican-led legislation that implements a series of roadblocks in the state’s ballot process.
Martinez tweeted for IAM members and our allies to lift up “by defeating right-wing radicals at the ballot box and in the courts.”
The new state law sets restrictions such as banning 24-hour voting and drive-thru voting. The law also restricts officials from mailing unsolicited mail-in ballot applications and sets new requirements for those tasked with helping those with disabilities at the polls.
This is a blatant attempt by Abbott and the radical right to turn back the clock on voting rights when we should be making it easier to vote.
The Machinists Union strongly pushed for the successful passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 (H.R. 4) through the U.S. House of Representatives last month to fight back against laws just like this one. The legislation would restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that John Lewis fought for, and put us back on a path toward racial equity in voting.
ARIZONA SENATORS SHOULD COSPONSOR PRO ACT: IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen recently authored an op-ed urging Arizona’s Sens. Mark Kelly and Krysten Sinema, both Democrats, to get off the sidelines and formally cosponsor the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (S.420).
“Participating in union organizing campaigns all across the country, including in the West, I’ve seen the horrible lengths companies will go to in order to keep total control of their workforce. It is unacceptable and American workers deserve better. The way to empower American workers is by passing the PRO Act,” Allen wrote.
The bill, introduced by Senate HELP Committee chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) is co-sponsored by 44 Democrats and two independents who caucus with Democrats.
PRAISING UNIONS FOR KEEPING AMERICA MOVING: President Biden recently delivered a historic speech from the White House recognizing labor unions and essential workers for their sacrifices and courage in keeping America moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. The president also honored the legacy of the late AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka and took a moment of silence to remember working people who have passed away from the virus.
Biden also took the moment to once again urge for U.S. Congress to pass the PRO Act.
TENNESSEANS SHOULD SUPPORT PRO ACT: IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace, a Tennessee native, authored an op-ed in the Tennessean newspaper about how improving the lives of workers in the state should include labor unions.
“Labor unions helped create the middle class. Strengthening ways that workers can join such organizations will truly benefit the American workers and their families in Tennessee,” Wallace wrote. “A good start is to update federal labor laws by removing the roadblocks thwarting workers from freely deciding if they want to join a union.”
PUSH TO SAVE JOBS IN SAN DIEGO: National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) On Aug. 26, held a press conference in downtown San Diego in an effort to save 300 good-paying jobs of workers employed at the Western Region Detention Facility (WRDF), a facility currently operating on a U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) contract that is set to expire on September 30th.
The workers at the WRDF are urging President Biden to allow the USMS to extend its contract with GEO, the employer, to keep the WRDF open and avert closure.
“President Biden, we are calling on you to stand with workers and save these 300 good-paying, union jobs,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “These workers provide an invaluable public service to the community. These jobs are critical to these 300 families and the San Diego area, which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at 7.0 percent. Please, do not stand in the way of U.S. Marshals Service continuing their contract to keep this senseless closure from happening. These workers are depending on you.”
If the facility is closed, 300 workers, including officers, nurses, doctors, teachers, counselors, and other support staff will all be suddenly terminated, putting the well-being of them and their families in danger at one of the worst possible times.
READ: Federal Union Calls for Biden to Keep San Diego Detention Center Open
“This closure will be simply devastating to the workers being laid off,” continued Erwin. “These are veterans who have been working at the facility for many years and love their jobs, workers who need their jobs to pay for the care of family members with disabilities and elderly parents, and single moms just trying to keep food on the table. Allowing this closure to happen would be heartless. President Biden can keep these hard-working public servants from this painful layoff. We hope that he hears this message and does the right thing.”
MACHINISTS ENDORSE MCAULIFFE FOR GOVERNOR: The Virginia State Council of Machinists recently endorsed Terry McAuliffe (D) in Virginia’s Gubernatorial race. The council also endorsed Hala Ayala (D) for Lieutenant Governor and Mark Herring (D) for state Attorney General.
“The Virginia State Council of Machinists is proud to support Terry McAuliffe and his commitment to a pro-worker policy platform, which includes job skills training and other measures that will help grow the middle-class in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We look forward to mobilizing IAM members throughout Virginia to help him win the election,” said Virginia State Council of Machinists President Larry Battle.
McAuliffe, who formerly served as Virginia’s governor, will face Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin in November.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN SAVES TCU/IAM JOBS: Fewer riders, fewer tickets bought and scaled-back schedules were just a few of the COVID-induced obstacles that caused the railroad industry to lose millions and threatened the livelihoods of thousands of Amtrak employees.
Workers often only discover how legislation impacts their lives when they see immediate results. The American Rescue Plan did just that. The massive relief legislation was negotiated and signed into law by President Biden and Congressional Democrats, and provided direct immediate relief to American workers to help rescue the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Part of that relief helped hard-hit public transit agencies and Amtrak to avoid layoffs and service reductions which, in turn, kept thousands of TCU/IAM members from being furloughed or recalled from layoff. Together, the IAM and TCU/IAM fought hard to pass the American Rescue Plan, which brought much-needed relief to working families.
The Transportation Communications Union lobbied heavily on Capitol Hill for that safety net – to save jobs that keep America and Americans moving, to increase unemployment benefits, not to mention ongoing efforts to bolster railroad retirement benefits.
“TCU members are working hard all across this country,” said TCU/IAM President Artie Maratea. “This pandemic has shown us how much we need to support each other. A strong, vibrant labor movement — one that gets in front of change, supports its members, and stands in solidarity with everyone is the only way to create the kind of future we all want and deserve.”
TCU/IAM SUPPORTS AMIT BOSE NOMINATION: The TCU/IAM joined the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), and several other rail unions urging the confirmation of Amit Bose for Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
On Sept. 14, TCU signed onto a letter of support of Bose’s nomination, which comes before the Senate Commerce Committee in the coming days. The panel’s approval would advance the nomination for full Senate floor consideration.
“Amit Bose is a uniquely qualified candidate whose stewardship of the FRA at a pivotal moment in the history of the domestic rail industry should be strongly welcomed. TTD and the rail unions representing workers across crafts in freight, passenger, and commuter rail are proud to endorse his nomination,” according to the letter.
HOMEGROWN, SUSTAINABLE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY: IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden recently represented the Machinists Union at a virtual White House roundtable discussion with federal agencies and aviation sector stakeholders. The Biden administration has embarked on a whole-of-government strategy to achieve a net-zero carbon aviation sector by 2050, aligned with the president’s Build Back Better agenda.
Holden, who has over 24 years of experience in the aerospace industry and represents more than 26,000 IAM members at Boeing, emphasized that the transition must benefit U.S. aerospace workers. Representatives from the airline industry, fuel providers, airports, labor organizations, and aircraft manufacturers shared commitments to reduce emissions in the aviation sector through improvements in aircraft technology, fuels, and operational improvements.
“We need to make sure that all efforts in this area are designed, engineered, and built in the U.S.,” said Holden. “This is about the U.S. aerospace industry and counting on them for good, middle-class jobs in all our communities. We can also ensure that research and development, test and evaluation of sustainable aviation technology remain here in the U.S. We should not see our technology given away to other countries for sales of aircraft, creating very capable competitors.”
“Brother Holden is a champion for the aerospace workers of today and tomorrow,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Growth in sustainable aviation fuels must happen in conjunction with incentivizing employers to bring back home the thousands of good aerospace jobs that have been outsourced to Mexico and China.”
Holden also called for an increase in registered apprenticeship programs to train the next generation of aerospace workers.
“These programs have the infrastructure to make sure that the skills learned are well-rounded and transferable to many industries, so a worker can use anywhere in the country,” said Holden.
Executive actions are taken across the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Agriculture, Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the General Services Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency will result in the production and use of billions of gallons of sustainable fuel that will enable aviation emissions to drop 20 percent by 2030.
The post IAM Saves Thousands of Aerospace Jobs — Fighting Machinists Help Fend Off California Recall — Machinists, Rep. Norcross Push ‘Buy American’ Expansion appeared first on IAMAW.
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