Subject: Inflation Reduction Act of 2022- IAM Fights to Protect Airline Labor Standards – NFFE Urges Agency Fix Housing Crisis

Jan 4, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

Machinists Union Pledges Support for Inflation Reduction Act: Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement:

“The Machinists Unions applauds the authors of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for drafting this vitally important legislation which will help fight inflation, lower costs for America’s working families, create millions of good-paying manufacturing and construction jobs in the clean energy sector, paving the way for a clean energy future, and add fairness to our tax code by ensuring that the extremely wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share of taxes.  

“The Inflation Reduction Act will make historic investments in clean energy manufacturing, production, and deployment. The tax credits proposed in the bill include labor protections that strengthen and enforce prevailing wage requirements, apprenticeship programs and Buy American domestic content standards, ensuring these investments will create high-quality jobs here at home. The healthcare provisions included in this legislation will reduce costs for working families and retirees. 

“Today, on behalf of our 600,000 members, the Machinists Union sent an urgent letter to all U.S. Senators urging them to vote ‘yes’ to pass the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. We must pass the Inflation Reduction Act to create high-quality jobs and boost domestic manufacturing.”

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IAM Fighting to Protect Labor Standards in the Airline Industry: The Machinists Union recently signed on to a letter with other transportation labor unions urging the House Rules Committee Chairman James P. McGovern (D-MA) and Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK) to support a bipartisan amendment to H.R. 8294, legislation that provides funding for our transportation systems. The amendment would prevent predatory flag-of-convenience airlines that avoid collective bargaining rights, safety regulation, and high-road employment standards from operating in the United States. Flag of convenience carriers are foreign air carriers established in a country other than the home country of the majority owner. This is done to avoid regulations of the home country, which undermines labor standards in the industry and in the countries where the flag of convenience carrier operates.

“The U.S. aviation industry has flourished under the Open Skies model because it drove employment and growth through fair and equitable market opportunities for nation states, carriers, and workers,”reads the letter. “Flags of convenience by their nature fly in the face of fair competition and a rules based aviation trade regime. By using its authority over executive branch spending, Congress can restore integrity and balance to international aviation.”

The Machinist Union has been a fierce advocate for protecting air travelers and workers in the airline industry from foreign carriers undercutting wages and safety standards.

NFFE-IAM Pens Letter to Agency Leaders on Fixing Forest Service Housing Crisis: Last week, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, USFS Chief Randy Moore, and Undersecretary Homer Wilkes outlining recommendations to permanently fix the housing situation for Forest Service employees. NFFE-IAM gathered data on specific housing issues from its members working for the Forest Service, as well as solutions that employees recommended.

There are several changes that the Forest Service can implement immediately to improve living conditions in the short term that are identified in the letter, including expediting repairs for government housing, adding simple amenities and new furnishings, waiving rent payments for housing that is below living standards, establishing housing stipends, purchasing campers, and building new housing.

In the longer term, the letter suggests making permanent, adequate, and affordable government housing available for all Forest Service employees, including space for workers’ families. Further, the letter recommends standardizing housing requirements so that all housing has proper amenities, furniture, Wi-Fi, heating, and air conditioning, allowing for safety, privacy, and respect for workers.

“Fixing the housing problems in the Forest Service will require allocation of additional financial resources, however, this is necessary for the agency to attract and retain the workforce it needs to accomplish its critical mission,” continued President Erwin. “The current state of housing represents a certain degree of neglect via programmatic funding to maintain housing conditions and adjust for modern life, such as access to electronic communications, or in the interests of family responsibilities to prevent firefighters from choosing between a career or a family.”

100+ Civil Society Groups Ask White House for Transparency in IPEF Deal: Ahead of today’s high-level meeting between the U.S. and 13 Indo-Pacific nations, more than 100 civil society organizations urged the Biden administration to increase transparency and public participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) as talks heat up. 

IPEF is expected to be the most consequential trade initiative of the Biden administration and is being proposed at a time when voters are increasingly skeptical of trade deals. The organizations  – representing a broad swath of labor, environmental, human rights, faith, family farm, and consumer organizations – warned the deal could be viewed in the same light as the unpopular Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) if it is drafted in a manner that bars the public from reviewing negotiating texts, while corporate advisors maintain access.

“The IAM will continue to fight for a fair trade policy that puts workers first,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “IAM members have felt the hardships from trade policies that give corporations the upper hand while they offshore our jobs. “The IPEF needs to include binding and enforceable labor and environmental standards. We have an opportunity to create a trading strategy that builds upon the U.S. labor and environmental laws. Now is not the time to turn our back on our nation’s workers.”   

Signers of the letter include the American Federation of Teachers, Amnesty International USA, Citizens Trade Campaign, Communications Workers of America, Government Accountability Project, Greenpeace USA, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, National Family Farm Coalition, National Organization for Women, Partners In Health, Public Citizen, Rethink Trade, Sierra Club, Trade Justice Education Fund, United Steelworkers and many others. 

The groups urged the administration to replace the corporate advisory system with an on-the-record public process, including public hearings, to formulate U.S. positions and obtain comments on the draft and final U.S. text proposals, as well as consult and engage with Congress throughout the process.

“One of the fundamental reasons why the TPP became so unpopular was that it was negotiated under the influence of hundreds of corporate advisors while the public and Congress were locked out,” the letter said. “Terms needed for the deal to benefit most Americans were traded away in favor of special protections for the corporate interests that had access.” 

“We share your goal of creating a new model for U.S. trade policy that prioritizes the interests of working people, communities of color, the environment, consumers, and family farmers instead of just big corporations,” the letter said. “A transparent and participatory negotiating process is critical to ensuring the best possible outcomes from IPEF or any other future trade negotiations.”

A full copy of the letter and its signers is available at: bit.ly/IPEFTransparency

NFFE-IAM Advocacy Results in House Passing the First Responder FAIR Retire Act 417 to 0: Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the First Responder Fair Return for Employees on Their Initial Retirement Earned Act (RETIRE) (H.R. 521) 417 to 0 in a bipartisan display of support for injured federal first responders. The bill requires agencies to place injured first responders who return to work with injuries into “equivalent positions” as they held before, thereby protecting their employment and accelerated retirement status. In addition, the act prevents first responders from losing thousands of dollars from forfeited retirement contributions that were paid by the employee at a higher than the standard rate under their “6(c)” retirement system.

“NFFE-IAM has been advocating for this fix to 6(c) retirement for years now,” said NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 National President Randy Erwin. “We are exceedingly pleased that Congress acted to preserve the employment and retirement classifications for injured first responders. I appreciate the leadership of Representative Connolly and Chairwoman Maloney for their leadership on the bill and for calling it to the House Floor under a suspension of the rules for quick passage. I urge the Senate to pass the accompanying bill and put it on President Biden’s desk as soon as possible.”

Reps. Norcross, Chu, and 101 Other Members of Congress Introduce Legislation to End Corporate Handouts for Union Busting: Today, U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) and Judy Chu (D-CA-27) were joined by 101 of their colleagues to introduce legislation that would deny American taxpayer subsidies for corporate activity intended to discourage workers from exercising their legally protected right to unionize.

“American taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for corporations engaged in anti-worker activity,” said Congressman Norcross. “We need to level the playing field for workers and end handouts for union-busting campaigns. It’s not fair that workers pay taxes on their hard-earned paychecks while their bosses save money crushing worker organizing. Why does our tax code favor employers at the expense of the American worker? It’s time to bring fairness to the tax code and end tax breaks for union busting.”

“The right to organize is not just protected by law, it is the official policy of the U.S. government to encourage workers to exercise this right,” said Congresswoman Chu. “However, our tax code provides companies lucrative tax breaks for the hundreds of millions of dollars they spend yearly to upend pro-union action and organizing. The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act would not only end taxpayer subsidies for these anti-union efforts, but would give workers the fair shot they deserve to form a union.”

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935 makes it the official policy of the United States government to encourage collective bargaining and protect workers’ freedom of association.

However, as workers around the country organize their workplaces at historic levels – asking for fair pay, safer work conditions, and better benefits – employers are spending an estimated $340 million a year on union-busting campaigns, sometimes even using tactics that violate the NLRA. These expenses are currently tax deductible and regularly written off by bosses as everyday business expenses.

Read the full statement here.

IAM Opposes Legislation to Increase Pilot Retirement Age: The IAM recently joined other unions representing professional airline pilots and thousands of aviation workers in urging members of the U.S. Senate to oppose any legislation that increases the pilot retirement age.

In 2007, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the direction of Congress, implemented the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act (P.L. 110-135), which increased the pilot retirement age from 60 to 65. This is aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the international body governing civil aviation, which currently precludes airline pilots from operating internationally starting at age 65. There is currently no discussion for the ICAO to change the standard and increase the pilot retirement age beyond 65.

“To be clear, the discussions related to increasing the pilot retirement age are intended to be a quick fix to the false narrative of inadequate pilot supply and another excuse for some airlines to water down pilot training requirements and flight experience time,” reads the letter. “However, the real problem is airline management’s poor planning for a pandemic recovery. Airlines furloughed, displaced, and moved pilots out of their seats and off of their aircraft. As a result, airlines are now forced to needlessly retrain pilots, resulting in a training backlog of their own making.” 

The group also pointed out many unintended consequences of increasing the pilot retirement age.

The following unions signed on to the letter: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Air Line Pilots Association. Association of Flight Attendants, CWA, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, Transport Workers Union of America, and the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO.

NFFE Applauds Passage of Toxic Exposure Legislation Delivering Vital Resources to the VA and Expanding Care for Veterans: Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) praises the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act. Once signed into law by President Biden, the legislation will deliver high-quality Veterans Health Administration (VA) care and benefits to an additional 3.5 million veterans affected by toxic burn pits.

 “As the most comprehensive toxic exposure legislation passed to date, this package ensures the federal government fulfills its duty to care for our military veterans,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “Millions of veterans and their families will now be able to access the incredible health care services provided by the VA, a benefit our heroes deserve for their sacrifices in protecting America.” 

The PACT Act entitles veterans who served near burn pits to ten years of enhanced health care coverage through the VA after returning from military service. The legislation also directs the VA to presume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers resulted from burn pit exposure, permitting veterans to receive disability payments for their injuries and illnesses. 

Within the VA, PACT Act facilitates the establishment of 31 new health care clinics and expands training for personnel on toxic exposure in veterans. Further, the law promotes hiring and retention in rural areas and among critical VA positions, including incentives like raising the pay cap for certain roles and assisting with student loan repayments up to $40,000 per year and $100,000 per employee. NFFE will monitor the use and effectiveness of a questionable provision to direct hire college graduates and post-secondary students into the competitive service at or below the GS-11 level. 

“This legislation is a tremendous achievement for generations of veterans who have been exposed to hazardous chemicals,” continued Erwin. “VA doctors and nurses across the country will now have the resources to provide world-class health care to millions of additional veterans. Thank you to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees for their leadership and commitment to passing this landmark legislation. NFFE looks forward to working with the Committees to ensure our veterans always receive the care they deserve for their service to our country.”    

Statement from TCU President Artie Maratea on PEB 250: The hearings for PEB 250 wrapped up yesterday and we expect to receive the PEB recommendation in the coming weeks.

In my previous update on Sunday I shared a link to both the Organization and Carrier proposals that were being presented to the PEB.

The Unions, together with our economist, attorneys  and other expert witnesses laid out what I believe is a strong case explaining why our proposal is the most reasonable.   Our proposal provides for real wage growth over the term of the agreement and seeks to hold the line on healthcare so that our wage increases are not offset by increasing healthcare cost.

You will probably hear some discussion on property or on social media concerning why the wage increases in the Union proposal at the PEB were less than what was proposed previously.   It is important to remember that a PEB is not a time for bargaining.  The real time for bargaining is prior to the PEB including in mediation.  Unfortunately, the Carriers were never willing to bargain with us.  They were only willing to demand major concessions in exchange for minimum wage increases.   In fact, their proposal at the PEB offered a mere 10.6% net wage increase over the five year term after their proposed healthcare changes.  

The PEB hearing is to consider the parties best offers and will make recommendations concerning which is most reasonable.   That said, the Unions rely on our economist and other expert witnesses who must be able to testify and offer proof in support of our proposal.  

I am proud of the work our team did and am hopeful the PEB will issue a report that will provide the framework for us to reach a voluntary agreement.  As soon as I know more I will update you.

I also want to thank SMART-TD (UTU) President Jeremy Ferguson, in his testimony before PEB 250 President Ferguson pointed out the struggles railroad workers endured throughout the pandemic, specifically acknowledging the 102 TCU members that passed away due to COVID-19. Thank You Jeremy!

Fraternally,

Artie

Rep. Larson Leads Bipartisan Letter in Support of IAM-Built F135 Engine: Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) led a bipartisan letter with 35 of his colleagues in support of the F135 engine. Addressed to Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante, the letter opposes the Air Force’s plan to pursue the risky Advanced Engine Technology Program (AETP) engine as a replacement for the existing F135 engine, which is the safest and most capable fighter engine ever produced. The members’ letter expresses their concerns the AETP engine is expensive, reduces commonality between participating military services, and is risky to place in a single-engine fighter.  

The Department of Defense awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to develop and build the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) powered by the Pratt and Whitney F135 engine over 20 years ago.

“The F135 has outperformed its original specifications, including bleed air draw and time on wing, enabling it to support three major airframe and payload upgrades without engine modernization,” wrote the members. “At the same time, the average engine cost has been reduced by more than 50% to date. Meanwhile, the U.S. Services have spent over $7 billion upgrading the airframe and payloads. The current engine can support the upcoming Block 4 air vehicle and payload upgrades, however, there will be an impact to engine life and increased sustainment costs as a result. 

“On behalf of the IAM, I want to thank Rep. Larson and the rest of his colleagues for supporting our members at Pratt & Whitney,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “IAM members working at Pratt and Whitney are some of the highest skilled in the country. Now is not the time to make major changes to our nation’s F-35 program. Any changes will have a major impact on our economic and national security.”

The letter is also signed by Representatives Sanford Bishop (GA-02), G. K. Butterfield (NC-01),  John Carter (TX-31), Troy Carter (LA-02), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20),  David Cicilline (RI-01), Tom Cole (OK-04), Joe Courtney (CT-02),  Val Demings (FL-10), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Mike Doyle (PA-18), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Pat Fallon (TX-04),  Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mike Garcia (CA-25), Jared Golden (ME-02),  Jenniffer González-Colón, Jahana Hayes (CT-05), James Himes (CT-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-53),  Mike Johnson (LA-04), Mike Levin (CA-49), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12),  Brian Mast (FL-18), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Richard Neal (MA-02), Bill Pascrell (NJ-09),  Chellie Pingree (ME-01),  Katie Porter (CA-45),  Bill Posey (FL-08),  Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Linda Sánchez (CA-38),  Lori Trahan (MA-03),  Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

Click here to read the letter.

The post Subject: Inflation Reduction Act of 2022- IAM Fights to Protect Airline Labor Standards – NFFE Urges Agency Fix Housing Crisis appeared first on IAMAW.

Baltimore County Fully Funds County Public Library Workers’ First Labor Contract – Illinois Machinists Raise $100K to Support State Workers’ Rights Amendment – Georgia Machinists Talk Working People Issues with Senator Warnock

Jan 4, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

IAM APPLAUDS BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCIL FOR PASSING MEASURE THAT FULLY FUNDS COUNTY PUBLIC WORKERS’ FIRST LABOR CONTRACT: The IAM applauds the Baltimore County Council for passing a resolution this evening that finalizes all remaining details and ratifies the first collective bargaining agreement covering about 460 Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) employees.

The council unanimously passed Resolution 32-22, which approved the remaining portions of the contract not finalized until after the county’s fiscal year budget deadline.

The one-year collective bargaining agreement, which was overwhelmingly ratified by BCPL employees in May, includes pay increases, and paid leave, among other significant improvements. Among several work rule improvements, the agreement creates a labor-management committee.

“I thank the Baltimore County Council members for voting to pass this resolution, which finalizes a contract that gives BCPL workers a voice in the workplace, as well as the strong wages and benefits they greatly deserve,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “I also thank Baltimore County Executive John  Olszewski, Jr., for his continued support of these BCPL workers, who are so important to the growth and prosperity of Baltimore County and its residents.”

The council’s action follows a groundswell of support from advocates urging the panel to vote “yes” on the resolution. That includes Martinez writing a letter to the panel, as well as Donna Edwards, president of the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO, who urged passage of the resolution. During its work session on Aug. 30, the county committee heard testimony from other advocates urging a “yes” vote, including BCPL Board of Trustees President Maureen David.

The first contract with BCPL comes after years of organizing, including the IAM winning a new state law allowing BCPL employees to collectively bargain.

ILLINOIS MACHINISTS RAISE $100K TO SUPPORT STATE WORKERS’ RIGHTS AMENDMENT: IAM Districts and Locals in Illinois have raised $100,000 to support an Illinois constitutional guarantee of workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively. The Illinois Workers’ Rights Amendment would be one of four such guarantees enshrined in state constitutions, but Illinois Amendment 1 goes a step further than other states by also banning anti-union “right-to-work” laws.

The IAM is joining the Illinois AFL-CIO and legislative allies to promote the passage of the pro-worker ballot initiative, which will be on the ballot for Illinois voters on Nov. 8, 2022. To amend the state constitution, 60% of voters will need to vote “yes.”

The proposed amendment would add a new section to the Illinois Bill of Rights guaranteeing workers the fundamental rights to organize and bargain collectively and to negotiate wages, hours and working conditions. It would also prohibit any law from being passed that interferes with, negates, or diminishes the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively over their wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment and workplace safety.The pro-worker efforts under Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker are in stark contrast to former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who failed in his effort to pass a statewide anti-union “right-to-work” law to weaken unions in 2015. At that time, Rauner declared that Illinois cities, counties, towns and villages could enact “right-to-work” laws. State courts threw that measure out.

“IAM members in Illinois, along with our allies in labor and state government, are leading the charge to make the state more worker-friendly,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “It’s our hope that other states will also make efforts to put workers’ rights at the forefront of their state constitutions.”

Learn more about the Illinois Workers’ Rights Amendment and take action with the Illinois AFL-CIO.

TCU/IAM Joins Rally with Reps. Kaptur and Ryan to Support Rail Workers: TCU/IAM National Legislative Director William DeCarlo recently joined U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Tim Ryan(D-Oh), along with other unions, at a rally to support rail industry workers. Rep. Ryan is running for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.

READ: Candidate Tim Ryan holds rally for railroad workers Toledo Blade

“Reps. Kaptur and Ryan have always been on the side of labor,” said DeCarlo. “Rail workers all across our nation need strong leaders to stand in solidarity with us as we continue to fight for a fair contract that benefits our families and communities.”

The rally was held to bring attention to railroad workers’ fight to gain a fair contract along with respect and dignity. Since that rally, freight rail members of the IAM Rail Division have reached a tentative agreement with railroads bargaining under the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC).

The IAM Rail Division consists of IAM District 19, the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC).

READ: IAM Rail Division Reaches Tentative Agreements that Include Highest-Ever Wage Increases for Freight Rail Workers

“This comes after a long, tough process that began almost three years ago and led us through every step of the Railway Labor Act, including a Presidential Emergency Board,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President. “Since serving Section Six Notices, your IAM Rail Division leaders have fought tirelessly, advocating in your best interests and demanding a fair agreement.”

“This Agreement ensures that every single penny of the recommendations contained in PEB 250 goes directly into our member’s pockets,” said TCU/IAM National President Arthur Maratea. “TCU/IAM members will receive thousands of dollars in back pay as well as thousands of dollars from increased wages through this agreement. There is no question getting to a PEB and receiving these recommendations would never have been possible without all of Rail Labor coming together. The Unions stood together, determined to fight the Carriers’ proposals to slash healthcare benefits, attack our work rules and eliminate two-man crews. We were successful in that fight.”

Members of the IAM Rail Division will begin voting on the tentative agreement soon.

USDA SECRETARY VILSACK RESPONDS TO NFFE LETTERS ON WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER PAY, JOB SERIES, AND HOUSING: Last week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack responded to NFFE’s correspondence on necessary reforms for federal wildland firefighters. This summer, NFFE National President Randy Erwin sent four separate letters to Secretary Vilsack, emphasizing issues with firefighter pay, their occupational series, and housing for Forest Service employees.

In addressing wildland firefighter pay, Secretary Vilsack highlighted the agency’s efforts to work with DOI and OPM to distribute special funding required by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided significant pay raises for almost every wildland firefighter across the country. In addition, Sec. Vilsack stated, “We agree that we need a permanent pay solution, and we will continue to work with DOI and OPM to accomplish that,” and “we are working with DOI and OPM on a joint FY24 proposal for a permanent updated, competitive, and equitable pay structure, along with a support system that will address the many challenges that have plagued our wildland firefighter workforce for decades.”  

Regarding the firefighter job series, Sec. Vilsack indicated the new series will be implemented in the coming months and that current employees will have the option to stay in their current series or to be placed in the new series. The letter also states, “we will continue to explore overtime, hazard pay, portal to portal and differentials as they pertain to the new series.”

Lastly, Secretary Vilsack wrote, “The Forest Service recognizes that housing is a dilemma across the nation and particularly for Forest Service employees, including firefighters…USDA continues to work to find solutions that will benefit all employees and resolve many of the disparities you have identified.”

“It is very encouraging to see that Secretary Vilsack understands the issues facing wildland firefighters,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “When we met with the Secretary in his office earlier this summer, he was committed to addressing these problems and finding ways to ensure NFFE-IAM members on the front lines of the fire crisis are taken care of. NFFE will continue to work with USDA, DOI, OPM, as well as lawmakers in Congress and leaders in the White House to finally address all these critical issues with permanent solutions.”

Read the letter in full here.

IAM Urges Members of Congress to Cosponsor Nationwide Right to Unionize Act: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. wrote a letter to members of Congress urging them to cosponsor the National Right to Unionize Act being introduced by U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts). Sherman has previously introduced this legislation in the last seven Congresses.

The letter supports the legislation that would ban so-called right-to-work laws that harm workers and suppress wages. Studies have concluded that employees in states with these anti-labor laws average about $11,059 a year less than workers in labor rights states.

“We need your support to help reverse the negative impacts of state’s right-to-work laws,” IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. wrote in the letter.

Right-to-Work laws make it almost impossible to maintain a union. They force labor representatives to provide benefits to free riders who avoid paying their fair share. This legislation would eliminate the provision of the Taft-Hartley Act which allows so-called “Right-to-Work” laws.
 
“With the introduction of legislation banning so-called ‘Right-to-Work’ laws, Congressman Sherman has once again demonstrated his strong commitment to working families.,” the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said of the bill when it was introduced last congress. “‘Right-to-Work’ laws undermine the economy and weaken workers’ ability to bargain for better working conditions, which translates into lower pay and fewer benefits for everyone.”

“So-called “Right-to-Work” laws are designed to make it difficult to organize a union,” said Sherman. “This impacts not only workers who want a union — but general wage levels throughout the state. In an ill-conceived effort to attract business, one state after another has adopted these anti-union laws in a race to the bottom. That is why I’ve introduced the National Right to Unionize Act in every session of Congress since 2008. And, it is why Senator Warren’s years of effort to pass this legislation in the Senate are so important.”

Read the complete letter.

Georgia Machinists Union Members Talk Organizing, Working People Issues with Senator Warnock: Machinists Union leaders and members in Georgia recently met with U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) about IAM organizing efforts in the state and legislation benefitting working families.

The Augusta, GA event, hosted by the Georgia AFL-CIO and the Augusta Central Labor Council, included a roundtable discussion with Warnock, covering subjects such as the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Warnock has supported these pro-worker efforts.

The IAM also had a conversation with Warnock about an ongoing IAM organizing campaign in the state. Warnock offered his support to help employees form a union with the IAM without company interference.

IAM attendees included IAM District 131 Directing Business Representative William Barnwell, IAM District 131 Organizer Ashley Burgamy, IAM Local 2789 President Richard Rountree, and IAM Local 2789 Vice President Roseal Goss.

“The IAM supports elected officials who support working people,” said Barnwell. “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Warnock for his steadfast support of working families throughout Georgia.”

“On behalf of the Southern Territory, we’re so thankful for our engaged membership in Georgia,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “Their activism is making a difference in their communities, their state, and in our entire nation.”

IAM Pushes for Further Labor Input on Indo-Pacific Framework: The IAM recently urged members of Congress to sign onto a letter from Reps. DeLauro, DeFazio, Scott, Doggett, McGovern, Ryan, and Schakowsky urging the Biden administration to better consult with Congress and stakeholder groups on the Indo-Pacific Framework (IPEF) and other pending trade agreements.

On Sept. 7, the Congressional letter was sent to federal agency leaders involved in the IPEF, including United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

Read the Congressional letter here.

“IPEF is poised to set rules governing roughly 40% of the global economy,” IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. wrote in the letter to members of Congress. “We believe that a transparent and participatory negotiating process that involves public stakeholders and U.S. Congress, instead of mostly just corporate interests, is critical to achieving the worker-centered trade model that President Biden and others have championed. IPEF is expected to be the most consequential trade initiative of the Biden administration and is being proposed at a time when voters are increasingly skeptical of trade deals.”

The organizations  – representing a broad swath of labor, environmental, human rights, faith, family farm, and consumer organizations – warned the deal could be viewed in the same light as the unpopular Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) if it is drafted in a manner that bars the public from reviewing negotiating texts, while corporate advisors maintain access.

The IAM has called for the IPEF to include binding and enforceable labor and environmental standards and should include input from Congress, which has the expertise of lawmakers and support staff who know labor, environment, supply chain, and other factors involved in fair trade policy.

More than 100 labor and civil society groups recently asked the administration for greater transparency in the IPEF negotiations.

Read the complete letter.   

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North Dakota Congressional Delegation Joins Fight to Save MCI – NFFE-IAM Endorses Legislation To Prevent Partisan Takeover-IAM Displays Political Strength

Jan 4, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

NORTH DAKOTA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION JOINS FIGHT TO SAVE 175 MACHINISTS UNION JOBS AT MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES IN PEMBINA, N.D.: Approximately 175 members of IAM Local W384 (District 5) at Motor Coach Industries’  (MCI) Pembina, N.D. plant were told they will be out of work by the end of the year due to the company’s decision to close the facility.

Now, members of the North Dakota congressional delegation are asking MCI to reconsider their decision to close the Pembina plant. U.S. Sens. Kevin Kramer (R-N.D.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.), along with U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) expressed serious concerns about how the closure of the facility, which has been in Pembina since 1963, will significantly affect the livelihoods of the nearly 200 employees currently working at the plant. 

Read: Grand Forks(North Dakota) Herald North Dakota’s congressional delegation asks Motor Coach to reconsider decision to close Pembina bus plant Grand Forks(ND) Herald

“While we understand that domestic and global sales environments are key drivers in business decisions, we believe MCI’s Pembina Assembly Plant and its workers produce a top-quality product, and they should continue to have the opportunity to manufacture in North Dakota,” reads the letter from the North Dakota congressional delegation.

Read the full letter from the North Dakota congressional delegation.

“We were just in shock thinking back to all the things we’ve  been told, the broken promises — how we’d never close because we were paid for and have so much to offer this community — things like that,” IAM Lodge W384 President Jennifer Winkler told the Grand Forks (ND) Herald.

Since the announcement of the plant closure in Pembina, the future of the employees, and the surrounding communities who will be effected by this devastating decision have been in question, said IAM District 5 Directing Business Representative Jeremy Pearson. “The fact that the North Dakota congressional delegation has reached out to MCI to try and change their minds means the world to those who’s lives will be so dramatically changed as a result of the decision to close the facility.  We hope that this letter of support will show MCI how valuable this facility is to, not only the employees and the surrounding communities, but also to the state of North Dakota.The loss of 175 family-supporting jobs in Pembina, with a population of just over 500, will have a major impact on the area economy and the surrounding communities.

“We do not agree with the company’s assertion that they were unable to find skilled workers in Pembina,” wrote IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. in a letter to North Dakota’s Senators and U.S. House Representative. “The IAM has also made efforts to meet that demand by offering to partner with the company to recruit and launch apprenticeship programs to meet the workforce needs.”

“We applaud the members of the North Dakota congressional delegation for standing up for our members at the MCI plant in Pembina,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Their support carries a lot of weight in the state and it is our hope that MCI reverses its decision which in its current state will devastate the lives of 175 IAM members, their families, and the surrounding communities. Our union will continue to fight to protect these highly-skilled jobs and to avoid this facility shutting down.”

The North Dakota congressional delegation has expressed their desire to work with MCI, IAM members in Pembina, and state and local officials, to preserve these jobs and ensure the continued success of the MCI manufacturing facility. 

NFFE-IAM ENDORSES LEGISLATION TO PREVENT PARTISAN TAKEOVER OF CIVIL SERVICE: Last week, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives requesting that members of congress vote for the Preventing a Patronage System Act (H.R. 302) expected on the House floor this week. The bipartisan legislation aims to protect the merit system principles of the federal workforce by preventing U.S. president from requiring political loyalty from the apolitical career ranks of federal civil service. The bill was drafted in response to the establishment of Schedule F during the last presidential administration, a new classification of political employee that can be hired into permanent positions without regard to existing laws governing federal employment and accountability.

“Federal labor, executives, and professional associations all agree with political appointees from former Democratic and Republican administrations that this bill is critical to ensuring the government remains in the hands of the American people and not some political despot, even if that despot is a president,” said NFFE-IAM Executive Director Steve Lenkart. “This bill describes an incredibly wonky policy issue that is difficult for the average American to embrace, but should the day arrive when federal workers are forced to genuflect before a corrupt system or leader, we will all endure a brutal and horrifying crippling of American democracy.”  

MACHINISTS DISPLAY POLITICAL STRENGTH: IAM members and leaders held events to show support for IAM-endorsed candidates. IAM members heard from candidates representing Arizona, Florida, Maryland, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. The meetings gave IAM members the opportunity to discuss labor and economic issues pertinent to the Machinists Union.

Here are some of the photos with IAM members and the IAM endorsed candidates:

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway Meets with Wisconsin U.S. Senate Candidate Mandela Barnes

U.S. Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), the IAM-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate in Florida, addresses the Florida State Council of Machinists. 

Maryland State Council Hosts U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Maryland Del. Steven Johnson

Maryland State Council Meets With Maryland Gubernatorial Candidate Wes Moore

Western Territory Grand Lodge Representative Paul Shepherd meets with Democratic Nominee for AZ Governor Katie Hobbs

Machinists Legislative and Political Team meet with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

UNITED – EMIRATES CODESHARE: LABOR IS WATCHING: “That’s evidence that they are not focused on profitability. They are just focused on flying the airplane somewhere and having the government subsidize it.” –United CEO Scott Kirby

“Those airlines aren’t airlines. They’re international branding vehicles for their countries.” –Former United CEO Oscar Munoz

After years of highlighting the unfair business practices of state-owned enterprises (SOE) such as Emirates

Airlines and other Middle East carriers, United’s announcement of a new codeshare agreement demands scrutiny.

To protect the jobs of U.S. airline workers, there must be continued financial transparency and improved labor standards that ensure fairness is maintained in all Open Skies and codeshare agreements.

Since the beginning of their existence, Emirates Airlines has been sustained by massive government subsidies, unrelated to the global pandemic, used to expand far beyond what market forces could ever support. Their growth, including the Dubai-Athens-Newark service and Milan service, was only possible because of the enormous Emirati funding the airline received. These subsidies put U.S. airlines at a tremendous economic disadvantage and threaten U.S. airline workers’ jobs. American workers can compete with any foreign airline when on a level playing field. We cannot compete against entire countries.

Although the United States and United Arab Emirates signed an agreement in 2018 regarding these issues, the fact remains that there are currently no independent labor unions in the United Arab Emirates. This has led to a systemic, unacceptable assault on airline workers’ rights, with alarming accounts of unfair labor practices and intimidation by employers.

United Airlines employees and union leadership will be watching closely to ensure our scope provisions are rigorously followed and demand the highest labor standards are adhered to across all partnerships. We will act swiftly if needed to protect our long-term career security.

In Unity,

Ken Diaz MEC President AFA-UAL  

Richard Johnsen General V/P IAM-UAL

Mike Hamilton Master Chair ALPA-UAL

Craig Symons President PAFCA-UAL

Joe Ferreira Dir. Airline Div. IBT-UAL

IAM LOCAL 1930 WORKERS GAIN VICTORY AS CITY OF LONG BEACH ADOPTS BUDGET TO INCREASE WAGES TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC RELIEF FOR FRONT-LINE WORKERS: The City of Long Beach, CA, voted Tuesday, September 6, to pass a $5.8 million budget that will provide a retention incentive and economic relief for city employee members, including 911 dispatchers, marine patrols, and library and health department workers.

IAM Local 1930 members have been calling on the city council for cost-of-living raises and competitive wages for city employees to keep up with the increasing rent and gas prices.

The City of Long Beach Council heard directly from IAM front-line workers demanding for the much-needed support as they shared their experiences for the urgent cost of living adjustment to support themselves and their families.

“The cost-of-living adjustment not only strengthens the city’s hiring and retention practices, but also provides relief for workers who have been overworked and underpaid,” said IAM Local 1930 President Natalie Gonzalez. “This victory recognizes the sacrifices made by these front-line workers as they support the City of Long Beach and to encourage them to continue their critical work, and provide them with additional financial resources.”

The City Council’s action was the culmination of a strategic push led by Local 1930 and community and labor advocates to demand fair wages for city employees. More details about the funds’ distribution will be available sometime after October 1, 2022.

“We thank IAM Local 1930 members for standing up for what they deserve after all the risks they have faced during this pandemic,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “This pay is long overdue and has been rightfully earned by workers who have kept this city afloat during the ongoing health crisis.”

IAM Local 1930 represents almost 3,000 city employees, including 911 dispatchers, ambulance operators, marine patrols, and library and health department workers.

“The LA Fed is honored to stand with our Brothers and Sisters at IAM Local 1930,” said Ron Herrera, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. “Properly protecting and rewarding our essential Long Beach city workers for all of their sacrifices is the least that we can do. This proves yet again that when we stand united as a labor movement, anything is possible and the lives of real working people improve.”

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS HOUSE LABOR COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BOBBY SCOTT (D-VA) FOR HOLDING A CONGRESSIONAL HEARING TO ADDRESS UNION ORGANIZING CHALLENGES: Robert Martinez, Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement following the recent House Education and Labor Committee hearing titled “In Solidarity: Removing Barriers to Organizing.”

“I want to thank Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott for holding this very important hearing, which highlights the many hurdles that workers in the U.S., must endure just to exercise their constitutional right to join a labor union,” said Martinez. “Our nation is long overdue for federal labor law reform that finally tilts the pendulum away from favoring corporations that work overtime with efforts to keep employees from collectively bargaining. Barriers such as the so-called right-to-work laws suppress wages and that is simply unfair. Today’s committee hearing also once again illustrates examples of why Congress should pass the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would help break down the barriers for working people to join unions. The PRO Act has already passed the House, and it’s time for the Senate to do the same.

“Today’s hearing also shows the need to increase funding for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), to keep pace with the uptick in union representation elections and unfair labor practice complaints. The IAM firmly supports making sure the NLRB has the personnel and other resources needed to adequately ensure workers can exercise their right to join a labor union.”

NFFE-IAM RESPONDS TO USDA WITH LETTER ON WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER RETENTION SOLUTIONS: This week, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) responded to correspondence from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack with a letter outlining solutions and next steps to help alleviate retention problems among federal wildland firefighters. The proposed solutions include permanent pay raises, increased funding and staffing, and the development of a robust occupational series, among other things.

“NFFE, Secretary Vilsack, and other leaders within USDA have a great working relationship and a commitment to reforming the wildland firefighting workforce for a better future,” said President Erwin. “However, it was necessary to share the concerns that we were hearing from our members on pay, the occupational series, and other issues. As we begin making policies to resolve these issues, it is critical that we address each problem as best as possible, and we do it right the first time. We are confident that Secretary Vilsack will join us in implementing solutions that NFFE wildland firefighters have recommended to meet the challenges we see today.” 

The post North Dakota Congressional Delegation Joins Fight to Save MCI – NFFE-IAM Endorses Legislation To Prevent Partisan Takeover-IAM Displays Political Strength appeared first on IAMAW.

Freedom, Democracy, and Pro-Worker Policies Win at the Ballot Box-IAM 2022 Legislative Report Card

Jan 4, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY AND PRO-WORKER POLICIES WIN AT THE BALLOT BOX: Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement:

“We are so proud that Machinists Union members from coast to coast joined millions of Americans to make their voices heard at a critical time for our democracy. The IAM took its grassroots political engagement program to swing states across the country to make a real difference in this election and the future of our nation.

“The IAM, the largest aerospace, defense, and airline union in North America, engages our members in the political process because elections affect everything about our lives—on and off the job. Our representation in Congress, state legislatures, and governorships directly affects our freedoms to join a union, retire with dignity, make our own healthcare choices, and so much more. 

“The election results show that people care about protecting our democracy. Voters across our nation cast a ballot to continue the pro-worker, pro-democracy agenda of the Biden-Harris administration. IAM members will roll up their sleeves and work on implementing the historic investments for the airline, transit, aerospace, manufacturing, and other critical industries. It’s time for Congress to unite, grow our economy and create good-paying union jobs.”

Here is a roundup of the IAM’s 2022 GOTV efforts: 

Ohio, West Virginia Machinists Set Course For Midterms

Machinists Ramp Up GOTV Efforts in Final Push for 2022 Midterms

Machinists Union Hitting Doors for Final Weeks Before 2022 Midterm Elections

Machinists on the Ground, Getting Out the Vote for Pro-Labor Midterm Election Candidates

Union Canvassers Made a Big Difference for Pro-Labor Candidates in Maine

IAM ISSUES 2022 LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD TO HOLD FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE: The IAM issued a scorecard to all the sitting members of Congress for their actions and stand on critical issues that affect working Americans including workplace protections, voting rights, government agency funding, and more.

Read the IAM Legislative Scorecard Here.

The fundamental purpose of the report card is to ensure that IAM members are fully informed about the performance of federal lawmakers.

The report includes the voting record for 10 IAM-supported bills that were voted in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th Congress, which convened on January 3, 2021. 

The document also includes four IAM-supported bills that had a floor vote in the U.S. Senate and the chamber’s votes to confirm nominees for top labor-related posts in the Biden administration.

“This scorecard allows IAM members, affiliates, and partner organizations to learn more about Congress members’ legislative records,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM wants to ensure that our Congressional lawmakers are fully aware that their key votes on issues of particular significance to working families will be monitored.”

The scorecard ratings to date are calculated based on IAM-supported votes that have been taken during the 117th Congress.

“We recognize that this Congress has delivered great pieces of legislation, such as the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “The goal of this scorecard is for IAM members to remain vigilant and informed so they can hold their elected officials accountable and make educated decisions.”

Read the IAM Legislative Scorecard Here.

Find out where your lawmakers stand on critical issues that impact IAM members and their families here.

MAINE LOBSTERING UNION URGES WHITE HOUSE TO INTERVENE TO STOP THREATS TO STATE’S LOBSTER INDUSTRY: The Maine Lobstering Union, Local 207 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IMLU) called on the Biden Administration to take action to protect Maine’s safe and sustainable lobster fishery that is being threatened by pending litigation and proposed regulations by NOAA-NMFS.

In the letter sent to the White House, IMLU Local 207 urged opposition to any baseless measures regarding endangered right whale in areas of Maine’s territorial waters in which there are no food sources or mating/breeding grounds.

The need to address this matter has gained more urgency as these proposed regulations would kill the lobstering industry, thus devastating the livelihood of thousands of fishermen and their families.

The letter comes just a few days after that of Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) who sent a letter to President Biden expressing similar concerns as such policies will be detrimental to communities in Maine.

“The proposed regulations by these agencies will have a negative impact on communities throughout Maine,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “We urge the Biden Administration to follow scientific evidence to prevent these meritless measures from proceeding. It’s crucial for the White House to hear directly from those who have been and will be impacted by these decisions.”

“It’s imperative that President Biden and respective agencies take the necessary steps to protect the Maine lobster communities and to conduct a proper and scientific assessment to address right whales,” said Maine Lobstering Union Local 207 Executive Liaison and Political Director Virginia Olsen. “We advocate for sustainable fishing and will oppose any arbitrary regulations that threaten the jobs of hardworking Maine’s fishermen and their families.”

IMLU remains an active intervenor in CBD v. Ross and ruling on Maine’s Lobstermen’s Association’s case (7910361-O–52187), active cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Click here to read full letter.

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT INCREASE: Approximately 70 million Americans, including many IAM members, will receive an 8.7 percent cost-of-living increase in their Social Security benefits. The average retired worker can expect to receive an additional $140 per month starting in January 2023.

Active and retired IAM members have been on the frontlines advocating for increasing earned Social Security benefits and for measures that secure the solvency of Social Security. As Machinists, we continue our fight to ensure Social Security continues to pay retirees their life-long earned benefits. The IAM remains committed to the fight to achieve dignified retirement benefits for our members and all seniors.

“The IAM applauds the cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our union is on record for declaring Social Security to be the most effective anti-poverty program in our nation’s history, but most importantly, it is our most important family income and disability protection program, and the cornerstone of retirement income security for many IAM members. This increase is why we must continue fighting to ensure the Biden-Harris administration has a Congress supporting working families. Now is not the time to go backward. We must go forward with an agenda that uplifts workers and their families.”   

The Social Security Administration will mail COLA notices throughout December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. But if you want to know your new benefit amount sooner, you can securely obtain your Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in your mySocial Security account. You can access this information in early December before receiving the mailed notice. Benefit amounts will not be available before December.

IAM LOCALS FORM UNION COALITION, CALL ON SENATORS TO HELP END LABOR DIS[UT WITH BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING: IAM Locals 2135 and 174 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) formed a coalition with other unions representing BEP workers to express serious concerns with their working conditions and BEP’s noncompliance with Executive Order #14003 and policies of the Biden Administration regarding collective bargaining.  

The coalition sent a letter to U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen asking for intervention as BEP refuses to bargain in good faith.

In the letter, the local unions describe how BEP’s failure to follow the executive order has “resulted in increased violations of contracts, policies, and regulations.”

The local unions are eager to negotiate new contracts, but BEP management has delayed bargaining new contracts and hasn’t attempted negotiations about unilaterally-implemented workplace policies, resulting in the unions filing multiple grievances.

“Every day without renewed contract negotiations is a message from management that they do not respect the collective bargaining process—which is a clear departure from the Biden Administration’s stated policies and requirements,” states the letter. “And every day that management is permitted to pretend it has no obligation to bargain in good faith with the unions that represent its employees, workplace morale continues to fall.”

The BEP has facilities in Texas and Washington, D.C. and recently announced plans to open a new facility in Maryland. The local unions are seeking the Maryland senators’ help in bringing BEP to the bargaining table to remedy the situation.

The letter is signed by IAM Local 2135 President Carl L. Snyder, IAM Local 174 President Benjamin Bright, GCC/IBUT Local 1C President Danny Whitmer, GCC/IBUT Local 4B President James Mularkey, Washington Plate Printers Union Local 2 President Robert Suplee, Local 24 President Kenneth Garner, FOP Lodge 50 President Michael Pupalalaikis, and GCC/IBUT Local 285M President William Mark Poole.

Read the complete letter here.

TCU/IAM MNPL CONTRIBUTIONS LEAD THE WAY: On the heels of a mid-term election that saw many of TCU/IAM’s friends in Congress win re-election, we wanted to highlight our members’ generous contributions to our union’s Political Action Committee (PAC), the Machinists Non-partisan Political League (MNPL).

Through November 1st, 2022, TCU/IAM members raised an impressive $265,264 from 1,800 sponsoring members this year (members must contribute at least $25/year to qualify as sponsors). This is the highest total amongst IAM territories, both in terms of dollars-per-member and percentage of total members contributing to MNPL.

“TCU/IAM members continue to lead the IAM in understanding the importance of putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to politics,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea.

2022 TCU/IAM MNPL – By the Numbers

• $265,264 for MNPL General PAC Fund

• $22,788 for MNPL Education Fund (which pays for member education efforts)

• 1,800 TCU/IAM MNPL Sponsors – those that contribute $25/year or more

• 5% of TCU/IAM members are MNPL sponsors (double the percentage of the IAM overall)

TCU/IAM members and lodge officers should be proud of the fact that our union leads the IAM in so many metrics when it comes to raising MNPL funds, but we can’t be complacent. It’s clear that only a small percentage of our members are bearing the responsibility of building our union’s political power – and that has to change!

TCU/IAM’s Legislative & Political Department has set a goal of at least 10% of our members sponsoring the MNPL by 2024, so we need your help! We must continue to focus on signing up new hires and existing members at a minimum of $5 per month.

How can YOU help?

• EVERY TCU/IAM member should be contributing at least $5/month (the price of a cup of coffee) to the MNPL!

• MNPL should be discussed (and sign-ups encouraged) at EVERY Local Lodge meeting!

• If you’re not already signed up for MNPL, please fill out the MNPL deduction form, and email it to MNPL@tcunion.org.

• Want to make a one-time contribution? Please follow this link to the MNPL PayPal contribution portal. (You will need you TCU/IAM Membership Number. If you don’t know it, please contact your Local Chairman or email MNPL@tcunion.org).

Why should I contribute to MNPL?

MNPL allows us to support YOUR jobs in the political arena. Everything comes up in Washington DC:

• Amtrak/Commuter/Transit funding.

• FRA safety regulations and laws.

• STB regulations that hold Class 1s/Wall Street accountable.

• Railroad Retirement solvency (your pension), and funding for the RRB. 

• Access to affordable healthcare.

• Environmental regulations that hurt rail jobs.

• …and many more issues.

The MNPL makes sure the voices of TCU/IAM members – YOUR VOICES – are heard on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington DC. As the saying goes, “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu” – and that goes double for politics.

NFFE-IAM TEAMS UP WITH GRASSROOTS AND THE U.S. HOTSHOTS ASSOCIATION WITH LETTER TO BIDEN AND AGENCY LEADERS: The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) sent a joint letter addressed to President Biden, OPM Director Ahuja, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, and Interior Secretary Haaland on wildland firefighter workforce reforms. The union teamed up with Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and the U.S. Hotshots Association to urge the President and agency leaders to take action to improve pay, housing, work-life balance, and other concerns.

“Federal Wildland Firefighters have been pushed to their limits for decades,” the letter reads. “Low pay, demanding work, and a lack of work/life balance has left our workforce depleted and frustrated. Federal Wildland Firefighters have the most dangerous civilian job in America, with over 24 line of duty deaths already in 2022 and counting. Cancers, traumatic injuries, death, PTSD, divorce, suicide, are the sad results of a workforce that is underappreciated and not properly supported by their federal employers. Federal wildland firefighters are unrecognized and often-forgotten first responders.”

The letter lists many solutions to significant issues, including permanent pay increases in line with other first responders, fire assignments shifted to ten work days and five rest days, revamping the Forest Service housing program, additional funding for more personnel and equipment, mitigation of environmental exposure, and many other recommendations.

“NFFE is proud to stand in solidarity with Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and the U.S. Hotshots Association as we continue to take on substantial reforms for federal wildland firefighters,” said NFFE President Randy Erwin. “It is imperative that the White House and land management agencies understand the urgency that is needed in implementing solutions to these dire issues. NFFE is confident that our collective action with groups like Grassroots and the Hotshots Association will bring about much needed change for our brave wildland firefighters across the country.”

Full Letter

PRINT VERSION

MACHINISTS UNION URGES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT INCREASED DOMESTIC MILITARY PROCUREMENT: The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), North America’s largest defense and aerospace union, sent a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives in full support of retaining important language to enhance Buy American domestic content requirements for major defense acquisition programs in the final version of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The language would bolster U.S. economic and national security and create good, middle-class jobs across the country by gradually increasing Buy American domestic content requirements for major defense acquisition programs to 75 percent by 2029.

U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) first introduced the Buy American domestic content language as an amendment to the NDAA, while U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the language as an amendment to the FY23 NDAA in the Senate with bipartisan support. Norcross championed the language to its eventual inclusion into the House-passed version of the FY23 NDAA.  

“Buy American policies serve the public good by targeting our tax dollars for the purchase of American-made products, thereby employing U.S. workers and putting our federal tax receipts to work here at home,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “For far too long we have neglected to properly consider the impact of defense procurement policy on our domestic industrial base and, consequently, on the U.S. economy. We as a nation need to act strategically when it comes to defense procurement. 

“Not only do we need to supply our men and women in uniform with the best possible products and equipment, but we must also support the U.S. defense industrial base, including the small and midsized firms across America that constitute the supply chain for critical defense programs,” continued Martinez. “We must understand that the foundation of our industrial base lies with the skills and abilities of the American worker. This language would help ensure that our tax dollars are used to support both the U.S. workforce and the firms who employ them.”

The IAM has been pushing for a phased-in approach to give the domestic defense industry the time and clear signal needed to create jobs by adjusting to the increased domestic content requirement. 

Click here to read the full letter.

MACHINISTS UNION THANKS U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY JANET YELLEN: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently sent a letter thanking U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen for the opportunity to provide comments on the Department of Treasury’s Notice 2022-47 soliciting comments on the Energy Security Tax Credits for Manufacturing.

President Martinez’s comments endorsed and supported comments(Insert comments) submitted by Michael Tanchuk, CEO of Intalco Green Aluminum, the IAM’s coalition partner working to save the Intalco Works aluminum smelter in Ferndale, WA..

The smelter was closed by Alcoa in 2020, costing some 700 skilled IAM members their jobs and causing real hardship for their families and communities.

READ: A factory wants to reopen making ‘green’ aluminum. Now it just needs clean energy. The Washington Post

“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), we now have the opportunity to reopen this strategically vital facility and restore these IAM jobs, working with a coalition of former Intalco management, private capital, and labor,” said Martinez Jr. “The IAM applauds the Biden Administration’s strong and unwavering commitment to American workers. Restoring Intalco is a near-perfect alignment with President Biden’s policy priorities, and the IRA provides the pathway to saving this critical piece of American infrastructure.”

The IAM has requested support in restoring this country’s primary aluminum industry.

REP. HIGGINS URGES INGERSOLL RAND TO REHIRE FORMER IAM MEMBERS: U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) wrote a letter to Ingersoll Rand’s Chief Executive Officer urging the company to prioritize re-hiring former IAM members when it reopens the company’s compression manufacturing facility in Cheektowaga. In 2019, Ingersoll Rand closed the plant, impacting more than 160 members of IAM Local 330 (District 65).

Higgins fully supported IAM Local 330 members in 2019 during the plant closure. 

Read: Ingersoll Rand confirms it will end Cheektowaga manufacturing The Buffalo News

“The 117^th Congress has aggressively prioritized the on-shoring of high-technology supply chains so that we can out-compete countries like China,” wrote Rep. Higgins. “With allthese investments, Congress and the Administration has been very clear: the new jobs created should be jobs with dignity – to help Americans raise their families, with good benefits and the promise of a retirement. As you ramp up production, I strongly urge you to prioritize re-hiring former workers at the facility and honor previous agreements.”

Read the complete letter here.

MACHINISTS UNION AND OTHER UNIONS URGE GLOBAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT BE INCLUDED IN THE NDAA: The IAM joined other members of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, a coalition of 36 other unions, to request that the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 7321) be included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will return heavy aircraft maintenance and overhaul capacity to the U.S. by removing incentives for airlines to offshore this work. This change is essential to the long-term competitiveness of our  nation, as China and other countries now account for asignificant proportion of the heavy aircraft maintenance and overhaul work performed on U.S. registered aircraft.

The IAM, the largest airline union in North America, representing over 100,000 airline workers, has been urging passage of such airline maintenance legislation into law. IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., has said that “for years, we’ve been saying that it’s unfair for U.S. employees to compete for work against foreign facilities that do not mirror our standards.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 900 aircraft maintenance and repair stations have been certified by the FAA outside the U.S., which includes countries such as China, Singapore, and Brazil.

“The Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act simply requires U.S. aircraft to be maintained to the same standards, regardless of where on the planet this maintenance mayoccur, reads the letter. “This consensus bill overwhelmingly passed the House with the support of every member of both Democratic and Republican leadership. We urge you to make it law by including it as part of the NDAA.” 

Read the complete letter.

The post Freedom, Democracy, and Pro-Worker Policies Win at the Ballot Box-IAM 2022 Legislative Report Card appeared first on IAMAW.