International President Martinez Appointed to President’s Export Council – Maryland House Passes Statewide Library Worker Legislation- Machinists Union Calls for Passage of Protecting the Right to Organize Act

Mar 28, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT MARTINEZ APPOINTED TO PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has been appointed by President Biden to serve on the President’s Export Council, a U.S. governmental organization that serves as the principal national advisory committee on international trade.

“It’s an honor to serve our nation, our union, and our membership in this important role,” said Martinez. “I’m extremely grateful to President Biden and the administration for giving the Machinists Union a voice on trade policy that affects the lives of millions of working Americans.”

The President’s Export Council provides a forum for private-sector business and labor leaders, members of Congress, and other administration officials to discuss and resolve trade-related issues.

In addition to serving on the IAM Executive Council, Martinez sits on the executive councils of the AFL-CIO, the IndustriALL Global Union, the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the Alliance for Retired Americans, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Council, America’s Agenda, the Economic Policy Institute, and many others.

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS MARYLAND HOUSE PASSAGE OF STATEWIDE LIBRARY WORKER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING LEGISLATION: The IAM applauds the Maryland House of Delegates for recently passing H.B. 65/S.B. 352, an IAM-led bipartisan bill that would give unorganized public library workers a fair, clear and consistent process to utilize their constitutional right to freedom of association by forming a union, if they wish to do so. 

Current Maryland state law does not provide all library workers collective bargaining rights. Instead, in the past this has been handled on a county-by-county basis, requiring the state legislature to repeatedly contemplate similar legislation. 

A handful of jurisdictions currently allow library workers the right to collective bargaining. Baltimore County Public Library System (BCPL) employees are the most recent group who fought for this right through the Maryland State Legislature. In 2021, they earned the right to collective bargaining, choosing to organize with the IAM. They even gained the attention of President Joe Biden, who invited a BCPL employee bargaining team member to speak before the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. 

“The House passage of H.B. 65 is a huge step toward giving these hard-working public servants the right to a voice in the workplace and a seat at the table for the vitality of the library systems to thrive for the communities that count on them,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “I want to thank House Appropriations Committee Chairman Del. Ben Barnes (D-21) and Oversight Committee on Personnel Chairman Del. Jazz Lewis (D-24) for championing for the passage of this bill. I thank all delegates on both sides of the aisle who voted for the passage of this pro-worker bill. Now it’s up to the Senate to do the same and honor library workers with the collective bargaining rights they want.”

The legislation, introduced by Del. Steve Johnson (D-34A) and cross-filed in the Senate by Majority Leader Sen. Nancy King (D-39), does not guarantee union organizing or require library system employees to form a union. The bill simply enables Maryland library workers to organize for union representation, should they wish to do so.

“To protect and preserve our libraries, all across the state, workers need a seat at the table. A voice in the room. We need to be regarded and respected as experts in our fields, alongside our administrators. The passing of H.B. 65 by the House is an important step to get us there,” said Morgan Michael, a Library Associate II with the Harford County Public Library.

The passed legislation has support of groups such as the Maryland Library Workers United; Baltimore County Public Library-IAM United (BCPL-IAM); Harford County Public Library United (HCPL United); Maryland State & D.C. AFL-CIO; Metro Washington Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Maryland State Education Association (MSEA); and Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr. 

MACHINISTS UNION CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT: Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement regarding the recent re-introduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), H.R. 20:

“Today, Democratic Leaders in the House and Senate reintroduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. This bill would become the first national labor law reform in nearly a century that would expand workers’ rights. The bill would make it easier for unions to organize employees and weaken employers’ ability to resist unionization while protecting workers’ rights to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. 

Click here: Protect the Right to Organize: Tell Congress to Vote YES for the PRO Act

“Before this reintroduction, the Machinists Union worked tirelessly to mobilize the labor movement to meet this moment. The rights our parents and grandparents fought for have been chipped away over time by the same anti-worker forces who will oppose this bill. The PRO Act would reverse decades-long attacks on working people and strengthen federal worker protections.

“The IAM thanks the cosponsors of this bill.  We will continue publicly making a case for the PRO Act to their constituents and do everything we can to see its passage. We also want to make it clear this bill is a necessity.

“We must seize this moment and pass the PRO Act. We intend to organize and mobilize the thousands of workers in this country who have signed on to our campaign to demand that Congress pass this bill.”

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BIDEN’S NOMINATION OF JULIE SU AS U.S. LABOR SECRETARY: Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement regarding President Biden’s nomination of Julie Su to serve as U.S. Labor Secretary.

“President Biden has again selected a champion of working people to lead the U.S. Labor Department. Julie Su’s experience as an attorney, then by leading labor agencies in California, and now serving as the No. 2 official in the Labor Department, has prepared her to fight for working people nationally.

“Julie Su has been a critical advocate for working families as the Biden administration and the Labor Department under Secretary Walsh has put unions and working people at the center of its policy-making decisions. She understands that unions help create family-sustaining jobs that treat workers with respect and dignity. 

“The labor movement is at a pivotal point in history. To match our growth with the favorable opinion of labor, we must have an agency focused on protecting and safeguarding our nation’s workforce. Now is not the time to turn back the wheels of progress.

“We know that as Secretary, Julie Su will continue to champion unions as the answer to historically high inequality and aggressively take on employers that trample on the rights of workers. The Machinists Union urges the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Julie Su as the next Secretary of Labor.” 

IAM CALLS FOR TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EXTENSION: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent a letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh urging the department to extend the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program and allow it to start receiving applications.

“Thousands of hard-working people are counting on this benefit, which provides crucial assistance such as training and employment services,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. in the letter. “TAA has been an extremely useful benefit helping workers rebound from losing a job to trade.”

The letter came as a result of reports that tens of thousands of workers affected by unfair trade practices are currently awaiting the determination of their petition for TAA support.

The $494 million for the U.S. Department of Labor program was included as part of the omnibus funding bill passed by Congress.

“The IAM and the entire labor movement hope these dollars will be put to work by the DOL as soon as possible to accept new TAA applications,” said Martinez.

Click here to read the complete letter.

IAM, CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS SHARE WORKER-CENTERED PRIORITIES FOR PROPOSED INDO_PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK: On March 1, the IAM and more than 400 organizations and labor groups sent a letter to the Biden Administration calling for strong labor rights commitments and other critical priorities for the proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

The letter outlines measures needed for the IPEF, including swift and enforceable labor standards, climate provisions focusing on environmental justice in the participating partners, and digital trade terms that don’t favor Big Tech corporations over working people. 

“The IPEF agreement must include provisions that are worker-centered and meet important objectives that include labor rights enforcement,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It’s imperative for the Administration to uphold the interests and rights of workers during the negotiating process of this trade deal to prevent mistakes from the past and set the foundation for fair models for trade.”

The IAM has been actively engaged in the development of the IPEF trade agreement to make sure it includes policies with strong and enforceable labor standards and delivers real benefits to working families in the U.S.

U.S. trade negotiators will begin the second negotiating round of the IPEF from March 13-19 in Bali.

Read the full letter here.

NFFE-IAM President Erwin: Congress Must Pass the PRO Act to Protect Workers’ Rights: Washington, D.C. – National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) calls on Congress to pass H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which strengthens workers’ rights to unionize and collectively bargain over workplace policies.

“Working families in this country have been under attack for decades, leading to stagnated wages and the weakening of rights for the American worker” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “However, workers across the nation have seen that joining a union delivers higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces. It is no secret why union approval is rapidly increasing among the American public.”

The PRO Act will address multiple issues by expanding the enforcement powers of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in addition to reinforcing protections for workers that engage in collective action. In addition to imposing fines on employers and management offices who violate the law, the bill would also give workers the opportunity to bring their case to federal court. The PRO Act would override state “right to work” laws, which are designed to give more power to management at the expense of workers, and have had the effect of lowering wages and eroding pensions and health care coverage in states where they have been adopted.

“All working people need and deserve the collective power of a union,” continued Erwin. “This is the first step in guaranteeing basic respect and dignity while on the job. Congress must pass the PRO Act and replace severely outdated labor laws that provide little protections for the rights of workers. This bill not only safeguards worker organizing and collective bargaining, it also strengthens the very roots of democracy in America.” 

Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), issued the following statement on U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh’s new role as Executive Director of the NHL Players’ Association:

“I want to congratulate Secretary Walsh on his new role with the NHL Players’ Association. Secretary Walsh has been a fierce ally for years. Whether it was helping us fight back against the privatization of more than 400 IAM Local 264 bus mechanic jobs at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority or helping our Union get through the most difficult economic period since the Great Depression. Secretary Walsh has been a true champion for working people. The National Hockey Players Association is getting a true fighter and we look forward to watching his next chapter in standing up for workers.” 

MACHINISTS, LABOR ALLIES, TELL RIGHT WING TO KEEP HANDS OFF INVESTMENT DECISIONS: The IAM is joining the AFL-CIO and other allies in labor to oppose draconian investment restrictions that some congressional Republicans are seeking to place on workers’ retirement plans.

A recent U.S. Department of Labor rule clarifies that private sector retirement plan fiduciaries may consider environmental, social and governance factors when making plan investments or voting proxies. The proposed Republican rule, on the contrary, ties their hands and forces investment managers to follow an extreme conservative ideology when investing—even if they know it is a bad, risky investment.

“The rule must remain in place to help ensure workers’ money is invested in ways that safeguard their retirement savings from risks, increase their investment choices to a full suite of ERISA-suitable products, and remove costly barriers to the exercise of their shareholder rights,” wrote the IAM and other unions to congressional leadership. “Calls to nullify the rule are part of a broader, unpopular effort to curtail progress on investment and corporate risk management, transparency, and accountability. This ill-advised effort jeopardizes workers’ hard-earned retirement savings.”

The U.S. House and Senate recently passed the extremist measure. President Biden has said he will veto the bill.

NFFE President Erwin Attends Sec. of Labor Nomination at White House, Speaks with President Biden: Last week in Washington, DC, NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin attended a ceremony at the White House where President Joe Biden officially nominated Julie Su to be the next Secretary of Labor. Following the announcement Erwin spoke briefly with Biden about federal employees and the pro-union agenda of the White House.

Su’s nomination came on the heels of Marty Walsh’s announcement that he would be stepping down as Secretary of Labor to run the National Hockey League Players Association. However, Su will surely step up to meet the challenge of leading the Labor Department and continuing to advance the Biden Administration’s pro-union and pro-labor policies.

Julie Su has spent her entire career advocating for workers, and currently holds the position of the Deputy Secretary of Labor. Prior to joining the Labor Department, Su was the Labor Secretary for the State of California and she began her life in government service as the California Labor Commissioner. Su spent 17 years as a civil rights attorney representing workers. Her work as representing trafficked Thai garment workers earned her a MacArthur “genius” award. A daughter of immigrants, Su is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School.

“It was an honor to attend this important ceremony as a guest of President Biden,” said President Erwin. “I had the opportunity to thank him for nominating such a qualified and accomplished candidate in Julie Su as the next Secretary of Labor. In my conversation with the President, I offered my appreciation for the work his administration has done to empower and show respect for federal employees, and to ensure all workers have the opportunity to join a union.”

WASHINGTON STATE MACHINISTS COUNCIL MEETS IN OLYMPIA: Delegates to the Washington State Machinists Council came together for their state council meeting in Olympia. The Washington State Machinists Council serves as the voice of working families across the state to help push worker-friendly legislation and to help elect candidates who will fight for issues important to the IAM.

The Washington State Machinists Council came together to discuss a variety of legislative actions for improving the lives of workers in the state

IAM Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon gave a report detailing the legislative and political successes of the IAM.

The post International President Martinez Appointed to President’s Export Council – Maryland House Passes Statewide Library Worker Legislation- Machinists Union Calls for Passage of Protecting the Right to Organize Act appeared first on IAMAW.

Machinists Union Meets with USTR to Discuss Trade Priorities- IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee Testifies in Maryland- IAM Members Visit Florida Capitol to Discuss Sugar Industry

Mar 28, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

MACHINISTS UNION MEETS WITH USTR TO DISCUSS TRADE PRIORITIES: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai this week to discuss the Indo-Pacific Trade Framework (IPEF) and other trade priorities. The IAM also stressed the importance of having a robust, comprehensive strategy that coordinates policies in trade, combats harmful trade practices and don’t undermine the Buy American, Buy America and Buy Local provisions we support.

Martinez and the IAM delegation made clear that all potential trade frameworks should concentrate on bringing jobs back and growing jobs here at home.

“The IPEF agreement must include provisions that are worker-centered and meet important objectives that include labor rights enforcement,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It’s imperative for the Administration to uphold the interests and rights of workers during the negotiating process of this trade deal to prevent mistakes from the past and set the foundation for fair models for trade.”

In March, the IAM and more than 400 civil society groups called on the administration to make strong labor rights commitments a central part of the proposed 14-nation IPEF.

The IAM has been actively engaged in the development of the IPEF to make sure it includes policies with strong and enforceable labor standards and delivers real benefits to working families.

IAM VETERANS SERVICES STEERING COMMITTEE TESTIFIES ON VETERAN SURVIVING SPOUSE BENEFIT: IAM Veteran Services Steering Committee members recently testified before a Maryland House of Delegates committee in support of Maryland House Bill 629(HB 629) in Annapolis, MD. The legislation, HB629/SB886, allows for a surviving service member’s spouse, under certain conditions such as death, suffering a service-connected disability, being declared a prisoner of war, or missing in action, to apply for a scholarship under the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program.

The IAM helped draft the state legislation, which aligns with the union’s platform to grow efforts to assist U.S. armed forces veterans, which includes tens of thousands among the 600,000-member organization. That effort included the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee taking a break from their annual meeting at the Winpinsinger Center to make this vital trip to Annapolis in support of the legislation.

“As a proud U.S. Naval Air veteran, I know firsthand the importance our nation’s veterans have to our nation,” testified IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We’ve sacrificed much for the freedom of this great nation, and that should be honored with strong benefits for veterans and their families. This state legislation is a great benefit for aiding family of veterans. Education is so important for the growth and prosperity of our nation.”

HB 629 was introduced by Brian Crosby (D- 29B), a veteran, and co-sponsored by Dels. Mike Rogers (D- 32) and CT Wilson (D- 28). The bill was cross-filed in the Senate by Sen. Ron Watson (D-23), who is also a veteran.

The Senate version of the bill recently passed the chamber in a 45-0 bipartisan vote and will now be considered by the House Appropriations Committee later this month.

“The mission of the Veteran Services Department and this Committee is to assist our military veterans and their families,” said Richard Evans, IAM Veterans Services Coordinator. “Our assistance doesn’t end with helping veterans file for benefits. It also includes advocating on our veteran’s behalf on legislation.”

You can read the testimony supporting this legislation from International President Martinez, Bryan Stymacks, Eastern Territory Grand Lodge Representative, and Local Lodge 4 President Jeremy Leissner.

IAM MEMBERS VISIT FLORIDA CAPITOL TO DISCUSS SUGAR INDUSTRY:  Members of the Florida State Council of Machinists recently visited legislators in Tallahassee to discuss the importance of jobs in sugarcane farming and manufacturing in Florida. In their meetings, they shared that sugarcane farming and production supports 19,201 jobs in Florida and has a $4.7 billion annual impact, including many union positions requiring skilled trades, such as machinists and welders.

Additionally, they discussed the Florida industry’s diverse workforce that reflects the citizens of the state, and the loyalty and respect among workers for the jobs – many are second or third generation in the shops and factories.

Sugarcane farming and production has offered Florida’s rural communities steady, quality jobs for more than 80 years. Even through economic downturns, agriculture has provided reliable jobs for our families and economic activity for our communities.

Some of the IAM members that travelled to Tallahassee this week included Frank Ortis, Brannan Thomas, Cornelius Fowler, Joaquin Almazan, Roger Schultz, Mike Phillips, Caroline Villanueva, Librado Lopez, Eddie Garcia, Jose Medina, and Terry Crawford.

The members met with Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book, Sen. Lori Berman, Sen. Geraldine Thompson, Sen. Jason Pizzo, Sen. Traci Davis, Rep. Christopher Benjamin, Rep. Lindsay Cross, Rep. Marie Woodson, Rep. Ashley Gantt, Rep. Joanna Lopez, Rep. Hillary Cassel, Rep. Dotie Joseph, Rep. Kim Daniels, Rep. David Silvers, Rep. Joe Casello, Rep. Anna Eskamani, Rep. Daryl Campbell, Rep. Bruce Antone, Rep. Toby Overdorf, Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, Rep. Kevin Chambliss, Rep. Dan Daley and Rep. Robin Bartleman.

IAM SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH GLOBAL SAFETY STANDARDS FOR U.S. AIRCRAFT REPAIRS TO PROTECT MAINTENANCE JOBS:  This week, U.S. Reps. Julie Brownley (D-CA) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) introduced the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 1716). The bipartisan legislation will institute a global safety standard for U.S. aircraft repairs and create measures to help prevent the offshoring of domestic aircraft maintenance jobs. 

A coalition of unions, including the IAM, sent a letter to members of Congress urging them to support H.R. 1716. 

Read the complete letter.

“The traveling public deserves to know that commercial aircraft maintenance is done under the strictest standards possible,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “As the largest air transport labor union in North America, we commend Congressman Molinaro for introducing the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act.”

This piece of legislation mirrors a similar initiative to set global safety standards passed by the U.S. House in September last year and was then submitted to the Senate for consideration.

“The IAM will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul is performed by the best aircraft mechanics in the world under a standardized set of rules for U.S. carriers,” said Johnsen.

“If enacted, this bipartisan bill will hold foreign aircraft repair and maintenance to equal standards,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM supports and urges Congress to pass this legislation swiftly to ensure we strengthen global air transportation systems and preserve American jobs.”

“The U.S. has the safest air transportation system in the world, due to our rigorous standards for safety at all levels. It is past time that we close loopholes that allow foreign repair stations to undermine our safety standards,” said Brownley. 

“The FAA has certified nearly one thousand foreign maintenance facilities that service American aircraft. These foreign based facilities, however, are held to a lower safety standard, offshoring jobs that can be done in America,” said Molinaro. “We can enhance safety and encourage quality high paying jobs here at home.”

Read the complete letter. from the coalition of Unions. 

Read U.S. Reps. Brownley and Molinaro’s release here.

IAM APPLAUDS MICHIGAN’S IMMINENT REPEAL OF RIGHT-TO-WORK-FOR-LESS: The Michigan State House and Senate have recently approved bills repealing the state’s 2012 right-to-work-for-less law for private sector workers.

The bill removes language allowing employees at unionized workplaces not to pay any fees or dues to the union, thereby weakening unions and members’ bargaining power.

“Right-to-work-for-laws sabotage workers’ rights, voice, and principles,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “IAM members have fought hard for the working people of Michigan to help create this change. I hope this victory resonates, leading to more states repealing anti-worker laws. ‘Right to Work for Less’ has no place in our society.”

“The IAM will always stand with labor to fight laws designed to weaken worker rights and unions,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Workers in states that can collectively bargain have higher wages and better benefits than those who cannot. The Machinists are always ready to lend our voice and provide resources to help eradicate any injustices affecting working people.”

The legislation is expected to be successfully reconciled this week by the House and Senate before being sent to the desk of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. When she signs the bill, Michigan will be the first state in nearly six decades to repeal a right-to-work-for-less law.

IAM SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF PHILLIP A. WASHINGTON AS FAA ADMINISTRATOR: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce Leadership urging them to advance the nomination of Phil A. Washington for Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“We strongly believe Mr. Washington has the requisite experience and skills to lead the FAA,” wrote Martinez. “We applaud President Biden for nominating Mr. Washington to this extremely important agency to our airline union membership.” 

As one of the largest airline unions in North America and proudly representing over 100,000 airline workers, the IAM expresses his support for Mr. Washington to serve in this critical role as his resume and background demonstrate a remarkable commitment for our country.

“Mr. Washington’s 24-year career in the U.S. Army should be viewed as an asset to the FAA,” wrote Martinez in the letter. “His distinguished military service brings added value to the FAA just as the thousands of workers in the airline industry with similar backgrounds.”

“Mr. Washington’s experiences demonstrate his commitment to public service and ability to manage large complex organizations, which are instrumental qualities to lead the FAA,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Our nation’s aviation safety agency needs stable leadership and Mr. Washington’s career has proven he’s the right fit for the job.”

Read full letter of support here.

SENIORS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE SAVING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN HEALTH CARE COSTS BECAUSE OF PRESIDENT BIDEN’S PRESCRIPTION DRUG LAW: The Biden-Harris Administration released new data showing how President Biden’s prescription drug law is lowering health care costs and prescription drug prices for seniors across the country. Americans pay two to three times more for prescription drugs than citizens in other countries and the President and Congressional Democrats took on special interests to finally lower prices for Americans. Last August, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, which for the first time allows Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors, caps the cost of insulin at $35, makes recommended vaccines free for Medicare beneficiaries, and requires prescription drug companies to pay rebates to Medicare if they raise their prices faster than inflation.

Already, millions of seniors are saving hundreds of dollars each per year because of the Biden Administration’s actions, and President Biden is fighting to expand these cost savings to all Americans. Last week, he released his FY2024 budget which proposes expanding Medicare’s negotiation authority to increase the number of drugs selected for negotiation sooner after they launch, making manufacturers pay rebates if they raise drug prices faster than inflation in the commercial market, and capping the price of insulin at $35 per month for everyone– not just seniors. Already, two of the three largest producers of insulin in the country – Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk – announced they’re meeting President Biden’s call and lowering insulin costs.

New data and actions released today show that the Administration is delivering on its promise to lower health care costs for the American people:

KENTUCKY TENNESSEE JOINT MACHINISTS COUNCIL MEETS IN GATLINBURG: Delegates to the Kentucky Tennessee Joint Machinists Council recently came together for their state council meeting in Gatlinburg. The Kentucky and Tennessee Machinists Councils recently joined together to serve IAM working families in the Kentucky Tennessee region. This meeting focused on strategies to beat back anti-union legislation that continues to move through both states. 

IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace fired up the delegates with a passionate speech about the future and growth of the IAM. The meeting also included Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, who summarized recent legislative and political victories across the nation. 

INDIANA STATE MACHINISTS COUNCIL MEETS: Delegates to the Indiana State Machinists Council recently came together for their state council meeting. The Indiana State Machinists Council serves as the voice of working families across the state to help push worker-friendly legislation and to help elect candidates who will fight for issues important to the IAM.

The Indiana State Machinists Council came together to discuss a variety of legislative actions for improving the lives of workers in the state

IAM Legislative and Political Assistant Director Loren Almeroth gave a report detailing the legislative and political successes of the IAM.

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