Mar 26, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
ATLANTA, March 26, 2024 – More than 19,000 Delta Air Lines ground workers in 46 U.S. cities expressed gratitude to members of Congress who support their campaign for union representation and collective bargaining rights.
Delta workers also received support from members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation.
In a letter, the workers thanked lawmakers for urging Delta CEO Ed Bastian to remain neutral in their unionization efforts. This neutrality would ensure workers can decide, without management influence, whether union representation aligns with their interests.
However, they found Bastian’s response to the congressional inquiry concerning. It lacked acknowledgment of alleged interference with their right to unionize. Instead, it focused on the perceived benefits of the current non-union environment.
“Mr. Bastian’s response makes it unmistakably clear that he does not understand our rationale and desire to unionize,” wrote the Delta workers. “Our desire to seek collective bargaining rights likely varies from employee to employee. Issues such as financial concerns, a fair grievance procedure, to improving benefits and working conditions each play a role. Regardless, organizing a union is our right protected by federal law. These important rights should not be undermined by Mr. Bastian’s never-ending campaign that we don’t need union representation because employment conditions at Delta are, in his view, just fine. It’s not his decision. It’s our decision.”
Given Bastian’s refusal to commit to neutrality, the workers request further action by Congress. They urge lawmakers to demand a clear answer: will Delta adopt a neutral stance on worker organizing?
If Bastian continues to avoid a clear answer, Delta workers urge Congress to hold hearings. These hearings would allow all parties to discuss fair conditions for union organizing, free from management interference.
“Delta actively and verifiably misinforms workers about the process and results of unionizing,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “We want workers to know that they have rights and to feel empowered. Delta’s CEO is responsible for the disrespectful stance the company takes on workers who want to exercise their federal right to unionize.”
The workers emphasize the need for accountability. They believe Bastian should be held responsible for alleged interference and his refusal to address the neutrality request. Ultimately, they seek a platform for Delta employees to organize freely, without fear of intimidation or coercion.
Read the complete letter.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
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Mar 26, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Cleveland-Cliffs in Middletown, Ohio, has received up to $500 million in federal funding for improvements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in energy-intensive industries. The company plans to create 170 permanent jobs and 1,200 temporary union construction jobs while also preserving the site’s existing 2,500 jobs, which includes 2,000 IAM Local 1943 members.
The funding, which comes as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, would provide Cleveland-Cliffs Steel, America’s largest flat-rolled steel producer, to retire a blast furnace and replace it with two electric furnaces.
IAM Local 1943 members will play a crucial role in carrying out projects that would enable the facility to use natural gas as fuel, thereby reducing the current carbon intensity of ironmaking by more than 50%. The facility could also potentially switch to a combination of natural gas and clean hydrogen, or entirely clean hydrogen, which would bring down the current carbon intensity of ironmaking by over 90%.
“The IAM applauds this historic Department of Energy grant awarded to Cleveland-Cliffs under President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The recognition is a tribute to IAM Local 1943 members’ dedication and expertise, the backbone of Cleveland Cliffs’ success. This DOE grant from the Inflation Reduction Act is a win for American manufacturing and sustainability. The IAM commends U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s commitment and the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for a stronger domestic steel industry.”
The initiative aims to support the creation of good-paying union jobs, revitalize industrial communities, and strengthen the nation’s manufacturing competitiveness.
“I applaud the members at IAM Local 1943,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This award will benefit Ohio’s working families for years to come. The IAM is proud to stand with our members as we continue strengthening the American workforce and promoting sustainability.”
The plant aims to reduce carbon emissions and become one of the world’s most advanced, lowest greenhouse gas-emitting iron and steel facilities.
“IAM Local 1943 members at Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works have fueled steel production for more than 100 years, powering essential products nationwide,” said IAM Local 1943 President and Directing Business Representative Shawn Coffey. “We are excited that this DOE grant validates our members’ hard work and commitment to driving our nation’s economy, and will help us continue making steel in Middletown, Ohio for 100 more. IAM Local Lodge 1943 would like to thank Cleveland Cliffs for their commitment to our members and the community of Middletown. I would also like to thank our elected officials, the DOE, and everyone involved for the hard work and dedication that they have put in to make this happen.”
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visited Cleveland-Cliffs Steel in Middletown, Ohio, to make the announcement and share how this investment can help Ohio’s working families. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) had urged the U.S. Energy Department to approve the funding.
“This partnership will ensure that IAM steelworkers in Middletown remain at the forefront of the global steel industry,” said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. “This is why we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act – to ensure Ohio manufacturing continues to lead the world in the technologies that will drive our economy for decades to come. The Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works plant will support growing industries in Ohio while creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring that Ohio remains a national leader in manufacturing and innovation.”
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm Twitter
The post Ohio Local 1943 Members to Play Key Role in Cleveland-Cliffs’ Transition to Green Energy Thanks to Landmark Federal Funding appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 23, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill
Click Here to view this edition of Machinists on the Hill.
The post IAM Joins Forces with Union Allies in Call to Investigate Chinese Shipbuilding Practices – Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Secures $850K in Funding for IAM Local 701’s Apprenticeship Facility appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 18, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
WAUKEGAN, Ill., March 18, 2024 – Approximately 440 workers at Thermoflex in Waukeegan, Ill., who produce high-quality automobile floor and cargo mats, exterior trims and other accessories for major auto manufacturers, have filed to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The IAM filed a National Labor Relations Board petition today, Monday, March 18 to represent the workers.
U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.) is throwing his support behind the campaign, which aims to create fair wage standards and working conditions for Thermoflex workers. Company management has been accused of unjustly disciplining and firing union supporters and workers have cited allegations of wage theft and sexual harassment.
“I understand that Thermoflex employees are organizing to form a union, and I write in support of the free exercise of your legal rights to unionize,” writes Rep. Garcia in an English and Spanish letter to Thermoflex workers. “I urge you to not allow intimidation tactics to dispel your efforts to unionize and negotiate fair wages and working conditions.”
Thermoflex workers, a majority of whom are Spanish-speaking immigrants, are seeking IAM representation because many make less than $20 an hour, have no company-provided health insurance, and no retirement benefits or paid time off.
“Thermoflex workers came to the IAM because they are in dire need of a union that will enable them to bargain collectively and restore dignity in the workplace,” said IAM Grand Lodge Representative Billy Anderson, lead organizer on the campaign. “These brave workers are standing up to the company’s intense anti-union campaign that is severely infringing on their federally protected right to organize. With the collective effort of the workers and the IAM, as well as the support of the community, they will get the justice they demand and deserve at Thermoflex.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, automotive, railroad, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
Más de 400 trabajadores de accesorios automotrices de Illinois solicitan unirse al sindicato de la IAM con el respaldo del congresista Chuy García
WAUKEGAN, Illinois., 18 de marzo de 2024 – Aproximadamente 440 trabajadores de Thermoflex en Waukeegan, Illinois, quienes laboran produciendo tapetes para pisos y carga de automóviles de alta calidad, adornos exteriores y otros accesorios para los principales fabricantes de automóviles, han solicitado unirse a la Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial (IAM). La IAM presentó hoy lunes 18 de marzo una petición a la Junta Nacional de Relaciones Laborales para representar a los trabajadores.
El congresista Chuy García (Demócrata-Illinois) está brindando su apoyo a la campaña, cuyo objetivo es crear estándares salariales y condiciones laborales justas para los trabajadores de Thermoflex. La gerencia de la empresa ha sido acusada de disciplinar y despedir injustamente a simpatizantes del sindicato, y a la vez los trabajadores han citado denuncias de robo de salarios y acoso sexual.
“Entiendo que los empleados de Thermoflex se están organizando para formar un sindicato, y escribo en apoyo del libre ejercicio de sus derechos legales a sindicalizarse”, escribe el congresista García en una carta en inglés y español a los trabajadores de Thermoflex. “Les insto a que no permitan que las tácticas de intimidación malgasten sus esfuerzos por sindicalizarse y negociar salarios y condiciones de trabajo justos”.
Los trabajadores de Thermoflex, la mayoría de los cuales son inmigrantes de habla hispana, buscan representación de la IAM porque muchos ganan menos de $20 por hora, no tienen seguro médico proporcionado por la empresa, ni beneficios de jubilación ni tiempo libre remunerado.
“Los trabajadores de Thermoflex acudieron a la IAM porque necesitan urgentemente un sindicato que les permita negociar colectivamente y restaurar la dignidad en el lugar de trabajo”, dijo el representante de la Gran Logia de la IAM y principal organizador de la campaña Billy Anderson. “Estos valientes trabajadores están haciendo frente a una intensa campaña antisindical por parte de la empresa que infringe gravemente su derecho a organizarse el cual es protegido por el gobierno federal. Con el esfuerzo colectivo de los trabajadores y de la IAM, así como el apoyo de la comunidad, obtendrán la justicia que exigen y merecen en Thermoflex”.
La Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial (IAM) se encuentra entre los sindicatos industriales más grandes de América del Norte y representa a cerca de 600,000 miembros activos y jubilados en los sectores manufacturero, aeroespacial, defensa, aerolíneas, transporte, automoción, ferrocarriles, construcción naval, carpintería y atención médica y otras industrias.
The post 400+ Illinois Auto Accessory Workers File to Join IAM Union with Backing from Congressman Chuy Garcia appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 15, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, March 15, 2024 – Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has successfully secured $850,000 in funding for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Mechanics Union Local 701 apprenticeship facility in Aurora, Ill., as part of the recent bipartisan government funding package.
The allocation will support the development and expansion of the Local 701 apprenticeship facility in Aurora. Opened in July 2023, the new facility opened with its inaugural cohort comprising 94 automotive and diesel mechanic apprentices.
Due to the hard work of the IAM Local 701 staff, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi secured funding for the training facility. Staff and members attended community meetings, office visits, and congressional events to advocate for additional funding for the facility. This funding was granted because of IAM Local 701’s outstanding track record in creating highly skilled technicians and their commitment to advancing technicians’ education.
“This program is a tremendous success, and we appreciate Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s belief in this program,” said Mark Grasseschi, IAM Directing Business Representative and Chairman of the Local 701 Training Fund. “This facility empowers our students with vital trades education, securing debt-free graduation and union employment. By meeting industry needs, we’re fostering highly skilled technicians. With this funding, we can further expand our facilities and elevate our training to another level.”
IAM Local 701’s apprenticeship program uniquely integrates hands-on experience with theoretical learning, dedicating one day per week to training while working full-time under IAM-represented employers. This approach equips apprentices with essential skills and allows them to earn a livelihood, access health insurance, and contribute to a pension plan.
IAM Local 701 actively engages with federal, state, and local legislators to secure additional grant opportunities to support students’ education. Notably, the organization recently secured a significant grant of one million dollars from the state of Illinois, thanks to the efforts of Illinois State Sen. Karina Villa.
The roots of IAM Local 701’s apprenticeship program trace back to the 1990s when its founder, Sam Cicinelli, current IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, initiated efforts to garner support from the Local 701 members before bargaining contributions from the represented employers with whom Local 701 holds contracts with. Over the years, the program has evolved, culminating in partnerships with approximately 496 shops, including 200 auto dealerships. These partnerships span various sectors, including automotive, trucking, forklift, auto/body repair, trailer, marine, heavy equipment, and public transit.
“Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s advocacy and support for IAM Mechanics’ Local 701 underscore a commitment to investing in workforce development initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities,” said Cicinelli. “I want to thank our IAM Political and Legislative Department for their hard work and dedication to ensure this funding was included in the budget. This funding will help create highly-skilled technicians and help fill the high-demand jobs in the auto, trucking and other highly-skilled industries we represent.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
The post Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Secures $850K in Funding for IAM Local 701’s Apprenticeship Facility appeared first on IAMAW.
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