Apr 30, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Maryland State Council of Machinists has endorsed Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski for the United States Senate and State Sen. Clarence Lam (D-12) for Congress. The state council had already endorsed Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
What they’re saying: “Our union supports any candidate that fights for workers and our members,” said Maryland State Council of Machinists President Rick Compher. “This council is excited that these candidates will fight for workers when elected.”
- Olszewski, who serves as Baltimore County Executive, has been fighting to secure emergency benefits for workers impacted by the recent collapse of the Key Bridge, which is part of his county.
- Lam, a Maryland State Senator, is a physician and advocate for preventive medicine and healthcare modernization.
- He co-sponsored the IAM-championed Library Workers Empowerment Act that passed in the Maryland Legislature this year to expand the right to collectively bargain for public library workers throughout Maryland.
- The IAM represents library staff in Baltimore County.
Speakers included: Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division; Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff, IAM Air Transport Territory; Chuck Herod, Chief of Staff, IAM Eastern Territory.
The post DC & Maryland Machinists Back Working People Candidates appeared first on IAMAW.
Apr 25, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM International President Brian Bryant just sent a strong letter to U.S. Senators urging them to sign on to Sen. Laphonza Butler’s letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian calling for the company’s neutrality toward workers’ union organizing efforts.
Ask your senators to send a strong message of support to workers at Delta by signing on to Sen. Butler’s letter.
Sen. Butler’s letter asks Delta’s CEO to respect the voices of its employees by pledging not to interfere in any union organizing activities by adopting a neutrality agreement.
A neutrality agreement consists of an employer agreeing not to engage in pre-election activities that influence workers’ freedom to form a union, and the letter emphasizes that a neutrality agreement is the bare minimum that Delta should meet to respect the rights of its employees.
Please join the IAM in asking your senators to support workers and urge Delta to stay neutral in the workers’ union organizing campaign.
Delta has a history of utilizing anti-union tactics and is again facing allegations of union-busting in response to this current organizing campaign.
The House Labor Caucus recently sent a similar letter to Delta Airlines that garnered over 150 members of Congress.
All workers deserve to freely join a union without harassment and intimidation by their employer.
Tell your senators now by sending a prewritten email.
The post Tell the Senate to Support Workers, Pressure Delta for Neutrality appeared first on IAMAW.
Apr 19, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill
Click Here to view this edition of Machinists on the Hill.
The post 📚 Machinists on the Hill: Library Worker Rights Victory appeared first on IAMAW.
Apr 9, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon is continuing his advocacy for the IAM by being appointed to serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors of Working America, the community organizing arm of the AFL-CIO.
Solomon, a renowned trade union lobbyist and the IAM’s leading voice for workers’ rights on Capitol Hill, brings 25 years of IAM experience to the Working America board.
“It’s an honor to serve the interests of our members each and every day in the halls of power of Washington, D.C.,” said Solomon. “I look forward to continuing my service to the IAM, and broadening the reach of our union and the labor movement in the concurrent role with Working America.”
Now numbering 4.3 million strong, Working America members share the concerns of union members: good family-sustaining jobs, affordable and quality health care, and safe and secure housing. Working America is building a political and economic home for millions of working-class people who are otherwise not part of the labor movement.
“There’s no stronger political and legislative voice for IAM members than Hasan Solomon,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We’re honored to have Hasan and the IAM represented at Working America, which does great work to broaden the reach of the IAM and the entire labor movement.”
Solomon was nominated for the role by AFSCME President Lee Saunders, who serves as Working America’s Board President. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler serves as the board’s Secretary Treasurer and is joined by seven other labor leaders on Working America’s Board of Directors.
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Apr 9, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill
MADISON, Wis., April 8, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds Wisconsin Gov. Evers’ decisive action today in vetoing Senate Bill 436 at the IAM’s Wisconsin State Council of Machinists meeting in Madison, Wis. The right-wing, corporate-backed legislation aimed to dismantle vital safeguards for some of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable workers, 14 and 15-year-olds.
“Eliminating these permits would have been a reckless gamble with the well-being of young people,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Work permits are not merely red tape. They are essential shields protecting our children from exploitation, unsafe conditions, and disrupted education. By vetoing this bill, Gov. Evers has shown clear leadership in prioritizing the safety and welfare of Wisconsin’s future workforce.”
The IAM supports Gov. Evers and all Wisconsin workers’ rights champions fighting to protect our future. We remain committed to fighting alongside them to ensure our youth enter the workforce with the protections and opportunities they deserve, not as pawns in a race to the bottom.
“The IAM stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Governor Evers and our allies in the labor movement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “We’re committed to ensuring young people entering the workforce have the protections and opportunities they deserve. They’re not pawns in a race to the bottom but the future of the great state of Wisconsin. We must safeguard their rights at all costs so their potential can thrive.”
“Child labor safeguards are in place to protect the life, health, safety, and welfare of children,” said IAM District 10 Directing Business Representative Alex Hoekstra. “We thank Governor Evers for taking action to uphold the work permit process for kids in Wisconsin. Strong child labor laws are essential to keeping kids safe from injury or harm at work.”
The post IAM Union Applauds Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s Veto of Reckless Child Labor Bill appeared first on IAMAW.
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