IAM Union Urges Senate to Confirm McFerran to NLRB

IAM Union Urges Senate to Confirm McFerran to NLRB

Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), wrote a letter urging the Senate to confirm President Biden’s re-nomination of Lauren McFerran to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Prior to her appointment to the NLRB, McFerran served as Chief Labor Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP Committee) and also previously served the Committee as Deputy Staff Director under Senator Tom Harkin. 

The NLRB, a vital independent government agency responsible for enforcing U.S. labor law, plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of working people. 

“McFerran has proven time and time again she works hard to ensure the NLRB protects workers through her extensive background of working for the betterment of our nation’s workforce,” wrote Bryant in a letter. “This includes several former jobs, including previously serving as Chief Labor Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP Committee).”

The Biden NLRB, unmistakably pro-union and pro-worker, has sought input on various critical matters, including:

1.      Allowing unions to organize appropriate bargaining units, moving beyond the restrictive “wall-to-wall” approach
2.      Expanding traditional make-whole remedies for unfair labor practices to encompass consequential damages
3.      Strengthening workers’ rights to engage in concerted activities
4.      Extending protections to workers through a redefinition of independent contractor status
5.      And numerous other initiatives aimed at supporting workers’ rights

Read the complete letter here

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IAM General Vice Presidents Sullivan and Bennett Testify On China’s Unfair Trade Practices

IAM General Vice Presidents Sullivan and Bennett Testify On China’s Unfair Trade Practices

IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett recently testified before Democratic Members of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

The Select Committee was interested in hearing labor leaders views on the bipartisan report “Reset, Prevent, Build: A Strategy to Win America’s Economic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party.” The report, issued late last year, included nearly 150 policy recommendations for Congress.

Sullivan and Bennett were able to communicate the IAM’s most important interests and objectives.

“The IAM is ready to build and maintain our 21st century Naval and commercial fleet,” said Sullivan. “We remain steadfast in our devotion to that goal. We urge lawmakers to work with us to bolster and reinvigorate this vitally important domestic industry for the sake of long-term U.S. economic and national security.”

IAM members face issues like cyber espionage, risks to critical infrastructure, and China’s human rights abuses. This hearing focused on the most pressing job-related concerns, highlighting areas needing more action. The IAM applauded the Congressional and Biden-Harris administration efforts on CHIPS, the IRA, export controls, and other issues.

China continues to use every tool available to establish a strong aerospace industry at the expense of U.S. workers,” said Bennett. “The U.S. needs to immediately find more effective ways to stop China from using market-distorting activities – like curbing the transfer of technology and production. China’s commitments in the 2020 Phase One Agreement did not resolve many of these concerns about forced transfers and other market-distorting practices.”

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Texas State Council Continues to Build Power, Endorses Rep. Colin Allred for U.S. Senate

Texas State Council Continues to Build Power, Endorses Rep. Colin Allred for U.S. Senate

The Texas State Council of Machinists recently held a meeting in Austin bringing together delegates from all corners of the state creating a platform for in-depth discussions on a plethora of issues critical to the labor community. Throughout the event, the council focused on legislative and political matters, benefiting from the insights of various speakers who champion labor rights in the Lone Star State.

During the meeting, the Texas State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Congressman Colin Allred (D-Texas) for the U.S. Senate race. This decision was reached after a thorough evaluation of Allred’s record and his commitment to advancing working families.

“After careful consideration and comprehensive discussions among our members, we are proud to endorse Congressman Colin Allred for the United States Senate,” said Texas State Council of Machinists President Taylor Rehmet. “We believe that with Allred in the Senate, Texas workers will have a strong ally who will tirelessly fight for their rights, safety, and economic well-being.”

“It’s more than an endorsement; it’s a call to action for all workers to support a leader who truly has our back. With Congressman Colin Allred in the Senate, we are confident that the future of labor rights in Texas is in capable hands,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin.

“[It’s] great to be with my union brothers and sisters at the Texas State Council of Machinists Convention this weekend,” said Allred in a tweet.“When I’m in the Senate, I’ll keep working to build an economy that works for everyone.”

The endorsement underscores the importance of the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) and the critical role that voluntary contributions play a critical role in supporting pro-worker candidates. With the backing of IAM’s political and legislative department, the Texas State Council of Machinists emphasizes increasing support for the MNPL to facilitate the election of candidates who prioritize worker rights and democratic values.

Delegates heard from a diverse group of speakers, including IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, IAM Texas State Council of Machinists President Taylor Rehmet, National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, and IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Director James Little. 

Other speakers included:

  • Rick Levy, Texas AFL-CIO President
  • Claretta Allen, AFL-CIO Chapter President of Tyler
  • BO Delp, Texas Climate Jobs Project Director
  • Sean Marcill, Addiction Services
  • Jennifer Alexander, IAM Benefit Funds & Education Department
  • Jeff Grim, Employee Benefit Systems
  • Marlin Phillips, Railroad Industry, TSCMAW Vice President-at-Large
  • Solomon Ortiz, Candidate for State Representative, District 34
  • Tony Padilla, Texas Alliance for Retired Americans

SEE PHOTOS HERE

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