Machinists Union Urges Senate Confirmation of Labor-Friendly Members to National Mediation Board

Nov 4, 2021 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) committee for advancing the nomination of two union-friendly members to the National Mediation Board (NMB), which includes longtime labor lawyer and former IAM Legal Fellow Deirdre Hamilton.

The HELP committee recently voted to approve the nomination of Hamilton and renomination of Linda Puchala, an action that moves both for a full Senate consideration. The IAM is now urging Senate leadership to swiftly move forward with a full floor vote to confirm the two NMB nominees. 

“We thank each senator of the HELP committee who voted in favor of the Democratic nominees for this very important federal panel, which will help make sure the pendulum stays balanced in the efforts to smooth out disputes in the rail and airline industries,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “We also applaud the Biden administration for choosing a slate of very qualified members to the NMB panel, which would become Democratic majority. We are confident that Deirdre Hamilton and Linda Puchala will fight hard to protect the interest of the American worker.”

“We applaud the Senate HELP Committee for moving our labor-friendly nominees out of committee and we are now urging Senate Leadership to schedule a floor vote. The IAM’s Transportation Department stands ready to work to help get these nominees confirmed,” said Richard Johnsen, Chief of Staff to the International President. “Both Hamilton and Puchala have shown to be advocates of workers, so I am confident that they will assure workers’ rights will be protected.”

The NMB is a three-member panel tasked with handling labor issues in the nation’s railroad and airline industries.

In January, the IAM joined 18 unions representing rail and aviation workers in sending a letter the Biden administration asking for some immediate attention to confirm Hamilton and Puchala.

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President Biden Applauds IAM Transportation Members on Front Lines

Oct 28, 2021 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News

President Biden spoke from the White House about a new plan to keep pressure on U.S. supply chains, during which he thanked Machinists Union members and other transportation workers on the front lines.

The IAM has long called for investment in the transportation industry that benefits workers, passengers and consumers, as well as Buy American regulations that strengthen supply chains, especially during global crises like a pandemic. The IAM is in full support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Build Back Better Act, which would provide historic investments in the airline, transit, aerospace, manufacturing and other critical industries.

“President Biden recognizes the critical role our members have in keeping America and the world moving,” said Richard Johnsen, Chief of Staff to the International President. “The President knows that working men and women are the vital component in our supply chains, and that our members are working hard and remain committed to the job at hand.”

The IAM is the largest transportation union in North America, including in the airlines and freight and commuter railroads.

WATCH: President Biden thanks IAM members

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