IAM Visits the White House- Deadline to Register for the IAM Legislative Conference-IAM Rail Division Leaders Attend FRA Meeting

May 16, 2022 | Machinists On The Hill

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS, LABOR SECRETARY WALSH HOST BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY EMPLOYEE AT WHITE HOUSE AFTER HARD FOUGHT CAMPAIGN TO JOIN MACHINISTS UNION: Baltimore County Public Library employee Jaimie Caldwell, a new member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), recently met at the White House with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, and other members of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment.

Caldwell is one of approximately 460 Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) employees who recently organized with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). On Sunday, May 1, they voted to ratify their first union contract. The one-year collective bargaining agreement includes pay increases and paid leave, among other significant improvements. Among several work rule improvements, the agreement creates a labor-management committee.

The Baltimore County Public Library campaign is emblematic of the IAM’s efforts to organize workers in a diverse array of sectors, including veterinary workers, non-profit workers, and Apple workers.

“The Biden-Harris administration is laser-focused on giving working people a fair chance to form and join a union,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We applaud the administration, including Labor Secretary Walsh, for their concentrated efforts to always include workers’ voices in helping shape policy. I am so proud of Jaimie and her coworkers for courageously joining the IAM, culminating with a strong first contract that will benefit Baltimore County Public Library employees, their families, and communities.”

Caldwell, who has worked as a BCPL librarian for eight years, was an active member of the internal organizing team on the successful BCPL campaign to join the IAM. 

“What an incredible honor and privilege to be selected to represent my colleagues from the Baltimore County Public Library at the White House,” said IAM member and Baltimore County Public Library employee Jaimie Caldwell. “The volume and quality of work our staff put into unionizing with the IAM over the last three years are admirable. It makes so much sense that this dedicated, respectful, hard-working group would be given the opportunity to share our message on a national level. From passing legislation to gathering signatures of support for negotiations, which culminated in contract ratification and our presence at the White House, this group of library workers has been committed to their hopes of collective bargaining and better working conditions. It excites us to know we could take it further, bypassing statewide legislation for all Maryland library workers to unionize. We stand with them in solidarity. We are stronger together.”  

The first contract with BCPL comes after years of organizing, including the IAM winning a new state law allowing BCPL employees to collectively bargain. The law, sponsored by Maryland State Del. Cathi Forbes and State Sen. Shelly Hettleman went into effect on July 1, 2021. The IAM is now pursuing state-wide legislation to allow all Maryland public library employees the freedom to collectively bargain.  

The IAM proudly supports the recent findings from the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. The report included more than 70 recommendations that empower workers and support unions by leveling the playing field and allowing everyone to sit at the table. 

MACHINISTS UNION PROUDLY SUPPORTS ROBUST FUNDING OF THE F-35 LIGHTNING II PROGRAM: The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest aerospace and defense union in the United States, continues its advocacy for robust funding of the F-35 Lightning II program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 defense budget.

Partnering with Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) and the U.S. House of Representatives Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, the IAM continues to build congressional support for the F-35 Program.  Most recently, the IAM and its partners supported a Congressional letter to the chairs and ranking members of the House Armed Services Committee and House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in advocating for continued support of the F-35 program. The letter, which was signed by 154 members of Congress, expressed the critical need for Congress to provide the necessary program funding to support an increase in the production ramp rate towards full-rate production and continued investment in modernization and sustainment in the upcoming defense authorization and appropriations bills for the Fiscal Year 2023.

The F-35 Lightning II program provides for tens of thousands of Machinists Union jobs at Lockheed Martin and across the F-35 supply chain, supports nearly 300,000 total jobs nationwide, and accounts for more than $65 in annual economic activity.   In addition to its vitally important job creation and economic impact, the F-35 program is essential to ensuring U.S. national security and ensures that our men and women in uniform are supported by the most capable fighter jet known to man. 

“The F-35 is an engineering marvel that continues to set the bar in the defense and security of this Nation,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The Machinists Union will always do whatever it can to advocate for this program. Thousands of our highly-skilled members working at Lockheed Martin facilities across the country are honored to be a part of the defense of our country and proud that their strong, union job allows them to take care of their own at home. The F-35 is much more than a job for Machinists Union members; it’s a shining example of American and union pride.” 

For the IAM, supporting the F-35 Lightning II Program is key to taking care of our proud members across the country who build this peerless aircraft.

“The F-35 is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, setting the trajectory for our country’s future defense and security,” said Martinez. “For our members on shop floors across the U.S.A., the F-35 Lightning II Program represents much more than that. It symbolizes what it means to be a union, providing thousands of highly-skilled, union jobs that allow our proud members to take care of their families, their communities, and this great country.”

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022 IAM LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IS NOW OPEN: Take up the fight in our nation’s capital for policies that benefit working people. Join hundreds of your fellow IAM members at the 2022 IAM Legislative Conference from June 20 to 22, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

You must make reservations by Friday, May 13, 2022, to guarantee the IAM hotel room rate.

Get the official call letter, registration information, and hotel booking details here.

As part of the conference schedule, attendees will lobby members of Congress and remind them who they were elected to represent. In addition, machinists will hit Capitol Hill and talk about the issues that affect IAM members most, including the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, Buy American, transportation, trade, defense funding, retirement security, healthcare costs and more.

During general sessions, delegates will also hear from allies in Congress and attend a congressional reception hosted by the IAM.

Make a difference by participating in this important conference.

Register today.

IAM INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT MARTINEZ MEETS WITH U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to ensure labor unions and civil groups be involved in the discussions and review process of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) agreement. The IPEF agreement seeks to solidify ties with nations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Martinez offered policy suggestions such as enforceable labor and environmental rules and transparency in negotiations to Ambassador Tai and Commerce Secretary Raimondo. He also cautioned that the IPEF should not resemble the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), a once-proposed flawed trade deal that would have gutted the nation’s manufacturing sector.

Martinez also discussed policy suggestions such as enforceable labor and environmental rules and transparency in negotiations.

The IAM recently submitted suggestions to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, offering pro-worker guidance as the two federal agencies are shaping a U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). 

MIDWEST STATE CONFERENCE OF MACHINISTS GATHERS TO BUILD POWER: Two hundred delegates came together at the Midwest Territory States Conference of Machinists in Chicago to discuss the key to winning electoral races in Midwest statehouses, governors’ mansions, and congressional seats.

Midwest States Conference of Machinists President Dave Weaver welcomed all the delegates, staff, and officers from across the Midwest Territory to hear from political experts, Illinois elected officials, and IAM Grand Lodge staff and officers. IAM Midwest General Vice President Steve Galloway encouraged the attendees to grow their union and help engage the IAM membership.

“The activists in the Midwest Territory have been the bedrock of the recent political victories for our members and working families,” said Weaver, who also serves as IAM District 9 District Business Representative. “Our Territory has some important work ahead of the elections throughout the Midwest, and we are ready to deliver victories across the Western Territory.”

The conference featured special guest Paul Begala, a CNN political commentator, a professor of public policy, an author, and a political strategist. Paul offered his frank perspective on politics, media, and today’s headlines.

“Everyone in this room is an activist – otherwise, you wouldn’t be here,” said Galloway. “So when the time comes this fall to get boots on the ground in order to educate our members and get them to the polls, my expectation is that everyone in this room will answer the call. We must do our parts, brothers, and sisters. We must protect the Senate. We must protect the House. And we must protect our governors.”

“The Midwest Territory is running a fantastic program throughout the states, and their victories in battles from Missouri to Illinois have been the proof,” said International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I commend General Vice President Galloway and President Weaver for their strategic planning process to put a plan in place to ensure the IAM plays a role in some of the most crucial elections in the Territory.

View Gallery Here.

New York State Council Comes Together for Political Action: The New York State Council of Machinists recently came together in Niagara Falls, NY, to map out the political action plan for locals and districts throughout the state. New York Machinists State Council president Dominic Taibbi kicked off the meeting with a powerful lineup of speakers that included IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin, IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen, IAM Grand Lodge staff, and local and New York state elected officials.

The New York State Council unanimously endorsed Kathy Hochul for Governor. Governor Hochul has always been a fierce supporter of rights for working men and women in New York. The delegates also focused on maintaining control of hard-fought seats won in the last election.

 “I am glad that we can gather as council again to celebrate members who go above and beyond, our elected champions, and map our future political plans,” said New York Machinists State Council President Dominic Taibbi. “I hope everyone leaves this meeting energized and ready to elect worker-friendly candidates up and down the ballot.”

Great to be with my brothers and sisters in labor this morning at the NY Council of Machinists annual conference! Labor unions gave birth to the middle class and are the backbone of our economy, and I’m proud to be a strong advocate on their behalf in Congress. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/d69QWTt8vK

— Joe Morelle (@RepJoeMorelle) May 2, 2022

“The Eastern Territory appreciates the hard work by the New York State Council of Machinists to ensure our members have a voice in the New York statehouse and local counties and cities throughout the state,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “I want to thank President Taibbi and the rest of the state council team for preparing our membership for political battle.” 

View Gallery Here.

IAM RAIL DIVISION LEADERS ATTEND 3-DAY FRA MEETING ON TECHNOLOGY: Matt Hollis, National Vice President and Special Assistant to the President for Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), testified before the Surface Transportation Board this week. Hollis testified on behalf of the IAM Rail Union to address urgent issues in the freight rail service. Other speakers included U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh, and Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel of the Federal Maritime Commission.  

WATCH: STB Hearing on Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service

The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and IAM District 19, which together represent tens of thousands of rail workers, will become part of the IAM Rail Division on May 1, 2022.

The testimony highlighted three specific crafts in the rail industry that reveal the impact of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) on the workforce and current issues with freight rail service. 

“From my position at TCU/IAM, I have had a front-row seat to the complete and utter degradation of our nation’s Class 1 railroads over the past six to seven years,” said Hollis. “I’ve watched as private equity firms have acquired controlling stakes in railroads only to use their power to deploy business models that extract as much wealth as possible, to the detriment of the railroads’ workers, their customers, and ultimately, the public interest. The Class 1 railroads have deployed their variations of the Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) business model – a misnomer, as any real railroader would tell you that PSR is neither precise nor well-scheduled and hardly resembles what they would call ‘railroading.’ A more accurate description would be doing ‘less with less’ – or moving fewer carloads with drastically fewer employees.”

Read Hollis’s full testimony here. 

NFFE-IAM PRAISES HOUSE FOR PASSING THE FEDERAL FIREFIGHTER FAIRNESS ACT, H.R. 2499: This week, the National Federation of Federal Employees applauded the House of Representatives for passing H.R. 2499, the Federal Firefighter Fairness Act. Introduced by Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), the bill establishes a presumption that federal firefighters with at least five years of service who develop serious health conditions, such as cancers and long-term illnesses, did so due to on-the-job exposure to smoke and other hazardous materials. The legislation also includes proactive measures to ensure that diseases suffered by federal firefighters are better reported and studied.

“For over 20 years, NFFE-IAM has advocated for legislation that guarantees federal firefighters who develop severe illnesses resulting from their service to the country receive adequate workers’ compensation benefits,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “This issue finally has the bipartisan support necessary to be passed into law, and we are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Salud Carbajal and Don Bacon in advancing the bill through the House. We urge the Senate to take action on the bill quickly, and deliver a necessary benefit for our brave federal firefighters who risk their wellbeing protecting the nation.”

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS URGE COLLEAGUES TO PASS PRESIDENT’S BIDEN’S SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION BUDGET FOR 2023: 102 members of Congress wrote a letter urging the Committee to support President Biden’s request of $14.8 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 for the Social Security Administration (SSA) operating budget. The members called for reducing excessive delays and strengthening services. 

“Social Security is a cornerstone of our nation’s economic security,” reads the letter. “As we continue to face the national disaster of the COVID-19 pandemic, Social Security’s role is more important than ever. Almost all workers are contributing to Social Security and earning its benefits, and nearly 1 in 3 households include at least one person who receives Social Security. The income Social Security provides is vital for retirees, families who have lost a breadwinner, and workers who have experienced a career-ending injury or illness. It is impossible to overstate the importance of the program to its 65 million beneficiaries: for many retirees, Social Security provides most or all of their income.” 

Active and retired IAM members have long called for strengthening services at the Social Security Administration and have long been on record for measures that secure the solvency of Social Security.

Read the complete letter.

MACHINISTS UNION SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO END CORPORATE TAX BREAKS FOR UNION BUSTING: The IAM supports the recently introduced legislation that would amend federal tax laws to end deductions for the expenses that companies accrue in efforts to dissuade or coerce their workers from exercising their collective bargaining rights.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting, a bill that would classify business’ interference in worker organization campaigns as political speech under the tax code and therefore not tax deductible. The legislation would also establish IRS reporting requirements for employers who intervene in protected labor activities.

“This bill will stop the public subsidizing of union-busting campaigns. Companies should not be incentivized by the tax breaks they get when they keep their employees from exercising their collective bargaining rights, including engaging in unlawful labor practices,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “It’s unfair that companies can simply write-off the millions they use to try to coerce workers from having a collective voice in the workplace.”

It has been reported that companies spent about $340 million annually on union-busting activities, including the hiring of outside consultants. Such expenses on union elections are currently deductible.

OHIO DISTRICT 34 MEMBER MEETS PRESIDENT AS BIDEN MAKES PUSH FOR MORE DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING: IAM District Lodge 34 Business Representative Donnie Rogers recently got the chance of a lifetime to meet President Biden.  Rogers was invited to attend a speech the president gave discussing his domestic manufacturing policy at the United Performance Metals plant in Hamilton, OH.

“When it came my time, I was introduced as Donnie Rogers from the Machinists Union,” said Rogers. “As President Biden shook my hand, he immediately reminded me the Machinists Union was one of the first to endorse him and how much he supported union members. I told him that we appreciate what he has done so far and will do in the future for our membership.”

The president was joined by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH), who are working on the Bipartisan Innovation Act, designed to create more jobs and boost domestic manufacturing. Versions of the bill have passed both the House and Senate, and now, a conference committee will work to resolve any differences.

“Donnie was a well-deserving member to represent the IAM at President Biden’s speech,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “The president continues to champion the same pro-union legislation that the Machinists fight for every day. This bipartisan act will help create good, union jobs, ensuring the futures of generations of Machinists.”

“At one point during the President’s speech, he turned and looked at me and made the statement ‘and one more thing, I know how to say the word union,’” added Rogers.

IAM URGES MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO ADVOCATE FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR NLRB: The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) urged Members of Congress to support a letter to the House Appropriations Committee, calling for increased funding for National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The bipartisan effort is respectfully requesting $368 million, at a minimum. The increased funding would also address the NLRB’s regional office staffing crisis and remove the barrier prohibiting the board from implementing an electronic voting system to conduct union representation elections. The IAM fully supports the call for increased funding.

“The IAM greatly supports efforts to ensure workers have the workplace rights they greatly deserve, and that includes an NLRB with the funding and resources the agency needs,” IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., wrote.

The requested increase in funding would provide long-overdue resources to allow the NLRB to accomplish its primary mission. Since FY2010, the NLRB’s budget remained stagnant and has decreased 25 percent in real dollars adjusted for inflation.

“Overall staffing levels have dropped by 39 percent over the past two decades and field staffing has been cut in half. These cuts come while there has been a dramatic increase in labor activity which has caused a higher caseload for NLRB staff,” according to the letter congressional members sent to appropriators.

The NLRB is an independent agency created by Congress in 1935 to administer and enforce the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRA is the primary and largely exclusive federal statute governing labor relations in the private sector. It serves the public interest by effectively and efficiently reducing disruptions to commerce caused by labor disputes.

MACHINISTS AND ALLIED ORGANIZATION CONTINUE TO FIGHT SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLING: The IAM and over 65 diverse organizations recently sent a letter to the tri-agencies (Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury and Labor), marking 100 days of enactment of the No Surprises Act (NSA). In the wake of attacks against the act, the letter urges the tri-agencies to stand firm and enforce its provisions, which protect patients from surprise medical bills that arise when insured consumers inadvertently receive care from out-of-network hospitals, doctors, or other providers they did not choose.

“We strongly encourage you to defend and implement the No Surprises Act in a way that protects patients from exploitation, reduces health care costs, and adheres to the intent of the law as it was written,” reads the letter. “The principles and overall approach taken by the Departments throughout the two interim final rules should continue to guide the rulemaking process toward a prudent solution that addresses the underlying market failure and prioritizes consumers over private equity. To that end, the QPA remains the central part of the law and should remain a central part of the IDR regulations and guidance.” 

The new law took effect for health plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, and it applies to nearly all private health plans offered by employers (including grandfathered group health plans and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program), as well as non-group health insurance policies offered through and outside of the marketplace. The law also contains other related provisions, including a requirement for health plans to keep network provider directories up-to-date.

“The proper administration and implementation of the No Surprises Act will reduce healthcare costs and protect patients from exploitation from providers,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “These are tough financial times, and patients need to be protected from unwarranted bills.”

NFFE Applauds Confirmation of Susan Tsui Grundmann to the Federal Labor Relations Authority: Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) praises the Senate confirmation of Susan Grundmann to the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). As a member of the FLRA, Grundmann will join FLRA Chairman Ernest DuBester to bring back fairness, a respect for the law, and an appreciation for our nation’s federal workers civil service workers that has been notably absent in majority opinions over the past five years. Member Grundmann has a long and illustrious career as the chairman of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, and before then, she worked tirelessly as an esteemed labor attorney and served as the general counsel of NFFE.

“Congratulations to Susan on being confirmed to the FLRA,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “She is highly qualified for the role, and I have full faith that she will restore dignity and legal competence to FLRA majority decisions. To maintain a majority of qualified jurists on the FLRA board, I urge the Senate to confirm President Biden’s other distinguished FLRA nominees as quickly as possible.”

The post IAM Visits the White House- Deadline to Register for the IAM Legislative Conference-IAM Rail Division Leaders Attend FRA Meeting appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM Rail Division Testifies Before the Surface Transportation Board — NFFE-IAM, IAFF Secure Critical Workers’ Compensation Program For Federal Firefighters– IAM Urges President Biden to Halt All Russian Wood Imports

May 10, 2022 | Machinists On The Hill

IAM RAIL DIVISION TESTIFIES BEFORE THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD ON PRECISION SCHEDULED RAILROADING, URGENT ISSUES IN FREIGHT RAIL SERVICE: Matt Hollis, National Vice President and Special Assistant to the President for Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), testified before the Surface Transportation Board this week. Hollis testified on behalf of the IAM Rail Union to address urgent issues in the freight rail service. Other speakers included U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh, and Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel of the Federal Maritime Commission.  

WATCH: STB Hearing on Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service

The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and IAM District 19, which together represent tens of thousands of rail workers, will become part of the IAM Rail Division on May 1, 2022.

The testimony highlighted three specific crafts in the rail industry that reveal the impact of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) on the workforce and current issues with freight rail service. 

“From my position at TCU/IAM, I have had a front-row seat to the complete and utter degradation of our nation’s Class 1 railroads over the past six to seven years,” said Hollis. “I’ve watched as private equity firms have acquired controlling stakes in railroads only to use their power to deploy business models that extract as much wealth as possible, to the detriment of the railroads’ workers, their customers, and ultimately, the public interest. The Class 1 railroads have deployed their variations of the Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) business model – a misnomer, as any real railroader would tell you that PSR is neither precise nor well-scheduled and hardly resembles what they would call ‘railroading.’ A more accurate description would be doing ‘less with less’ – or moving fewer carloads with drastically fewer employees.”

Read Hollis’s full testimony here. 

The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) represents approximately 46,000 members in the U.S., most employed in the railroad industry.

NFFE-IAM, IAFF, SECURE CRITICAL WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR FEDERAL FIREFIGHTERS: Last week, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE/IAM) joined U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Department of Labor (DOL) officials in Los Angeles as they announced changes to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) for federal firefighters. Over the past several months, NFFE/IAM has been urging DOL to establish a special claims unit to address the unique challenges that federal firefighters have been faced with in submitting claims and receiving adequate healthcare. The special claims unit is now being implemented to better serve the heroes combatting the wildfire crisis.

Read the complete article here

MACHINISTS UNION URGES PRESIDENT BIDEN TO HALT ALL RUSSIAN WOOD IMPORTS: The  IAM, one of the largest unions to represent woodworkers in the U.S., recently called on President Joe Biden to implement an executive order that would halt imports of all Russian and Belarusian soft- and hardwoods, as action intended to halt the funding of the violent invasion of Ukraine, and help spur more U.S. wood production.

“Our 600,000-member union stands in support of rejecting Russia’s violent military aggression towards Ukraine. That said, our union believes your administration’s ongoing series of sanctions against Russia and Belarus should also include banning all its wood products, which are often used for items such as furniture manufacturing,” IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., said in the letter to President Biden. “Halting imports of Russian and Belarusian wood, because it is conflict timber and import is therefore illegal, would also cut off the financial gains used for furthering this unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.”

It has been reported that in 2021, Russia was the third-largest source of U.S. hardwood plywood imports at about $334 million. Lumber is a large economic engine for Russia, which exported about $12 billion in wood products across the globe last year, according to publications that cited data from Wood Resource Quarterly.

The IAM represents 20,000 workers in the nation’s wood, pulp and paper industries.

Banning Russian and Belarusian imports to the U.S., would also help create good-paying domestic jobs in the woodworkers industry if employers follow suggested guidelines, including worker’s rights, Martinez wrote.

“These guidelines would promote more good-paying and decent jobs for woodworkers and forestry workers throughout the U.S,” Martinez wrote.

Read the complete letter here.

MACHINISTS UNION SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP STOP PASSENGER ASSAULTS AGAINST AIRLINE WORKERS: The IAM supports the recent introduction of the bipartisan bill Protection from Abusive Passengers Act (H.R. 7433, S. 4019), which would help thwart passenger assault on airline workers.

The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), and in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), would direct the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create and manage a program that bars passengers who are fined or convicted of serious physical violence against airline personnel from flying. 

“We greatly appreciate congressional lawmakers for taking the rising tide of passenger assault on airline workers very seriously,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “These hard-working men and women are tasked with getting people to their destination safely, so we should always repay them by ensuring that airport and airline workers have a place that is safe for them too. I urge Congress to move swiftly to pass this legislation and give airline workers the safety and protections they deserve.” 

The legislation would also permanently ban abusive passengers from participating in the TSA PreCheck or Customs’ Global Entry programs.

This marks the latest effort by IAM transportation leadership urging lawmakers and federal agency officials to take actions to halt passenger assaults on airport and airline workers.

For example, earlier this year, the IAM joined a letter with other transportation unions, urging President Biden, U.S. Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to help find solutions to thwart the rising passenger assaults.

The FAA has reported a total of 5,981 passenger incidents in 2021, which is up sharply from previous years.

Machinists Union Urges Pro-Worker Provisions in Biden Administration’s Proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework: The IAM recently submitted a series of suggestions to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, offering pro-worker guidance as the two federal agencies are shaping a U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). The framework seeks to solidify ties with nations in the Asia-Pacific region.

IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., submitted formal comments in the U.S. federal registry, urging a focus on “trade policy that is worker-centric and does not follow any of the flawed trade policies in our past that have resulted in scores of job losses in the U.S.”

“In short, the IPEF agreement should place workers first. This means provisions like enforceable labor and environmental standards,” Martinez wrote. “Our nation’s workers often rely on trade, and what we want is a fair playing field, not policies that force U.S. workers to compete with horribly-abused sweatshop workers overseas. Our nation’s workforce can compete with other countries when we are given a fair chance.”

The Biden administration is in the early stages of shaping the IPEF, which has not finalized involved nations and could take nearly two years to complete. The proposed framework has been labeled as a means to counter China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The IPEF will includes the following pillars: fair and resilient trade; supply chain resilience; infrastructure clean energy, and decarbonization; and tax and anti-corruption.

Martinez offered policy suggestions such as enforceable, labor and environmental rules, as well as transparency in the negotiations process. He also cautioned that the IPEF should not resemble the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), a once-proposed flawed trade deal under the Obama administration that would have gutted the nation’s manufacturing sector.

“Moreover, the problem this country has faced with supply chains is simply the result of bad trade policies that has allowed American jobs to go overseas and corporations to profit from low wages,” Martinez wrote. “Will IPEF’s proposal seek to address the real problems of our supply chain with remedies that will benefit the American worker? The Machinists Union is not sure that IPEF is the recovery road we seek, especially when real protective enforcement mechanisms are lacking.”

The IAM has not taken a position on the proposed IPEF, but has been actively engaged in continued discussions with the Biden administration’s trade officials and members of Congress.

The economic framework does not require congressional approval, but Martinez wrote that Congress, as well as labor unions and civil groups “should also be involved in the discussions and review process of this very important trade policy that will impact U.S. workers and their families.”

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022 IAM LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IS NOW OPEN:Take up the fight in our nation’s capital for policies that benefit working people. Join hundreds of your fellow IAM members at the 2022 IAM Legislative Conference from June 20 to 22, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

You must make reservations by Friday, May 13, 2022, to guarantee the IAM hotel room rate.

Get the official call letter, registration information, and hotel booking details here.

As part of the conference schedule, attendees will lobby members of Congress and remind them who they were elected to represent. In addition, machinists will hit Capitol Hill and talk about the issues that affect IAM members most, including the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, Buy American, transportation, trade, defense funding, retirement security, healthcare costs and more.

During general sessions, delegates will also hear from allies in Congress and attend a congressional reception hosted by the IAM.

Make a difference by participating in this important conference.

Register today.

The post IAM Rail Division Testifies Before the Surface Transportation Board — NFFE-IAM, IAFF Secure Critical Workers’ Compensation Program For Federal Firefighters– IAM Urges President Biden to Halt All Russian Wood Imports appeared first on IAMAW.

2022 Legislative Conference Registration is Open — Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Requests Assistance for Striking Machinists Union Members — Remembering Rep. Don Young

Apr 2, 2022 | Machinists On The Hill

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022 IAM LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IS NOW OPEN:  Registration for the 2022 IAM Legislative Conference is Now Open: Take up the fight in our nation’s capital for policies that benefit working people. Join hundreds of your fellow IAM members at the 2022 IAM Legislative Conference from June 20 to 22, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

You must make reservations by Friday, May 13, 2022, to guarantee the IAM hotel room rate.

Get the official call letter, registration information, and hotel booking details here.

As part of the conference schedule, attendees will lobby members of Congress and remind them who they were elected to represent. In addition, machinists will hit Capitol Hill and talk about the issues that affect IAM members most, including the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, Buy American, transportation, trade, defense funding, retirement security, healthcare costs and more.

During general sessions, delegates will also hear from allies in Congress and attend a congressional reception hosted by the IAM.

Make a difference by participating in this important conference.

Register today.

MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION REQUESTS ASSISTANCE FROM CUMMINS CHAIRMAN AND CEO FOR STRIKING MACHINISTS UNION AT CUMMINS: The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, led by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, sent a letter to Cummins Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger, requesting his assistance in the ongoing negotiations between Cummins Inc. and Machinists Union Local Lodge 447.

WATCH: As Long As It Takes: IAM Members at Cummins Enter Sixth Week of Strike

Thirty members of Machinists Union Local Lodge 447 at Cummins have been on strike for more than six weeks at locations in Dedham, Mass., Scarborough, Maine, and Concord, N.H. The strike began on Saturday, Feb. 12. Cummins wants to put into place inconsistent and subjective pay-for-performance policies instead of guaranteed wage language, which has been negotiated since the contract’s inception.

“We are concerned that recent proposals during negotiations by the company may jeopardize the workforce here in Massachusetts,” reads the letter. “This includes concerns that Cummins’ management is insisting on a contract with inconsistent and subjective pay for performance policies. We implore you to carefully consider the value, institutional knowledge, and dedication of these employees and to negotiate in good faith with Machinists Union Local Lodge 447 in the coming days.”

Read the entire letter here.

“IAM Local 447 would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation for supporting us in this fight,” said IAM District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mike Vartabedian. “Our members are taking a stand to improve life for their families. This letter from our esteemed elected officials will give our members a boost on the picket lines.” 

View One Day Longer, One Day Stronger video of the rally here.

“The IAM looks forward to working with the Massachusetts congressional delegation to get our members back to the table to get a fair contract,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “Our members at Cummins provide an essential service for their communities, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.”

The workers at Cummins service generators in nursing homes, keep emergency vehicles running, and support frontline workers. Asking for a fair and equitable contract that falls in line with current economic conditions is what they deserve.

TCU/IAM REMEMBERS REP. DON YOUNG OF ALASKA: The entire TCU/IAM family mourns the loss of U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-AK). He was 88 years old. Mr. Young had served as Alaska’s representative in Congress since 1973, making him the longest serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives and earning the title, Dean of the House.

Congressman Young was a pro-labor Republican in the House, and had a long record of crossing the aisle to support legislation that would benefit American workers.

“In an era of hyper-partisanship, Rep. Don Young was always one to support commonsense legislation, working tirelessly not just for his Alaskan constituents, but Americans overall,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “On behalf of all TCU members – active and retired – we honor Don Young for his service to our country, and extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and family.”

Most recently, Congressman Young was one of only five House Republicans to vote for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, and one of only thirteen House Republicans to vote for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

During the debate over the Infrastructure bill, Rep. Young took to the floor to voice his support and urge his colleagues to vote for the bill.

MARYLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY EMPLOYEES LOBBY AT STATE CAPITOL FOR STATEWIDE FREEDOM TO COLLECTIVELY BARGAIN: Maryland Public Library employees recently gathered at the state capitol to lobby for legislation that would extend the right to collectively bargain to all Maryland public library employees. The IAM recently organized Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) employees, is supporting this vital legislation to benefit Maryland public library employees and communities. 

On the heels of the successful BCPL campaign, the IAM has been working with Harford County Public Library employees to obtain a voice at work through joining a union. In response, Del. Steven Johnson (D-34a) introduced the Harford County Library Employees Collective Bargaining Authorization Bill (H.B. 1225).

An amendment to H.B. 1225, also introduced by Del. Steven Johnson, would extend the right to collectively bargain to all state public library employees. Since libraries in Maryland are created by state law, state legislation had to be drafted and passed for library workers to be able to form a union with the ability to negotiate a contract addressing their wages and working conditions. 

“Today was very empowering,” said Harford County Public Library Employee Colleen Martin. “I’m encouraged by how receptive the state legislators were to our message. We’re hoping they stand by their commitment to support us.” 

A group of nearly 460 Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) full and part-time employees across the county’s 19 branches recently voted in favor of joining the IAM. They are currently in negotiations with BCPL management for their first contract.

The IAM represents approximately 10,000 workers in Maryland, including at the Baltimore County Public Library system, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Aberdeen Proving Ground and Joint Base Andrews.

The post 2022 Legislative Conference Registration is Open — Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Requests Assistance for Striking Machinists Union Members — Remembering Rep. Don Young appeared first on IAMAW.

‘Buy American’ Gets a Huge Boost — A True ‘Union Man’ in the White House — Fighting for Jobs in St. Louis

Mar 23, 2022 | Machinists On The Hill

PRESIDENT BIDEN’S HISTORIC ‘BUY AMERICAN EXPANSION ANSWERS DECADES-LONG CALLS FROM U.S. WORKERS: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., released the following statement regarding President Biden’s expansion of “Buy American”:
 
“The Machinists Union has championed and called for an expansion of ‘Buy American’ domestic content requirements for decades. Today’s announcement is further proof that in President Biden, we finally have a champion for U.S. workers in the White House.
 
“Today’s announcement makes real what we have been saying all along—that ‘Made in America’ should mean ‘Made in America.’ In fact, the Machinists Union, along with U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, championed an amendment to the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act that would have made a similar ‘Buy American’ threshold increase for defense products. That bipartisan amendment passed the House before being defeated by corporate-backed politicians in the Senate.
 
“The Biden administration is now applying that rule—that any product stamped with ‘Made in America’ should have 75% of its value come from parts made here in the United States—to all products purchased with taxpayer dollars by 2029.
 
“This is critical for our domestic supply chains. It is music to the ears of American workers. It puts our tax dollars toward buying the best products made by the best workers. And it will finally make a real difference toward bringing back U.S. jobs that have been sent out of the country by bad trade deals and corporate greed.
 
“We are incredibly grateful to the Biden administration and the Made in America Office for hearing our call and the calls of millions of Americans. Let’s build the future right here in America.”

LET’S CONTINUE PRESIDENT BIDEN’S HISTORIC PROGRESS TOWARD A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR WORKING FAMILIES: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. released this statement after President Biden’s first State of the Union address:

“The IAM was proud to endorse President Biden through a first-of-its-kind, rank-and-file membership vote. Through the activism of our members and so many worker-friendly allies, we now have a true ‘union man’ in the White House. For the first time in generations, we are witnessing an all-of-government approach to putting the interests of working families first.

“We are emerging from the pandemic with historic job growth. Working people are finally able to tip the scales in their favor, demanding higher wages and better benefits from their employers. The President promised to rebuild America and expand Buy American—and he is delivering for the best workers in the world. American manufacturing is back, and the IAM and our allies in the labor movement are just getting started. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will create even more good jobs, while investing in our aging airports, public transit systems and more.

“But as the President said tonight, there is far more work to be done. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine makes even more clear, we must immediately strengthen our domestic supply chains, especially in the defense industry. We must take measures to lower consumer prices, broaden access to apprenticeship programs, create a national paid family and medical leave program, and protect our sacred right to vote. For the millions of Americans who want to join a union today, we also must pass the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

“These should not be partisan issues. This is about a better life for working families. We stand with the Biden administration and all allies of working people to create a brighter future for the generations to come.”   

MACHINISTS UNION SEEKS ASSISTANCE FROM MISSOURI CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO STOP GKN PLANT CLOSURE: The IAM has reached out to Missouri politicians to ask for their support and assistance saving approximately 1,000 family-sustaining jobs at GKN Aerospace in Hazelwood, Mo.

The IAM wrote letters to U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, as well U.S. Reps. Cori Bush, Ann Wagner, Sam Graves, Billy Long, and Vicky Hartzler to ask for their assistance in saving 600 IAM-represented manufacturing jobs and 400 support workers at the Hazelwood aerospace company.

Click here to read the letter.

GKN Aerospace recently announced plans to completely shut down this facility by the end of 2023, with layoffs commencing in mid-2022. Workers at the facility, many of whom are U.S. military veterans, have devoted their lives to proudly producing world-class aerospace components.

IAM Local 387 (District 837) members currently produce aircraft parts for a wide variety of U.S. Defense Department platforms, including the F-15, F-18A, CH-53, and Advanced Programs. The facility was previously owned by the Boeing Co., but was purchased by GKN in 2001. In 2018, GKN was purchased by British parent company Melrose Industries.

“The workers at this GKN facility in Hazelwood supply our men and women in uniform with precision aircraft parts needed to safely and effectively complete their mission of ensuring our national security,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Together their finely tuned skills and undeniable dedication are a key piece of our domestic aerospace supply chain. If this facility is allowed to close and this highly skilled workforce is disassembled, it will be a huge loss to our domestic manufacturing capabilities, which would be very difficult and costly to recreate.”

“The manufacturing and support workers at the GKN facility are essential workers in the state of Missouri,” said IAM Midwest General Vice President Steve Galloway. “These proud workers are part of the fabric of the community and for generations have produced vital components to the Department of Defense programs. The IAM will fully commit all our resources to keep this facility open. I urge all elected officials and community allies to join us in our fight to defend these working families.”

“The working families of Hazelwood and the surrounding communities built this company,” said IAM District 837 President and Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “Generations of dedicated, hard-working workers and their families have worked at this facility for generations. We hope the entire community can join together to keep these good jobs in the St. Louis area.”

IAM ADVOCACY FOR AVIATION MANUFACTURING JOBS PROTECTION PROGRAM SAVES THOUSANDS OF AEROSPACE JOBS: Thousands of IAM aerospace jobs have been saved or protected thanks to the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program (AMJP), a federal aerospace job protection program championed by the Machinists Union. The U.S. Transportation Department recently announced $482.3 million in funding to 313 businesses, including approximately 20 IAM-represented employees, including Spirit AeroSystems, Pratt and Whitney, Hexcel Corp., and Learjet.

The IAM aggressively advocated for and won the successful passage of the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program (AMJP), which is part of the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan. The program provides $3 billion in payroll support funding to aviation manufacturing employers, allowing them to keep aerospace manufacturing workers on their payrolls, avoid additional furloughs, and re-hire workers previously furloughed during the pandemic. For example, the USDOT provided $75.5 million to Spirit AeroSystems, estimated to save 3,214 jobs. Spirit, based in Wichita, KS, is a significant supplier for the Boeing Co.

“The IAM played a vital role in passing this critical legislation,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This program ensures that the aerospace industry continues to thrive, as well as the working men and women who make it successful.”

The Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection program establishes a temporary relief plan for aerospace supply chains affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The program provides up to 50% of both pay and benefits for the thousands of furloughed due to the pandemic. In addition, companies receiving these funds must commit not to conduct any layoffs or furloughs during the six-months in which the funds are in use.

Machinists Union members were among many workers in the aerospace industry who experienced layoffs and furloughs because of COVID-19. While air travel dropped significantly during 2020, so did the need for parts, repairs, modifications, and other services, hurting aerospace supply chain companies.

Other IAM employers who participated in the AMJP program include Arrow Gear LLC, Cytec, Jones Metal Products, Magellan Aerospace New York, NWI Nashville, NWI Wichita, Orizon Aerostructures, and 10 SAFRAN locations. 

RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS FOR ALL: Voting rights reform is critical to this country’s foundation. That’s why the labor movement will do all it can to protect the sanctity of our voting system and shine a spotlight on the laws and policies that aim to damage our nation. It’s time to put the American people back at the center of our democracy.

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS HISTORIC NOMINATION OF KETANJI BROWN JACKSON TO SUPREME COURT: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. issued this statement following President Biden’s nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court:

“President Biden promised to nominate an extremely qualified candidate to the U.S. Supreme Court, who will also move the Court toward a more accurate representation of the American people. The President has delivered on that promise.

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of our nation’s brightest legal minds, is eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. As a federal judge and in both private and public practice, Judge Jackson has built a lifetime record of fighting for the freedoms of all people. IAM and NFFE-IAM members in the federal sector saw her stand with them to block the Trump administration’s campaign to gut their collective bargaining rights.

“As the daughter of public school teachers, Judge Jackson knows what it means to serve and the challenges facing working people. She will help restore balance to the Supreme Court and ensure that working peoples’ voices are heard on the High Court. The IAM urges the Senate to move quickly on Judge Jackson’s nomination.”

BUILDING POLITICAL POWER IN ILLINOIS:  About 50 delegates with the Illinois State Council of Machinists recently gathered in Springfield, IL for a political conference. While there, IAM members heard from politicians, built a grassroots plan for the upcoming midterm elections and listened to union leadership.

MACHINISTS UNION ENDORSED CANDIDATES MOVE FORWARD IN TEXAS PRIMARIES: Worker-friendly candidates who were endorsed by the Texas State Council of Machinists are moving forward in the Lone Star State.

Pro-worker Austin city council member Greg Casar won his race for Congressional District 35. Casar raised the city’s hourly minimum wage to $15 and authored the paid sick day law.

Jessica Cisneros, a champion for workers’ rights, has forced U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, into a runoff election in Congressional District 28.

Jane Hamilton, formerly chief of staff to IAM champion U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, is headed to a run off against Texas State Senator Jasmine Crockett.

The post ‘Buy American’ Gets a Huge Boost — A True ‘Union Man’ in the White House — Fighting for Jobs in St. Louis appeared first on IAMAW.

Fully Invest in the IAM-Built F-35 Program– NFFE-IAM Wildland Firefighters Call for Respect — First Contract at Cascades

Mar 23, 2022 | Machinists On The Hill

LARGEST AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE UNION URGES ADMINISTRATION TO FULLY INVEST IN THE IAM-BUILT F-35 PROGRAM: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent a letter to President Biden urging a robust F-35 Lightning II program investment in the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Department budget request. The F-35 program currently provides for tens of thousands of high-quality Machinists Union jobs, which supports more than 250,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide, and is the only 5^th generation stealth fighter currently in production. 

“Thousands of Machinists Union members and their families across the country rely on these irreplaceable jobs supported by the program—from the F-35 primary production facility in Fort Worth, Texas to its engine manufacturing facility in Middletown, Connecticut and across the program’s vast network of suppliers from West Palm Beach, Florida to northern California,” said Martinez. “All told, the F-35 program supports more than 254,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide. The program’s network of suppliers includes more than 1,800 first-tier suppliers across the country supporting high-skilled jobs and more than $49 billion in annual economic impact spread across all 50 states. Your administration’s strong budgetary support of the F-35 Lightning II program is necessary to support these workers, the companies that employ them, and the domestic aerospace supply chain they robustly reinforce.”

Many Machinists Union members working on the F-35 program are U.S. military veterans. Supporting the F-35 program means good jobs for veterans and their families. Machinists Union members are the most talented and experienced aerospace and defense workers in the world. 

The full letter can be found here.  

Website: F-35: Made with Pride by Machinists Union Members

NFFE-IAM WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS CALL FOR RESPECT ON CAPITOL HILL: Ahead of another intense wildfire season, roughly a dozen NFFE-IAM firefighters, who service government-owned land, forests and parks, spent this week in Washington, D.C. urging lawmakers to address critical concerns such as an urgent need for wage increases amid increasing costs of living, improved health and wellness coverage, and better working conditions.

“We need to make changes right now. That starts with a $20 per hour base minimum wage,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “The President increased the minimum hourly rate to $15 last year, and for that we are grateful, but more work must be done.  Applications for employment are down 40% or more and we are losing experienced firefighters to state and local fire services.  It is becoming impossible to recruit and maintain the qualified workforce needed to address longer and more destructive fire seasons every year.  It’s putting more pressure on those who are working and they’re suffering, which is why are here in D.C.”

Robert Beckley, a NFFE-IAM National Vice President and Montana native who began fighting wildfires in 1975, says climate change has made the terrain more vulnerable to intense wildfires.  These fire are hot enough to effectively kill forests by ‘sterilizing’ the ground, preventing regeneration on swaths of land that cover 100,000 acres or more.  

“With climate change, with drought conditions, with insect infestation that damages trees, I’m noticing the lands are getting hotter and more trees are dying and rotting,” said Beckley. “That’s creating more fuel on the ground. When there’s a fire, it’s harder to control, it’s harder to put out and it demands more attention and more resources.”

An additional concern is seasonal NFFE-IAM firefighters, a significant portion of the workforce, many of whom have limited access to health insurance and are not eligible for government retirement. Retirement benefits for full-time firefighters, which require 20 years of service, does not cover seasonal NFFE-IAM members even if they worked 20 years of equivalent time simply because they are not full-time permanent employees.  

“The wildland firefighters are often on their own after they are injured,” Beckley continued.  “It is especially hard for seasonal firefighters who have no insurance or retirement to fall back on.  For seasonal and full-time firefighters, it’s the same hot, dirty, nasty job that takes its toll on a body and mind.”

NFFE-IAM says the visits in Washington, which included meetings with representatives from the White House and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, were productive.

“This is a bipartisan issue. We’re ready to work with members on both sides of the aisle to get things done this year,” said Erwin. “Every office that we visited understood our needs. Now it’s important for them to push legislation and get firefighters and our national landscape the help they need.”   

REPS. GOLDEN, PINGREE REQUEST MEETING WITH NAVY TO DISCUSS ANTI-UNION RETALIATION ALLEGATIONS AT PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD: U.S. Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) recently sent a letter to the U.S. Navy leaders raising significant concern regarding allegations of retaliatory behavior against Machinists Union members employed with Melgar Facility Maintenance LLC (Melgar) at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY).

“We have received reports that Navy civilian personnel have worked to circumvent the disciplinary process set forth in IAMAW’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to retaliate against specific union members for whom they have personal animus,” reads the letter. “As strong supporters of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the dedicated men and women employed there, we find these reports deeply troubling.”

“Our union fought hard to put in a collective bargaining agreement that would shield our members from frivolous disciplinary actions due to personal vendettas from management,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I want to thank Reps. Golden and Pingree for speaking out on behalf of our dedicated members at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. IAM members are proud of the work they provide the U.S. Navy and deserve to work in an environment where respect towards each other is a part of the work culture.”

Golden and Pingree requested a meeting between Navy representatives and their staff in the coming weeks to outline their concerns fully.

Read the complete letter here.

NEW YORK CASCADES WORKERS, MACHINISTS UNION WIN LONG BATTLE TO VOTE ON, RATIFY FIRST CONTRACT: More than 100 workers at the Cascades Containerboard facility in Niagara Falls, N.Y. have overwhelmingly ratified a strong first collective bargaining agreement.

The facility’s group of more than 100 workers voted to join the Machinists Union in April 2019 and have been attempting to bargain for a fair contract for nearly three years. Cascades Containerboard, a Canadian-owned company, failed to listen to U.S. lawmakers, labor leaders, or their workers as they called on the company to bargain a fair contract.

The IAM Legislative and Political Department played a vital role in helping achieve this victory. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) wrote a letter urging  Canada-based Cascades, Inc. to negotiate in good faith with more than 100 of its Niagara Falls, N.Y. employees who voted to join the Machinists Union in April 2019.

U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) also wrote to Cascades President Charles Malo, urging the company to “negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement expeditiously.”

READ: It took 3 years, but Cascades workers in Niagara Falls ratify the first contract | The Buffalo (N.Y.) News

“I could not be more proud of these members for their solidarity, courage, and dedication to get the first contract for each other,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “This has been a long time coming, and there aren’t many groups that could continue to display the solidarity and patience these members have. The longer the process has gone on, the more resolve these members have shown. I want to thank IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand and his staff for their work putting pressure on this Québec-based manufacturer, helping us achieve this long-awaited victory.”  

“While there is good news for these members today, that doesn’t take away the fact they have faced union-busting tactics for nearly three years while the company refused to bargain with their employees,” continued Bryant. “We need to strengthen U.S. labor laws to hold corporations accountable and create an economy that works for working people.”

WATCH: Cascades Containerboard Workers Demand Contract

“I am so proud of this group and the solidarity and patience they have shown over the past few years,” said IAM District 65 Directing Business Representative Ron Warner. “They have handled all the union-busting tactics with professionalism and strength. Their determination and resolve is something for the labor history books.”

“Our members at Cascades are the major reason for the company’s success. They earned and fought for the right to vote on a fair first contract,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This opportunity will give these dedicated individuals a voice in the workplace. I commend them for their focus in obtaining a contract that will make life better for their families and the Niagara Falls community.”

“The Canadian Territory is thankful that our Brothers and Sisters at Cascades in New York were able to secure a first contract,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “The IAM stood strong across the borders because all workers deserve respect and fairness. That’s what a team does—when you hurt one, you hurt all. We hope that this struggle is behind us, and we can move forward toward creating a better workplace.”

TCU/IAM JOINS RAILROAD DAY ON CAPITOL HILL: TCU/IAM representatives participated in virtual Railroad Day on Capitol Hill. The annual joint lobby day with other unions and industry representatives helps promote the freight rail industry. TCU/IAM reps attended over 50 meetings with House and Senate offices. Issues included supply chain issues, the infrastructure bill, workforce & equipment shortages, economic regulation, and the importance of keeping bigger and heavier trucks off the road.    

NFFE-IAM TESTIFIED IN SENATE TO WARN AGAINST DARK MONEY APPOINTEE: National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) Executive Director Steve Lenkart testified in the Senate Government Operations Subcommittee regarding the relationship between OPM and federal chief human capital officers, and the dangers of dark money political appointees in government.  In his testimony, Lenkart recommended that more management and scrutiny of political appointees is required given the influx of dangerous dark money appointees with secret agendas during the last administration.

IAM AND NFFE-IAM STOP FAA CENTER REORGANIZATION: IAM and NFFE-IAM members are safe from an attempt to reorganize the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center in New Jersey.  The reorganization would have broken the premier research center into three parts, and relocated most of the work to other places.  The break up would have decentralized research and safety testing, potentially giving private industry and the airlines more influence over those inherently governmental processes.  IAM and NFFE-IAM teamed up with the New Jersey Delegation with Aviation Subcommittee Member Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) leading the effort to halt any further unauthorized reorganization efforts through supporting langue in the 2022 Omnibus appropriations bill.

FEDERAL JOB CORPS CENTERS SOLIDIFIED IN OMNIBUS LAW: NFFE-IAM requested and lobbied for fortifying language that keeps the federal Job Corps centers open and funded.  All federal Job Corps centers ran by NFFE-IAM Forest Service employees were scheduled for closure during the Trump administration. NFFE-IAM won that battle after an intense media and legislative campaign, and the language in the 2022 omnibus law further solidifies that victory.  The provision also keeps the job Corp operating agreement between DOL and USDA intact, which was threatened during Trump.

MACHINISTS UNION SUPPORTS MARYLAND LEGISLATION GIVING PUBLIC LIBRARY WORKERS STATEWIDE THE FREEDOM TO COLLECTIVELY BARGAIN: The IAM, which recently organized Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) employees, is supporting legislation that would extend the right to collectively bargain to all public library employees in Maryland.

On the heels of the successful BCPL campaign, the IAM has been working with Harford County Public Library employees to obtain a voice at work through joining a union. In response, Del. Steven Johnson (D-34a) introduced the Harford County Library Employees Collective Bargaining Authorization Bill (H.B. 1225).

An amendment to H.B. 1225, also introduced by Del. Steven Johnson, would extend the right to collectively bargain to all state public library employees. Since libraries in Maryland are created by state law, state legislation had to be drafted and passed for library workers to be able to form a union with the ability to negotiate a contract addressing their wages and working conditions. 

“There’s no reason to waste taxpayer money by coming back to this issue every few years, for every county in the state,” said Del. Steven Johnson. “Every library worker should have a pathway to exercise their constitutional right to join a union if they so choose.”

“This is about the freedom to have a voice and a vote on the job. House Bill 1225 is the first step on a path to ensure the voice of these workers is being recognized. The workers love the library system and want to see it thrive and grow, especially with so many residents saying the institution is the best service their tax money provides,” said IAM Grand Lodge Representative Bridget Fitzgerald. “This amendment not only takes care of library employees in Harford County, but also every dedicated public servant who works in a public library across the state, and every person who frequents their local library.”

“Libraries are the vaults that hold the histories of our communities,” said IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo. “They are a gateway to knowledge and culture, with library staff often guiding access to that information. House Bill 1225 makes sure the voices of these information gatekeepers are recognized.”

A group of nearly 460 Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) full and part-time employees across the county’s 19 branches recently voted in favor of joining the IAM. They are currently in negotiations with BCPL management.  

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ONE-YEAR LATER: The American Rescue Plan delivered much-needed relief to the IAM membership and working Americans last year. 

How the American Rescue Plan helped IAM members and our families:

• $1,400 Direct Payments:   Individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000 received the full direct payments of $1,400 per person. Individuals will also receive an additional $1,400 payment for each dependent claimed on their tax returns. No payment will be sent to single filers earning more than $80,000 or joint filers earning more than $160,000.
• Multiemployer Pensions: Included the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act. This long-overdue pension relief legislation provided $86 Billion in relief to troubled multiemployer pension plans with NO CUTS to earned benefits. The legislation protected the integrity of healthy multiemployer plans, save the PBGC and strengthen the pension system overall. The legislation contained NO provisions to harm healthy plans, does not include the GROW Act, and only has a modest increase in premiums from $31 to $52 starting in 2031.
• Airline Jobs: Provided $15 billion to extend the airline Payroll Support Program (PSP) through September 30, 2021 which helped airlines and contractors avert mass layoffs and furloughs due to the unprecedented drop in business.
• Aviation Manufacturing Workforce: The package included the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act which provided $3 billion to help employers keep aerospace manufacturing workers on their payrolls, avoid additional furloughs, and re-hire workers previously furloughed during the pandemic.
• Amtrak: This bill provided $1.7 billion to Amtrak to keep rail service running across the nation, to rehire 1,230 workers who have been involuntarily furloughed as a result of COVID, and to restore full long-distance service to remote communities.
• Public Transit: The package provided $30.4 billion of additional relief funding to transit agencies to prevent layoffs of transit workers and prevent severe cuts to transit services that essential workers and the general public rely on.
• Expand Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit: This bill also included an expansion of two of the most effective anti-poverty tools the U.S. government has: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).
• Defense Production Act for PPE: Provided $10 billion to expand domestic production of personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccines, and other medical supplies.
• Veterans: The bill provided funding to waive copays for veterans during the pandemic, and to provide health care services and support to veterans, including COVID-19 vaccine distribution, expanded mental health care, and enhanced telehealth capabilities. It also establishes a new program to provide retraining assistance for veterans who have lost their jobs due to COVID, and includes funding for VA to mitigate the pandemic’s impacts on the benefits claims and appeals backlog. 
• Expanded PPP Eligibility: This bill expanded Paycheck Protection Program eligibility to include additional nonprofits such as 501(c)(5) labor and agricultural organizations providing $7 billion for that purpose.

IAM Legislative Advocacy Saves Hundreds of Missouri Local 778 Ammunition Production Jobs:The Machinists Union scored a huge legislative win for IAM Local 778 Members at the Olin-Winchester Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, MO. Proposed budget cuts, now cancelled due to the IAM’s advocacy, would have had a devastating impact on the 1,700 workers at the facility. 
The fiscal year 2022 budget unwisely included a 30 to 50 percent reduction in these munitions compared to 2021.

At the time, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate appropriators, urging them to reject the effort to cut funding for U.S. Army ammunitions, and asking them to restore adequate funding for the procurement of small caliber ammunition for the U.S. Army.

“The IAM’s victory ensures that our military will continue to have access to quality ammunition,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Joe Capra. “Our highly skilled members take great pride in their work to make the finest ammunition in the world.”

“Our members can be assured that the IAM is fighting for their jobs at every level,” said IAMMidwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “This was a tremendous effort on everyone’s part.”

“This crucial funding secures the work of our members,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “My thanks go to all involved, especially our Political and Legislative Department, whose efforts made a huge difference.” 

The Independence facility manufactures the Army’s 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50-caliber rifle ammunition.

SENATOR WARREN AND REPRESENTATIVE NORCROSS VOICE THEIR SUPPORT FOR LOCAL 447 MACHINISTS: 30 Local Lodge 447 Machinists members at Cummins, who have been on strike for four weeks fighting for a fair contract, held a rally this week to spotlight the company’s retrogressive contract demands. The rally drew heavy support from the local community and other union affiliates.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) voices her support for Local 447 Machinists

U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) voices his support for Local 447 Machinists

“We are here because this company has forgotten how it became successful,” said IAM District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mike Vartabedian. “Even though they made billions of dollars in profit last year, they don’t want to provide wage increases to the people who helped build the company. These Machinists keep the generators working at hospitals and nursing homes. In short, they are the people who fix the engines that drive our economy and support our frontline and emergency workers. They are on strike only because the company doesn’t want guaranteed wages increases going forward. They have the full support of the Machinists Union and the labor movement behind them.”

“Local 447 members continue to inspire Machinists and the labor movement with their fortitude and resolve in their fight for a fair and just contract at Cummins,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “With each passing day, they become stronger and more united. All Machinists will continue to fight with them until they are treated fairly by the company.”

WATCH: View One Day Longer, One Day Stronger video of the rally here.

Georgia Machinists Gather at State Council Meeting: Georgia is going to be an important state in the upcoming political season. The Georgia State Council of Machinists is making sure the candidates running are good for labor, and will fight and protect the best interests of workers and their families in the Peach State.

WATCH: Georgia State Council of Machinists

The post Fully Invest in the IAM-Built F-35 Program– NFFE-IAM Wildland Firefighters Call for Respect — First Contract at Cascades appeared first on IAMAW.

Huge Investment for IAM Aerospace Workers-Leaders Meet With FRA Administrator-IAM Raises Concerns About Airline Customer Service Assaults

Feb 15, 2022 | Machinists On The Hill

IN THE PICTURE ABOVE: IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers (IFPTE) President Matt Biggs

HUGE INVESTMENT FOR IAM AEROSPACE WORKERS: Qatar Airways announced this week that they would purchase 34 new Boeing 777X freighters and a surprise purchase of Boeing 737 MAX, both of which are built by IAM members. These orders will significantly impact IAM members at Boeing in the Pacific Northwest and IAM aerospace members throughout the nation.

The deal’s announcement occurred at a White House signing ceremony attended by IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden.

“The IAM represents tens of thousands of members in the aerospace industry who welcome this long-term investment,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This investment, championed by the administration, signals an understanding of the impact of one of our nation’s most vital manufacturing sectors. IAM District 751 members are some of the most dedicated and skilled workers in the world, thanks in large part to being part of a union that gives them a voice in strengthening the aerospace industry. Today’s announcement gives hope to so many communities that will benefit from the good union jobs this investment will create.”

“Today’s investment recognizes the partnerships that helped make Washington state the hub for the Aerospace industry,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “The IAM has trained aerospace workers since 1935, and it was made possible through collaboration. We help provide pathways into aerospace jobs in our communities through aerospace training and state-registered apprenticeship programs. The Puget Sound community will benefit from the good-paying family-wage jobs. On behalf of IAM District 751, I want to thank all parties for not only the future investment in our community but in our nation.”

“The world is beginning to see what we’ve always known – that Ohio workers are the best at what they do, and that the future of advanced manufacturing is in our state,” said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). “GE Aviation has been driving that innovation and growth for years, building on Ohio’s rich aviation heritage. They’re such an asset to Ohio, and this deal is a huge win for the Ohio workers who are part of GE.”

READ: Qatar seals Boeing freighter deal with surprise 737 order Reuters

“I along with our Brothers and Sisters in the Puget Sound and the entire aerospace industry welcome the great news on the new orders,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “The aerospace industry is one of the best sectors in the Western Territory that provides good-paying jobs. Jobs that help build strong communities throughout the West including the Puget Sound area.”

“Another boost to our members working in the aerospace industry,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “Once again, this proves how much our members’ skillsets are valued in the industry. We continue to build the best products in the world, and this investment is proof.” 

“I am proud of the role our members throughout the nation play in making this type of investment possible,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “The impact will be felt not only in the Puget Sound but also in IAM stronghold states such as Kansas, Connecticut, and Ohio.”

IAM AND TCU/IAM MEET WITH FRA ADMINISTRATOR BOSE: Leaders from the IAM and TCU/IAM recently met with Amit Bose, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Administrator Bose and the agency are responsible for allowing safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods.

“TCU/IAM was one of the first unions to support Amit Bose to head the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and for good reason: he believes that rail safety begins and ends with its frontline workforce,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “Mr. Bose has the understanding and institutional wherewithal to reform and rededicate the FRA to its core mission of safety for railroad workers and the general public.” 

“Administrator Bose will serve as an advocate for railroad workers and listen to a workforce that has been neglected over the past few years,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “The IAM looks forward to working with him and his staff to address the safety issues that remain unsolved in our industry.”

Click here to read the bio of Amit Bose on the DOT website.

IAM AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION UNIONS RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT CUSTOMER ASSAULTS: The IAM joined other transportation unions in raising urgent concerns regarding assaults against passenger service agents working across airports in the United States. The letter was addressed to President Biden, U.S. Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

READ: Unions urge Biden to protect airport agents from unruly passengers The Hill

The letter urges governmental action to address the increase in assaults against passenger service agents, including the prosecution of abusive passengers.

“Airline gate agents are a vital part of a multilayered airline security and safety process at the airport,” reads the letter. “Our members are responsible for checking passengers into their flights, checking luggage to comply with airline weight and balance limits, and boarding passengers onto the aircraft in an orderly and structured way.”

Over the past few months, passenger service members across the country have experienced serious physical and verbal assault and harassment incidents, with few repercussions for the offending passenger imposed by law enforcement.

The FAA has reported a total of 5,981 passenger incidents in 2021, which is up sharply from previous years.

“The IAM supports the push for more substantial penalties against unruly passengers who assault passenger service agents and other airline workers,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “Our union continues to ring the alarm and highlight the need of enforcing the laws for assault against all airline workers. The best way to curb these unfortunate incidents is for the interagency working group to listen to the impacted workers in the airline industry. We must all work together to end the assaults that afflict our members.” 

The labor coalition expressed the need for all frontline gate agents to expect a safe workplace, free from the threat of violence, and increased cooperation is required to improve the safety of these employees.

Read the complete letter

IAM APPLAUDS WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE REPORT ON WORKER ORGANIZING AND EMPOWERMENT:  The IAM proudly supports the recent findings from the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. The report, which includes more than 70 recommendations, empowers workers, supports unions by leveling the playing field, and allows everyone to have a seat at the table. 

“The report from the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment solidifies the commitment the Biden-Harris administration made to workers to take on injustices that have left them without a seat at the table,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “No longer will those in power be able to sit idly by and watch our nation’s workers suffer at the hands of corporate CEOs without recourse. This report’s recommendations will help grow the middle class, build an economy that works for everyone, and strengthen our democracy. We applaud the Biden-Harris team for being true to their word and fighting for working people. Unions built the middle class, and it’s the legacy of the hardworking men and women of the labor movement who we owe a debt of gratitude, not just for the past but for the future they will help secure for generations to come.”

“I am excited to be a liaison for our Union on this much-needed task force,” said IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo. “As someone who spends most of my time fighting to level the playing field for workers trying to establish a voice in the workplace, it feels powerful to have our President issue these findings. This report shows that the Biden-Harris administration holds the same values as the Machinists Union. Being able to join a union is a basic human right, and for far too long, companies have been left unfettered in their abilities to stop workers from joining a union. With the recommendations made by the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, this administration is showing workers across the country that their voices and their rights matter.”  

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