Machinists Make Powerful Return to Capitol Hill Washington, D.C. — Save Machinists Jobs in North Dakota — Wildland Firefighters Receive Life-Changing Pay Increase

Jul 2, 2022 | Machinists On The Hill

Machinists Union Members Make Powerful Return to Capitol Hill at IAM Legislative Conference: IAM members and political activists from across the United States convened in Washington, DC this week for the 2022 IAM Legislative Conference, hearing from allies of the Machinists Union and lobbying members of Congress.

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., as well as IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, welcomed Legislative Conference delegates after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WATCH: Machinists Union Back on Capitol Hill for 2022 IAM Legislative Conference

“We are here this week in Washington, DC so that we can continue to help people live better lives. And we can’t leave what we learn this week here on Capitol Hill,” said Martinez. “You must take this home to explain to our members why we care about legislative issues and how their union is fighting for them.”

Martinez recapped the IAM’s support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, Buy American, defense funding, stiffer penalties for assault on airline customer service agents, and more.

PHOTOS: IAM Legislative Conference Day 1

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the Conference and congratulated Apple employees in Towson, MD for winning their union election to join the IAM. She also called for union members to keep pressure on the Senate to pass the PRO Act.

“Our nation has taken key steps forward, but so much more needs to be done,” said Pelosi. “Nearly half of non-union workers would organize if they could, we have to make sure they have that opportunity.

PHOTOS: IAM Legislative Conference Days 2 and 3

Other speakers and Machinists Union allies at the 2022 IAM Legislative Conference included:

• House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD)
• U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA)
• U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH)
• U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ)
• U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (ME)
• U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (VA)
• U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ)
• U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA)
• U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (MN)
• IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin
• IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel
• TCU/IAM Vice President and National Legislative Director William DeCarlo
• NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 National President Randy Erwin

View Social Media Highlights

Hundreds Gather for MNPL Conference: Hundreds of IAM delegates gathered in Washington, DC, to attend the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) conference. MNPL is the political arm of the IAM.

The IAM’s MNPL program was created in 1947 to allow members to gather individual contributions, coordinate political activity, and elect candidates who support IAM members and their families.

“Our power to affect change in Washington, DC and across the country is determined by two things, our strength in numbers and the strength of MNPL, said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It is thanks to the work you do that we are a powerhouse across the nation. The MNPL Committee chairs help drive participation in our State Councils and discuss the political issues that affect our membership.”

The delegates also celebrated the retirement of retired IAM Political Director Rick de la Fuente.

Tell North Dakota’s Elected Officials: Save Machinists Union Jobs at Motor Coach Industries: Approximately 175 IAM Local W384 (District 5) members at Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Pembina, North Dakota plant were told they will be out of work by the end of the year due to the company’s decision to close the facility.

“We were just in shock thinking back to all the things we’ve been told, the broken promises — how we’d never close because we were paid for and have so much to offer this community — things like that,” IAM Lodge W384 President Jennifer Winkler told the Grand Forks (ND) Herald.

Pembina is a very small town. The loss of these 175 family-supporting jobs will have a major impact on its area economy and the surrounding communities.

TELL NORTH DAKOTA’S ELECTED OFFICIALS: Help Us Save Good Machinists Union Jobs at Motor Coach Industries

“We do not agree with the company’s assertion that they were unable to find skilled workers in Pembina,” wrote IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. in a letter to North Dakota’s Senators and U.S. House Representative. “The IAM has also made efforts to meet that demand by offering to partner with the company to recruit and launch apprenticeship programs to meet the workforce needs.”

“MCI plant jobs sustain Pembina. We want to keep the plant open and keep our members working,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Any support we get for these members will help. We need to show MCI how important this plant is to Pembina’s community and the effect a shutdown would have.”

The IAM’s Legislative and Political team has been speaking with the North Dakota federal congressional delegation and state legislature members to help garner support for workers at the facility and seek potential options that could help keep the facility open.

Members are still holding out hope that the company will decide to keep its plant open. Join us in supporting our brothers and sisters in Pembina by sending a letter to North Dakota’s congressional delegation, asking them to urge the company to reconsider its decision to close the plant.

Federal Wildland Firefighters Across U.S. to Receive Life-Changing Pay Increase: Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) applauds a Biden Administration announcement that federal wildland firefighters across the country will soon be receiving a long-awaited pay raise authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. A significant majority of federal wildland firefighters will see their base salary increase by $20,000 annually and receive retroactive pay dating back to October 2021. Additionally, others will receive a 50 percent increase. The initial payments will be disbursed by the end of June, and a second will be made in August, according to the Biden Administration.

“This is incredibly good news for federal wildland firefighters all across the country,” said Randy Erwin, president of NFFE, the union representing a majority of federal wildland firefighters. “There has been a serious recruitment and retention problem for wildland firefighters at federal agencies this year. Firefighters simply could not make ends meet on the hopelessly low salaries offered at federal agencies, so jobs were becoming very difficult to fill. With a worse-than-normal fire season underway, the inability to recruit and retain firefighters is a very serious problem that threatens communities at risk of wildfire. This announcement is going to go a long way to help federal agencies fill depleted ranks. For wildland firefighters, the additional income will give them the opportunity to pay for housing, childcare, and other everyday necessities. This will be life-changing for thousands of federal wildland firefighters who truly deserve it.”

Last year, when President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, NFFE called on the Biden Administration and congressional leaders to ensure the pay increase went into the pockets of wildland firefighters as quickly as possible. In March, a group of NFFE wildland firefighters took to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers, agency leaders, and Biden Administration officials to explain how dire the situation has become. Earlier this month, NFFE sent a letter to agency leaders calling on them to use their authority under the infrastructure law to immediately increase pay nationwide.

“I am very pleased to see that the Biden Administration got this decision right,” continued President Erwin. “They did the right thing and implemented this pay increase nationwide and as fast as they could. As a consequence, communities are going to be protected and lives are going to be saved. It really is that simple.”

Although this is an important step in improving federal wildland firefighter pay, there is still more to do to address the issue more permanently. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorized the creation of a new wildland firefighter job series that can be used to align the pay scale in the federal government more closely with firefighter pay in other sectors. NFFE has had regular discussions with federal agency leaders on this matter and hopes to complete new job series in the next few months. NFFE is also advocating for long-term funding for federal wildland firefighters, as funding for this pay increase will run out in approximately two years according to budget estimates.

“I look forward to continuing to work with President Biden and agency leaders to see that federal wildland firefighters are properly taken care of for protecting our country from the wildfire crisis, which is showing no signs of slowing down,” continued President Erwin. “The pay raise announced today will make a huge difference for firefighters nationwide, and we are appreciative of everyone within the Biden Administration who worked to make this possible. Our sincere thanks go out to President Joe Biden, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, and OPM Director Kiran Ahuja, who all played key roles. Federal wildland firefighters will be able to better carry out their missions and provide for their families because of their leadership.

IAM Rail Division Pounds Pavement in Washington, DC: At this week’s 2022 IAM Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, union leaders from TCU, the Carmen Division, and IAM District Lodge 19 amplified our members’ voices by meeting with various elected officials from across the federal government. Our railroaders spoke at length with leaders from the Federal Railroad Administration, the Surface Transportation Board, and Congress.

Conference attendees heard speeches in the mornings from some of the most powerful leaders in Washington, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senator Maria Cantwell, Senator Sherrod Brown, and many others.

In the afternoons, railroaders took to the Hill to talk about our issues.

From local to national matters, all issues were on the table. Railroaders blasted the so-called “Precision Scheduled Railroading” business model that’s cost the jobs of 45,000 railroaders over the past 6 years, and the associated service declines. They talked about safety issues in our yards and the locomotive and car shops. They spoke about how elected officials can better address assault prevention on our nation’s transit and passenger rail systems.

And, importantly, our members discussed ongoing national freight rail negotiations and the need to get all railroaders a raise and a fair contract!

Some of the highlighted meetings included:
• Rep. Peter DeFazio, Chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure (D, OR-2nd)
• Jennifer Mitchell, FRA Deputy Administrator
• Robert Primus, Surface Transportation Board
• Senator Deb Fischer (Nebraska)
• Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D, CA-34th)
• Top staff from the Senate Commerce Committee
• And many others…

“I’m proud of our local and division leaders for pounding the pavement on Capitol Hill this week,” said TCU President Artie Maratea. “Our folks were able to speak directly to the key leaders that can change our member’s lives for the better – and THAT is what being a union is all about.”

TCU Nat. Vice President & Legislative Director Bill DeCarlo addressed the entire Legislative Conference on Wednesday morning:
“…Since taking the role at TCU, we’ve had one mission: Build.

Build our union’s power. Build support amongst our membership. Build a Legislative program that ensures we can punch above our weight.

The great turnout for this Conference is evidence of the progress we’ve made, and we will continue to build our power in Washington, DC, and continue to live up to the legendary reputation of the ‘Fighting Machinists’…”

For the first time, TCU and the Carmen Division joined forces with our brothers from the IAM’s District Lodge 19 under the umbrella of the newly-created IAM Rail Division. “I’m so proud of our TCU and District 19 guys stepping up to help represent our Rail Division in DC,” said Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the International President, IAM Rail Division. “And I want to thank the TCU Legislative team for their tireless efforts on behalf of all railroaders. Bill DeCarlo and Dave Arouca are a force in Washington, and we need their expertise now more than ever if we’re going to get our members a fair contract.”

Railroaders got to meet a few leaders that have been rockstars as of late, including T&I Chairman Peter DeFazio, who has long challenged the Class 1 railroads for their endless greed and treatment of their workforce. “Chairman DeFazio was the first person on Capitol Hill to really get it. He knows how this PSR model is hurting our railroads, rail service, and rail workers. Our guys were extremely glad to finally meet the one of the leaders that’s really chastizing the Class 1 CEOs,” said Don Grissom, Asst. General President of TCU’s Carmen Division. [In case you missed it, Grissom testified last week before the House Railroads, Pipelines and HazMat Subcommittee hearing on freight rail safety.]

STB Board Member Robert Primus also talked with our railroaders. Primus recently went viral amongst rank-and-file railroaders when he had a testy exchange with CSX CEO Jim Foote at the STB’s “Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service” hearing in April.

“These days, a lot of these CEOs run their railroads through fear, because a scared employee is an obedient employee,” said Greg Kocialski, TCU’s National Rep. covering CSX clerical and intermodal properties. “So it’s no surprise that Primus’ exchange with Jim Foote became legendary amongst railroaders. Our members have been through hell and back during COVID, deemed essential frontline workers from the get-go – but all the railroads have offered is stricter discipline, massive forced overtime and a $600 payday loan.”

Every Legislative Conference attendee contributed valuably to the week’s events and meetings: from Rudy Herrera telling his story to the FRA; Greg Burnett talking National Negotiations with Rep. Rick Larsen; Jason Cox detailing car inspection times with Sen. Sherrod Brown; and Josh Cox (no relation) bringing Nebraskan machinists issues home to Sen. Fischer and the entire State delegation.

As one staffer mentioned, “it’s truly amazing to see the range of accents from across the country – but you’re all telling the same story.”

Indeed, our shared plight is our shared fight. So let’s keep up that fight in DC and at home!

Machinists Union Applauds House Committee Approval of Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act: The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for approving the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 7321). The bipartisan legislation, introduced by committee chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), would strengthen Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversight of commercial airline repair facilities outside the United States.

The panel’s action advances the legislation for full House floor consideration of DeFazio’s bill, which would include measures such as unannounced FAA inspections of foreign repair stations, and set minimum qualifications for mechanics and other workers, including drug testing and background checks.

“Our hard-working members take pride in making sure their work at carriers such as American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and others focuses on safety regulations set by the federal government,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “It’s only fair that their counterparts working at facilities overseas abide by such high U.S. standards.”

The IAM is the largest airline union in North America, representing over 100,000 airline workers.

“I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for introducing this very important legislation that will help ensure airline passenger safety is a top priority globally,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “The lack of uniform regulatory standards and oversight sets an unlevel field with carriers increasingly enticed by the financial incentives to push this work overseas. This results in job losses in the U.S. and risks passenger safety.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 900 aircraft maintenance and repair stations have been certified by the FAA outside the U.S., which includes countries such as China, Singapore and Brazil.

TCU Carman Assistant General President Don Grissom Testifies Before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I): In a T&I Committee meeting titled “Examining Freight Rail Safety”, TCU Carman Assistant General President Don Grissom testified about the challenges currently facing the Carman division at worksites across the country.

The speakers in the hearing included:

• Amit Bose – Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration
• Thomas B. Chapman – Member, National Transportation Safety Board
• Don Grissom – Assistant General President, Brotherhood Railway Carmen Division; TCU/IAM
• Roy L. Morrison – Director of Safety, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division; International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• Jeremy Ferguson – President, Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation-Transportation Division

View Don Grissom’s testimony below.

Assistant General President Grissom focused on the skills and training of Carmen saying, “Upon hiring, a Carman Apprentice spends 732 working days (6 different 122-day phases) to become a Journeyman. During this time, a Carman becomes highly skilled at inspecting and repairing rail cars. Importantly, Carmen acquire many skill-sets on the job that can be utilized outside the industry, such as metal-working, welding, and fabrication.”

Even with their extensive training and experience of Carmen in the freight industry, they are being told to bypass safety in exchange for speed. Brother Grissom said, “All of this pressure is dictated by corporate leadership and executed by regional or local management. Even when local managers know what they’re doing to their employees is wrong or unsafe (since they came off the crafts themselves), they’re forced to make our members‘ lives miserable under penalty of their own termination.”

“That is the life of a Carman in the PSR era. It’s the only career I’m aware of where they train you to do a job, then fire you for doing it.”

Click here to read Don Grissom’s full testimony.

National Mediation Board Releases IAM, TCU/IAM, BRC, and All Rail Unions From Stalled Negotiations with Rail Carriers: After more than two years of fruitless negotiations with the various class 1 railroads and after three weeks of in-person meetings in Washington, DC, the National Mediation Board has offered arbitration to rail unions, including the IAM, Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and TCU/IAM Brotherhood Railway Carmen Division (BRC) members.

All unions in our coalition plan to reject the arbitration offer, which under the Railway Labor Act sets the stage for President Biden to appoint a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to hear the dispute.

“After three years of needless stalling from rail carriers, the National Mediation Board has found that a voluntary agreement is simply not possible,” said TCU/IAM National President Arthur Maratea. “We look forward to continuing to advocate forcefully for our membership in this new stage of negotiations.”

“Our skilled and dedicated membership has worked tirelessly, through a pandemic and without a raise, to keep our nation’s rail system moving,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the IAM International President. “We will work side by side with every rail union to obtain the best possible agreement for our membership.”

More information will be provided to the membership as soon as it is available.

Machinists Union Urges U.S. Senators to Support Richard L. Trumka PRO Act:
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. wrote a letter to U.S. Senators urging them to support a Senate floor vote of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 842, S.420).
 
The Richard L. Trumka PRO Act passed by the House in 2021 puts workers first and strengthens the rights of workers to join and participate in a labor union.

Read the letter: Machinists Union Urges Support for PRO Act  
 
“As you may know, this legislation modernizes our federal labor law and establishes a process for mediation and arbitration to help the parties achieve a first contract,” IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., said in the letter to U.S. Senators. “It protects workers’ right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages and better benefits. The PRO Act would override state so-called “right to work” laws, which are simply designed to give more power to corporations at the expense of workers.”
 
The Richard L. Trumka PRO Act will:

• Create pathways for workers to form unions without fear of retribution
• Repeal anti-worker “right-to-work” laws across the country
• Hold corporations accountable by strengthening the National Labor Relations Board
• Empower workers to exercise the freedom to organize and bargain
• Ensure that workers can reach a first contract quickly after recognition

New Machinists Union Report Analyzes State of the Aerospace Industry, Charts Future for Growth: This week, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), North America’s largest aerospace labor union, released a new detailed report analyzing the state of the aerospace industry in the United States. The report calls for a national aerospace strategy created by the government, private industry, and labor unions to maintain its standing as a world leader in the high-tech and high-skilled aerospace industry.

The report, “Rising Potential: An IAMAW Proposal for a U.S. Aerospace Strategy,” comes two years after one of the worst periods for the aerospace industry. 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 that period, so did the need for parts, repairs, modifications, and other services, hurting aerospace supply chain companies.

For decades, the IAMAW has been the largest union in the aerospace industry. IAM members in all sectors assemble civilian and military aircraft, build missiles and rockets, manufacture parts and components, and provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

“Rising Potential: An IAMAW Proposal for a U.S. Aerospace Strategy” is a detailed report that provides an overview of the aerospace industry in the U.S., including international comparisons with some main competitors. It also outlines recommendations to address challenges and improve the nation’s foothold in the aerospace industry.

“The IAM has significantly contributed to making the aerospace industry dominant throughout the world,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “The contracts we have negotiated for our members continue to make this a sought-after career for many, especially our military veterans. Our members build the best products in the world, and it is only fitting that we help guide the national strategy for the aerospace industry. As one of the few core manufacturing sectors left not entirely ravaged by pro-corporate trade deals, it is of the utmost importance to preserve and expand the industry so it remains a reliable source of middle-class union jobs.”

“The IAM is proud of the research put into this report to help identify the aerospace and defense industry as a major economic engine for the American economy,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our documentation helps cement our role as the working men and women who help make the industry thrive. For far too long, corporate executives and profiteers have monopolized our iconic industry, squeezing the public and weakening worker bargaining power. To maintain our standing in the world, we must provide the proper investment in the training of future aerospace workers. The IAM welcomes any partners who are willing to help achieve the goal of rebuilding our supply chains and creating jobs here at home.”

Key recommendations from “Rising Potential: An IAMAW Proposal for a U.S. Aerospace Strategy”:

• Strengthen “Buy American” requirements to meaningfully ensure American tax dollars contribute to the American economy and preference union workers in the federal procurement process
• Invest in training and registered apprenticeship programs 
• Regulate offsets to protect our technological advantage, and prevent companies from agreeing to short-sighted deals with competitor nations 
• Strengthen Rules of Origin to level the playing field and reduce the use of low-wage workers overseas, which undercut American workers 
• Strengthen a fully functioning Ex-Im Bank to support domestic exporters
• End the interstate race to the bottom that pits states and struggling localities against each other to offer ever-larger corporate subsidy packages
• Increase federal funding for FAA Inspectors to promote the safety of the flying public
• Encourage manufacturers to require FAA’s Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP)
• Draft worker-focused trade policies that dissuade offshoring of U.S. aerospace jobs
• Bolster public and private investment in Aerospace research and development 

Machinists Union Urges President Biden to Appoint IAM Maine Lobstermen to Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team: The International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) wrote a letter on behalf of IAM Maine Lobstering Union (MLU) Local 207, urging President Biden to allow IAM Local 207 a seat on the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (ALWTRT).  

Having a seat on the ALWTRT will allow IAM Local 207 commercial lobstermen fishermen an opportunity to help develop regulations being developed by members of the ALWTRT. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are responsible for appointing members to the ALWTRT.

In a September 2020 campaign visit, Dr. Jill Biden met with union lobstermen and heard the challenges facing the men and women in the lobster industry.

“Local 207, which is the only labor organization composed solely of commercial lobstermen fishermen, has been denied membership on the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (ALWTRT), which is tasked with developing regulations for the American Lobster fishery that will protect the right whale,” IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., said in the letter to President Biden. “Local 207’s exclusion from the ALWTRT has been in direct, punitive response to ongoing litigation between Local 207’s Union fishermen and NOANNMFS regarding the closure of 967 square miles of fishing grounds in the Gulf of Maine. While each and every other stakeholder in the fishery, from scientists to trade associations and conservation groups, is represented on the ALWTRT, only Local 207 has been excluded.

IAM Maine Lobstering Union (MLU) Local 207 is not seeking the Administration’s intervention in the ongoing battle between the lobster industry and federal regulators. IAM Local 207 just wants a seat and a voice on the ALWTRT.

The post Machinists Make Powerful Return to Capitol Hill Washington, D.C. — Save Machinists Jobs in North Dakota — Wildland Firefighters Receive Life-Changing Pay Increase appeared first on IAMAW.

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.”

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