Strong IAM Push Helps Create Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program – Child Tax Credit Expansion is a Win for Working Families – Time To Invest in Our Nation’s Shipyards

Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill

STRONG PUSH BY MACHINISTS UNION RESULTS IN LAUNCHING OF AVIATION MANUFACTURING JOBS PROTECTION PROGRAM: The IAM is encouraging aviation manufacturers to apply for the U.S. Transportation Department’s recently launched Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection program.

This much-needed program, fought for and won by the IAM’s advocacy, 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.

READ: U.S. opens $3 billion aviation manufacturing wage subsidy program Reuters  

“Machinists Union members and the jobs they hold throughout the aerospace industry have always been crucial to the economy and protection of this nation, especially now as the country continues to heal from the pandemic,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “To overcome the effects of COVID-19, we must take care of the highly-skilled aerospace industry workers who are the key to reinvigorating the global economy and making sure the financial foundation of this country remains strong and intact. I hope any eligible company uses this opportunity to secure its workforce for the future and protect one of our last great manufacturing industries.”

The Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection program results from a strong push by the IAM in support of bipartisan legislation, which establishes a temporary relief plan for aerospace supply chains affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The program provides up to 50 percent of both pay and benefits for the thousands of workers 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.

Nearly 100,000 aerospace jobs have been lost since the pandemic, and many more may be at risk. But, thanks to the efforts of the IAM and our allies in Congress, this program will go a long way to stop the bleeding and bring our members back to work.

IAM CALLING ON CONGRESS FOR RAIL SAFETY AND JOB CREATION:  The Machinists Union is strongly urging Congress to help secure the livelihood of the nearly 40,000 IAM members working in the rail industry by passing the INVEST in America Act. This legislation will improve safety, create thousands of good-paying union jobs, and provide much-needed stability and growth to the freight and passenger rail industry.

“This legislation improves safety and creates thousands of good-paying union jobs, while providing much-needed security, stability and growth to the freight and passenger rail industry” said Chief of Staff to the International President Richard Johnsen. “The INVEST in America Act is a great first step forward in protecting and securing the livelihood of the members we represent.”

The Act addresses a wide variety of issues, including responding to dangerous changes and the deployment of new technologies in freight railroad operations, ensuring that the Federal Railroad Administration is a safety-first agency that works in tandem with rail workers, and requiring the necessary presence of a certified engineer and certified conductor on most freight trains.

Watch Richard Johnsen’s video supporting the INVEST in America Act.

The bill also includes significant investments in passenger rail, including historic funding levels for Amtrak and its operational and capital needs. It supports the growth of new rail operations, including high-speed rail.

Earlier this month, The IAM along with a coalition of rail labor organizations wrote a letter to House leadership expressing strong support for the INVEST in America Act.

MACHINISTS UNION ENCOURAGED BY USTR EFFORTS TO RESOLVE U.S.-EU AEROSPACE DISPUTES: The Machinists Union recently weighed in with statements on the efforts to resolve the long-standing aerospace dispute between the U.S. and the European Union(EU).

“The IAM applauds the efforts of the USTR as it takes a significant step forward to finally resolve aerospace disputes with the EU that were filed 17 years ago,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We are confident that the USTR will make the interests of U.S. aerospace workers a priority as it proceeds to resolve these matters with the EU. As thousands upon thousands of U.S. aerospace jobs are outsourced throughout the world to countries like Mexico and China, we are also heartened by an acknowledgement that at least one non-market economy, China, has become the focus of these talks.”

“The IAM especially welcomes USTR’s long awaited efforts to coordinate with the EU in challenging China’s trade violations,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “As Boeing and Airbus shift production to China, it is the workers in the U.S. and the EU who suffer as they see their livelihoods moving to a country that does not recognize the right to form a union and engage in collective bargaining. It is simply unacceptable for Boeing workers to have their jobs sacrificed to China and other countries like Mexico in the name of unfair global competition. Coordination between the U.S. and the EU to confront China’s trade challenges in aerospace is urgently needed. While today’s announcement is a solid step forward, if the EU is not willing to join us, the U.S. should move ahead with its own challenges to China’s unfair trade practices.” ​

“IAM members have proudly been the backbone of the U.S. aerospace industry for generations,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Our trade policy must preserve and grow our aerospace workforce. The future of our economic and national security depends on the important decisions we make today.”

“As someone who comes from the shop floor building commercial aircraft, I’ve seen the destructive impact of offshoring jobs on our families and communities,“ said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “It is imperative that the government take an active role leveling the playing field in the global aerospace industry. It’s time to move forward so we can create an economy that works for workers worldwide.”

MACHINISTS UNION AND ALLIES FOUGHT FOR AND WON CHILD TAX CREDIT EXPANSION: The Machinists Union fought hard for the passage of the American Rescue Plan to bring relief to working families. One piece of relief coming soon for most IAM families will be the increased Child Tax Credit. The Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan provides the largest Child Tax Credit ever and will make a big difference for many working Americans.

Starting on July 15, nearly all IAM members with children will receive an increased Child Tax Credit. The Child Tax Credit will deliver $300 per child each month for families with a shared income of $150,000 or $112,5000 for a single-parent household. So, in its simplest terms, help is on the way for IAM working families.

“The IAM continues to push for legislation that benefits IAM members and their families,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “During the pandemic, it was workers and their families who made it possible for this country to survive and heal. The Child Tax Credit gives those hardworking families a benefit they truly deserve.”

Click here for a Child Tax Credit fact sheet.  

IAM URGES CONGRESS TO INVEST IN NATION’s SHIPYARDS: The IAM is reaching out to members of Congress, encouraging them to support bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed investment to optimize and improve our nation’s shipyards. International President Robert Martinez Jr. wrote a letter to all U.S. Representatives and Senators urging them to co-sponsor the Supplying Help to Infrastructure in Ports, Yards, and America’s Repair Docks (SHIPYARD) Act of 2021.

The SHIPYARD Act is a vital piece of legislation that would invest $21 billion in the U.S. Navy’s four public shipyards in Maine, Washington, Virginia, and Hawaii to bolster defense infrastructure, fleet repair, and overall capability. It would also invest $4 billion in U.S. Navy private repair and new construction shipyards. Urge your Representatives to get behind the SHIPYARD Act!

IAM DISTRICT 725 PUSHES FOR ACTION ON PROTECTING AEROSPACE JOBS: IAM District 725 Area Manager/Business Representative J.P. Fletcher recently represented the Machinists Union during U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s speech on trade at the AFL-CIO.

Fletcher asked Tai an important question about how the Biden administration will combat outsourcing and retain aerospace jobs in America. Tai’s speech, which focused on the importance of worker-centered trade, was hosted by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka during a virtual town hall.

WATCH: IAM Member Engages with Ambassador Tai

“While aerospace workers are currently being laid off all over the United States, the aerospace industry in Mexico is growing exponentially,” said IAM District 725 Area Director/Business Representative J.P. Fletcher. “Many of these jobs were once our jobs and union jobs here in San Diego.”

Chula Vista, CA has been home to aerospace manufacturing since the 1940’s and at one time employed over 10,000 workers. When United Technologies (UTC) took over the operations, the company outsourced much of the work to its production site in Mexico. There are approximately 60,000 aerospace jobs now in Mexico, much of which used to be done by IAM members.

WATCH: Broken Promise: UTC in California

“Brother Fletcher did a great job representing the IAM during this call by posing a vital question to Ambassador Tai about the future of aerospace jobs in our great country,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It is imperative the Machinists Union continues to pressure this administration to keep their word of protecting the livelihoods of not only our Aerospace members, but every Machinist. The IAM will always be at forefront in leading the labor movement’s fight to keep American jobs here and against any outsourcing.”

“The outsourcing of good paying aerospace jobs to Mexico is tantamount to economic treason on the American worker,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “I will do everything in my power to continue to hold theses elected officials accountable to our members and our country.”

Watch the full AFL-CIO video with Ambassador Tai

IAM FIGHTING FOR RESTORATION OF U.S. NAVY DESTROYER: Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, U.S. Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) joined IAM Local S6 representatives at Bath Iron Works (BIW) recently in calling to restore an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy’s budget.

The current Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Department budget request includes funding for only one DDG-51 Arleigh Burke destroyer. Last year, Congress approved funding for two DDG-51s.

“This budget is retiring some old large surface combatants in big numbers,” said Rep. Courtney. “If we’re going to divest older capability ships to free up money to invest in newer capability ships, you have to make sure you do the second part, and this budget doesn’t do that.”

Courtney’s subcommittee is responsible for setting the shipbuilding manufacturing policy included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which directs how federal funds should be used by the Defense Department each year. Golden serves as vice-chairman of the subcommittee next to Courtney. Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which sets funding policy for the federal government, including for military shipbuilding.

“These ships are proudly built by our members,” said Local S6 President Chris Wiers. “Our members are fighting alongside the IAM, our elected officials and BIW to ensure that Congress restores funding for a second DDG-51 destroyer in fiscal Year 2022.”

“These ships are vital,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro, Sr. “First and foremost is our national security, and making sure the U.S. Navy has the tools they need to defend our interests. Secondly, and just as important we are also building the future shipbuilders, and manufacturing base at the same time. The Maine Delegation understands the importance of these ships, and our members are also well informed – they know what is at stake.”

Pingree and Golden, along with U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), opposed the ship cut in a May 27 joint statement. The Maine Delegation wrote the cut would “destabilize our nation’s shipyard industrial base, threaten the skilled workforce that builds these ships, and undermine the long-term health of this important sector of national defense.

Read more here.

MACHINISTS UNION ISSUES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT RULING ON GOP LAWSUIT TO STRIKE DOWN AFFORDABLE CARE ACT: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., shared a statement regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on the GOP’s lawsuit to strike down the Affordable Care Act:

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act is a victory for working families. The Affordable Care Act has been successful in providing access to millions of previously uninsured Americans. We look forward to working on expanding coverage for the millions still without health insurance. Now that the Supreme Court has brushed back another failed attempt to overturn the Affordable Care Act, the Machinists Union will continue to fight to ensure companies move away from shifting an even greater burden of healthcare costs to members during negotiations. We must all work together to make the Affordable Care Act stronger to relieve financial burdens created by the lack of health coverage.”

IAM ISSUES STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR NLRB NOMINEE DAVID PROUTY: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., issued a statement applauding President Biden’s nomination of David Prouty to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB):

“On behalf of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, we thank President Biden for nominating David Prouty to fill the next vacancy on the NLRB. Mr. Prouty’s bready of professional experiences make him particularly well suited for a position on the board.

“Throughout his long career as a labor attorney, Mr. Prouty has demonstrated his dedication to protecting the rights of workers in a wide range of fields. His commitment to the principles of workers’ rights and advocacy, as well as his in-depth understanding of the National Labor Relations Act and organizing, make him particularly well-suited to be a member of the NLRB.

“It is important that the people who serve in a position to carry out the law have a real world understanding of how the Act operates on a practical level, as well as have an in-depth understanding of the Act’s legal intricacies. Mr. Prouty began his career as an organizer for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. Having this hands-on involvement as an organizer is a vital experience for someone who must enforce our laws governing how workers can exercise their rights to join a union.

“Mr. Prouty’s experiences demonstrate his life-long commitment to protecting workers’ rights under the NLRB. We are confident that as a Board member he will apply this same commitment to ensuring the faithful application of the Act to all.

“We enthusiastically support David Prouty to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board.”

ANOTHER CARRIER PETITIONS FRA FOR RELIEF FROM “HANDS-ON” PERIODIC REFRESHER TRAINING: In April 2021, the Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a system-wide waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations regarding periodic refresher training for all UP’s Transportation employees. Specifically, UP proposed to create a 3-D simulation using web-based software as a third alternative to satisfy the “hands-on” portion of the training required by 49 CFR 232.203(b)(3), in connection with periodic refresher training. Refresher training is required at intervals not to exceed three years and must consist of classroom and “hands-on” training, as well as testing.

UP is now the fourth Class I rail carrier operating in the U.S. to request that 3-D simulations be used as an alternative to “hands-on” refresher training since 2019. The first of the three previous requests occurred in February 2019, when Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) petitioned FRA for this relief. FRA granted NS’s request in May 2019. Then, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) filed for the same relief in December 2019. FRA granted CP’s request in April 2020. Finally, CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX), filed for the same relief in January 2020. FRA granted CSX’s request in April 2020.

Rail labor opposed all three of these previous petitions for waiver, and, in response to UP’s recent request for relief, the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, the American Train Dispatchers Association and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen filed joint comments opposing the waiver. In addition, the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO also filed comments opposing the UP petition for waiver as well.

Among other things, the above labor organizations specifically complained to FRA that simulated testing should be used only as a supplement to, and not a replacement for, the “hands-on” training that railroad employees currently receive in the field. In addition, we also commented that UP has the ability to perform the “hands-on” refresher training because the carrier has an ample supply of rail cars to use for testing its inspectors, and because UP has plenty of time to arrange for the periodic “hands-on” refresher training given that such training occurs once every three years.

“Once again we see a Class I rail carrier complain that it does not have the time to follow the guidelines provided by the current Federal regulations,” says BRC General President Richard A. Johnson. “Such a request is troubling given that, in the current environment, railroad workers are being made to inspect cars within incredibly short time frames due to precision scheduling practices, while the carriers have also benefited from previously granted waivers that allow them to perform fewer overall inspections. Under these circumstances, now is not the time to reduce the quality of key safety training, given that there are already ongoing factors that inhibit the safety of the rail system.”

To read the joint comments of BRC, ATDA and BLET click here.

To read the TTD comments click here.

NFFE-IAM PUSHES TO PASS THE FEDERAL OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE PROTECTION ACT: NFFE-IAM is pushing Congress to reverse the effect of a 2020 U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit decision that vacated, for lack of jurisdiction, the convictions of criminal defendants accused of murdering ICE agent Jaime Zapata and the serious wounding of ICE agent Victor Avila. The Federal Officers and Employees Protection Act will fix a very serious loophole in federal law that prevents the prosecution of criminals in the U.S. who attack or murder federal employees outside of the U.S. Without this fix, federal employees abroad are at increased risk of violence without access to justice.

The post Strong IAM Push Helps Create Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program – Child Tax Credit Expansion is a Win for Working Families – Time To Invest in Our Nation’s Shipyards appeared first on IAMAW.

Child Tax Credit Expansion Victory for IAM Working Families –United’s Historic Aircraft Order Will Create Thousands of IAM Jobs in Airline, Aerospace Industries — Demand is Strong for a First Contract for Machinists Union at Cascades

Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill

IAM HELPS SECURE CHILD TAX CREDIT EXPANSION FOR IAM WORKING FAMILIES: Child Tax Credit Expansion for Working FamiliesThe Machinists Union fought hard for the passage of the American Rescue Plan to bring relief to working families. One piece of relief coming soon for most IAM families will be the increased Child Tax Credit. The Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan provides the largest Child Tax Credit ever and will make a big difference for many working Americans.

Starting on July 15, nearly all IAM members with children will receive an increased Child Tax Credit. The Child Tax Credit will deliver $300 per child each month for families with a shared income of $150,000 or $112,500 for a single-parent household. So, in its simplest terms, help is on the way for IAM working families.

“The IAM continues to push for legislation that benefits IAM members and their families,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “During the pandemic, it was workers and their families who made it possible for this country to survive and heal. The Child Tax Credit gives those hardworking families a benefit they truly deserve.”

Click here for a Child Tax Credit fact sheet.  

UNITED’S HISTORIC AIRCRAFT ORDER WILL CREATE THOUSANDS OF IAM JOBS IN AIRLINE, AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES: The Machinists Union applauds United Airlines’ announcement that the carrier plans to hire over more than 25,000 airline workers and purchase 200 737 MAX airplanes by 2026. The “United Next” plan includes the addition of 270 total airplanes as well as plans to retrofit 100 percent of the remaining mainline, narrow-body fleet.

“The workers we represent at United and Boeing will benefit tremendously from this long-term investment,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our union looks forward to helping the airline and aerospace industries, especially after a difficult period with the global pandemic. The IAM led the fight on Capitol Hill for the airline Payroll Support Program (PSP) that kept tens of thousands of workers employed. The Machinists Union also fought for the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act, legislation that is helping employers hire back aerospace workers as we recover from the pandemic. This announcement will preserve and create good union jobs that will impact communities across the world.”

“It wasn’t too long ago that hundreds of thousands of airline workers were facing layoffs and an unclear path,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “I commend United Airlines for investing in a vital industry for our country. As the largest airline union, the IAM will ensure that we fulfill the mission to empower every IAM member to serve the global marketplace with dignity and respect. The IAM is excited to welcome future United Airlines employees into our union. This investment is great news for all IAM members and their families.”

“I am extremely proud of IAM District 141 members for their work throughout this pandemic,” said IAM District 141 President and Directing General Chair Mike Klemm. “This announcement signals that our industry is heading in the right direction, thanks to the work of our members at United Airlines. IAM District 141 members will continue to work hard and be a leader for the rest of the industry.”

“This order is positive news for IAM members in the Puget Sound region and beyond. This order will certainly support our membership locally with good-paying family wage jobs,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “We are proud to continue to build these aircraft for one of the world’s leading airlines that also employs Machinists Union members across the country. It is a good sign that air travel is picking up and recovery from the pandemic has started.” 

“This is a much-needed boost for our Brothers and Sisters in the Puget Sound and the entire aerospace industry,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “The airline and aerospace industries play a huge role in our global economy, and this is especially true in the economy in the Western United States. We are very proud of the IAM members in the Puget Sound, the best aerospace workers in the world.”

“I applaud this announcement after such a difficult year for the aerospace industry,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “Our members build the best products globally, and this investment is a signal that we are headed in the right direction. We hope that this type of investment will have a ripple effect in supply chains throughout our nation.”

The “United Next” plan is expected to create 25,000 well-paying, union jobs at United, significantly lower carbon emissions per seat and contribute an estimated $50 billion annually towards the U.S. economy by 2026. Combined with the airline’s current order book, United expects to add more than 500 new aircraft including about one new plane every three days in 2023 alone.

LEADER SCHUMER, SEN. GILLIBRAND PUSH FOR A FIRST CONTRACT FOR MACHINISTS UNION AT CASCADES CONTAINERBOARD: Machinists Union members working at Cascades Containerboard in Niagara Falls, NY got the backing of two political heavy-hitters this week when U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) called on Canada-based Cascades, Inc. to negotiate in good faith and reach a first contract with the union negotiating committee.

The 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 more than two years.

“We write to urge Cascades management to return to the table and negotiate in good faith with representatives from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) on a new labor contract at the Niagara Falls containerboard plant,” write Schumer and Gillibrand. “We have long believed that our economy functions most effectively and fairly when there is a good faith bargaining and contracts between labor and management.”

Read the entire letter from Schumer and Gillibrand to Cascades, Inc. President and CEO Mario Plourde.

Members recently rallied to call for a first contract. It has now been more than two years since the National Labor Relations Board certified Cascades workers’ vote to join the IAM in June 2019. It is highly unusual for companies to delay bargaining to this extent after workers organize with the IAM.

“I appreciate Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand stepping up to shine a light on the unfair treatment of our members from Cascades Containerboard management,” said IAM District 65 Directing Business Representative Ron Warner. “Our members work hard to make this company profitable, and all they want in return is a voice on the job. It feels good to see our senators fighting to make life better for our members at Cascades. The Machinists Union won’t stop until we get a first contract.”  

READ: Gillibrand, Schumer call on Cascades, Inc. to negotiate with union Spectrum News 1 Buffalo

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

Working conditions at the facility are key issues for Cascades employees. Cascades hired a notorious union-busting law firm to thwart the organizing campaign and hired another firm after the campaign to stall negotiations.

“The Machinists Union will continue to mobilize to help our brothers and sisters at Cascades secure a first contract,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “It is shameful that after voting to join the IAM over two years ago, our members still can’t get a first contract. The National Labor Relations Act is broken, and this is why the IAM is urging the United States Senate to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. If the PRO Act were in place today, our members would have the ability to settle impasses like the current one at Cascades. Our members at Cascades deserve fair treatment and basic respect and dignity at work.”

IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand recently joined the chorus of labor and political leaders urging the Québec-based manufacturer to work toward a contract with its New York state workers.

READ: Showdown between Cascades and New York State workers  Journal de Montreal

“It’s frustrating and embarrassing to see a Québec flagship act in this way, especially since Québecers are shareholders in the company through the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec,” Chartrand said. “All workers deserve to be treated with respect and fairness, whether they are from Québec, New York State or elsewhere. We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers and support them in their struggle.”

NFFE-IAM RECOMMENDS IMPROVEMENTS TO FEDERAL FIREFIGHTING TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND BIDEN CABINET: NFFE-IAM sent a letter to President Biden regarding the federal wildland firefighting workforce recommending changes aimed at stabilizing and expanding the program.  In addition to a 50% increase in base pay for federal firefighters, NFFE-IAM recommended hiring at least 10,000 more firefighters over the next decade, and allotting more resources for a better work-life balance including staggered work schedules and better mental health services. 

READ: Union Urges Further Action to Improve Firefighter Pay Government Executive

RETIRED MACHINIST APPRECIATES IAM FIGHT FOR RETIREMENT SECURITY: When Jerry McCoy heard about the American Rescue Plan in March, he didn’t know that much about it. In 2011, he retired as a machinist from the Y-12 National Security Complex facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and has been living off the company pension. Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the site.

“I’m retired during a pandemic. If they ever said, ‘We don’t have enough money in your pension plan,’ it would have been devastating,” said McCoy, a member of IAM Local 480.  

President Biden signed the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Relief Act into law on March 11, as part of the American Rescue Plan. The law preserves and restores pensions for more than one million retirees and workers in about 200 severely underfunded multi-employer pension plans. McCoy was thankful his pension didn’t fit into that category. However, he knew the dire consequences looming for all U.S. pensioners without the provisions of the “Butch Lewis Act.”  It protected healthy plans and strengthened the overall pension system, something the IAM lobbied for heavily.

McCoy was happy to see the legislation because he considers his pension his lifeline. “It’s very important because we depend on that for our livelihood, my wife and I.” He said it was reassuring to know that he would someday retire with a pension, even when he was younger. “That was the reason you stayed there,” he said. “That was the reason you wanted to be there.”

McCoy started working for what was then Union Carbide in 1970 and 41 years later, hopes young workers realize the benefits of defined benefit pension plans and the importance of preserving them. “New employees come in and don’t have a pension. They have a 401K. You might as well go to Vegas,” he said.

Fortunate enough to retire at 60, McCoy is thankful his wife has a pension and their daughter was able to receive a union scholarship from the AFL-CIO and go on to work for a Canadian company that provides a pension. 

It’s all about priorities and getting a fair return on our work. “Giving bonuses sounds good, but I’d rather have a raise,” he said. And a pension.

District 66 MEMBER MEETS PRESIDENT BIDEN IN WISCONSIN: IAM District Lodge 66 member Mike Davis recently got the chance of a lifetime to meet President Biden. After the president gave a speech pushing his $1 trillion infrastructure plan at the La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility in Wisconsin, Davis was one of a select few union leaders chosen to meet the president backstage.

“This is the first time I have ever met any president so the whole experience was very exciting to see and take in,” said Davis, a Local 1115 member who works at Crown Cork and Seal and is also President of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “I was able to be backstage and up close to the president so it made for an even more thrilling day. I couldn’t have been more proud to represent the IAM and our local unions.” 

“Mike was a very deserving member to be selected with the honor of representing the IAM at President Biden’s visit to La Crosse,” said IAM District 66 Directing Business Representative Jana Kirch. “He is not only a respected leader in our union, but also fights for the rights of all workers in Wisconsin.”

President Biden told Wisconsinites the proposed infrastructure plan will create millions of good paying jobs. The president was joined by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Gov. Tony Evers (D) in talking about the ways the package would also improve Wisconsin infrastructure.

“It’s refreshing to see and experience a White House now focused on unions and working Americans,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “In just his first 150 days, President Biden and his administration have already spearheaded a number of legislative actions, appointments and bills the Machinists Union have been fighting for, for so many years.”

“President Biden thanked me for all our union has done and said he truly appreciated our support,” added Davis. “It’s a moment I will cherish, honor and never forget.”

GAO ACCEPTS REQUEST TO STUDY PSR: GAO accepts request to study PSR – In a win for freight railroad workers, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has accepted a request to study Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) from Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Railroads Subcommittee Chairman Donald Payne (D-NJ). In May, the two Democrats formally requested the GAO look into PSR with an eye towards safety impacts from workforce reductions, the downsizing, and closure of yards and repair facilities, inspections, and other issues.

IAM, ALLIES FIGHTING AGAINST DANGEROUS VOTER SUPPRESSION EFFORT IN TEXAS: Months after progressive state lawmakers in Texas staged a mass walkout to protest voter suppression legislation introduced by radical-right politicians, the labor movement, including the Machinists Union and the Texas AFL-CIO, are mobilizing around the state in a bid to beat back another conservative plot to pass the controversial bill.

“Voting and freedom are sacred pillars of our republic and they’re crucial to upholding democracy,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Any attempt to thwart those rights must be strongly opposed by the hard working middle-class families of Texas. If it’s voting rights today, then it will be anti-worker laws tomorrow.”

The legislation, now known during a special legislative session as Senate Bill 1, would end drive-through and 24-hour voting, as well as add draconian voter ID requirements. The bill would give more rein to partisan poll watchers and allow officials to scour state records in an elaborate and unjustified search for non-citizen voters.

But Machinists Union members in Texas and nationally have pledged to work with the state’s AFL-CIO to educate union households, lobby lawmakers and build political momentum aimed at stopping SB 1.

“The fight against voter suppression and to preserve our democracy is a union fight, and we are proud to stand in solidarity with the IAM on this issue,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy. “The commitment of President Martinez and the IAM to do whatever it takes to protect our right to vote makes the entire labor movement proud. As we organize our opposition, IAM leadership is making a real difference.”

Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy issued a statement in response to reports that House Democrats are seeking to deny a quorum for considering voter suppression and other legislation:

“The Texas AFL-CIO proudly stands with Texas House Democrats for risking arrest to defend our voting rights and taking the fight to our nation’s capital. We stand squarely with the legislators who are standing with and fighting for working families.” 

Read the rest of Texas AFL-CIO’s statement here

MACHINISTS UNION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS SWEAR IN FOR A NEW TERM, LOOK TOWARD BRIGHT FUTURE: Members of the IAM Executive Council and other IAM Constitutional Officers are energized and looking toward the future as they raised their right hands and recited the oath of office today. With a focus on growing the IAM in members and bargaining power they begin a new four-year term leading the Machinists Union, as elected by the membership.

“There is nothing—no pandemic, no crisis, no politician, no employer—that will stop this union from fighting for what is just and what is right,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It’s an exciting time to be a Fighting Machinist, Sisters and Brothers. This union is on the rise, and each of us are blessed to be leading the way. I would also like to recognize every Machinists Union family who has been affected by COVID-19. Our union has made it through these difficult times and we are rebounding because of our essential members in the transportation, defense, healthcare and other industries. We are grateful to have them working on the front lines during the pandemic and sacrificing their own well-being for the benefit of others.”

“It is truly an honor to be re-elected to serve the Machinists Union membership,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “I’m humbled by the support and trust our members have shown this leadership team over the years. This Executive Council will continue to work tirelessly on our membership’s behalf.”

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler delivered remarks, wishing the best for all the officers swearing in. The ceremony was held via video conferencing due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

“Thank you International President Martinez, General Secretary-Treasurer Cervantes and the entire IAM leadership team,” said Shuler. “When COVID-19 hit, the Machinists did not stop. You stepped up for your members, you kept leading the way in organizing and you raised the standards for all working people. The entire labor movement is inspired by your solidarity, strength and character.”

The swearing in also marks an end of the career of retiring Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro Sr. and Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall.

“Congratulations to Brothers Jimmy and Stan on their well-deserved retirements,” said Martinez. “Their leadership, friendship and drive to help working people will be missed on a daily basis. On behalf of the Executive Council and the entire IAM, I thank them for their dedication to our great union and wish them and their families a long and healthy retirement.”

Along with the swearing in of the IAM Executive Council, members of the IAM Law Committee, IAM Delegates to the AFL-CIO, and the IAM Delegate to the Canadian Labour Congress were sworn in.

International President: Robert Martinez Jr.

General Secretary-Treasurer: Dora Cervantes

General Vice Presidents: Gary R. Allen, Sito Pantoja, Mark Blondin, Rickey Wallace, Brian Bryant, Steve Galloway and David Chartrand

Committee on Law: James Beno, Dave Weaver, T. Dean Wright Jr. and Tania Canniff

Delegates to AFL-CIO: E. Michael Vartabedian, Richard Jackson and Sharon Sugiyama

Delegate to Canadian Labour Congress: Kim Valliere

All were elected to serve a four-year term, expiring June 30, 2025, in accordance with Article III, Section 5 of the IAM Constitution.

The post Child Tax Credit Expansion Victory for IAM Working Families –United’s Historic Aircraft Order Will Create Thousands of IAM Jobs in Airline, Aerospace Industries — Demand is Strong for a First Contract for Machinists Union at Cascades appeared first on IAMAW.

Biden Administration Strengthens Buy America — Pass the PRO Act — Funding for U.S. Navy DDG-51 Destroyers Approved by House Panel

Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill

MAJOR VICTORY FOR IAM AS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION STRENGTHENS BUY AMERICA RULE: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent out a statement regarding the Biden administration’s Buy American proposed rule, ensuring our nation’s future is made in America by all of America’s workers.

“President Biden’s proposed rule increasing domestic content requirements, narrowing the use of waivers and expanding transparency, puts the ‘American’ back in Buy American laws, said Martinez. “The IAM has long sought these improvements, which when implemented, will make full use of taxpayer dollars to build back better U.S. manufacturing and U.S. manufacturing jobs.”

WATCH: President Biden’s Video on our manufacturing and economic future

Just a few days into his presidency, Joe Biden issued executive orders emphasizing the critical need to strengthen Buy American laws,” continued Martinez. “A short time later, he announced the creation of the new Made in America Office. With today’s announcement, the Biden administration again fulfills its promise to U.S. workers by proposing the most dramatic changes to Buy American laws in almost 70 years.

“The IAM looks forward to working with the Biden administration on its further efforts to strengthen Buy American laws and grow jobs right here in the United States.”

IAM INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT MARTINEZ URGES SENATORS TO PASS THE PRO ACT: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently wrote a letter to the Senate urging them to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. 

“The PRO Act is a crucial piece of bold legislation that modernizes our federal labor law and establishes a process for mediation and arbitration to help the parties achieve a first contract,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It protects workers’ right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages and better benefits.”

The IAM also joined the AFL-CIO and other affiliated unions on a letter urging U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to support and help pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The three senators are the last remaining Democratic senators who have not signed on to sponsor the bill.   

“Passage of the PRO Act is the top priority of the labor movement,” reads the letter. “The PRO Act has also been endorsed by unaffiliated international unions and a wide variety of civil rights, religious, and environmental organizations. Strengthening outdated labor law is key to rebuilding the economy and restoring fairness to the workplace. We urge you to support this vital legislation.”

TAKE ACTION: Tell Your Senators to Enact the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act

READ: Wichita labor rallies to support PRO Act, which would make it easier to join a union Wichita Eagle

OHIO STATE COUNCIL OF MACHINISTS ROLL OUT POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS: 

The Ohio State Council of Machinists endorsed U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan in Ohio’s 2022 U.S. Senate race, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley for Ohio governor, former state senator Nina Turner for Ohio’s 11th Congressional District, and former U.S. congressman Dennis Kucinich for Cleveland mayor. The endorsement took place during the Ohio State Council of Machinists meeting. 

“The Ohio State Council of Machinists is proud to endorse Congressman Tim Ryan, a long-time friend of the Machinists Union and our membership in Ohio. Since being elected to represent Ohio’s 17th district in 2003, Tim has proven himself a champion for working people. Tim understands the economic struggles of everyday people who work hard to put food on their table. He understands that labor unions play a key role in fighting against a rigged economy that only works for Corporate CEOs and leaves workers constantly fighting for a seat at the table. Our members want a U.S. Senator who will recognize the importance of working people speaking up together for respect in the workplace and fair wages.

“The Ohio State Council of Machinists is also proud to announce our endorsement for Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley for Ohio governor. Nan’s leadership has helped the city of Dayton make the necessary economic gains to bring real change to the city. Nan’s actions and experience will benefit all of Ohio. Our state needs someone who has their best interests at heart. She is the right candidate for these trying times. 

“Our state council is proud of our endorsement of former state senator Nina Turner for Ohio’s 11th Congressional District. Nina is a true advocate for working families and will bring a clear voice to Washington for the constituents of the 11th Congressional District. She will be beholden to the people, not the corporate interests who work against the wishes of our families. Nina brings an extensive resume of fighting on the right side of workers’ issues and will bring that fight to the halls of Congress.

“It is our honor to endorse our faithful friend, former U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich for mayor of Cleveland. It was an easy choice for our members to support Dennis. Whenever we needed Dennis to show up for our members, he was always there on the picket line or speaking up for our members in Washington D.C. and Cleveland. Dennis always puts people first and will lead the city of Cleveland to a brighter future for everyone.

“We look forward to mobilizing IAM members throughout Ohio to push these candidates across the finish line. It is clear we need candidates who have a vision that includes working men and women from the labor movement. Our nation has been through a tough period, and it calls for tough people on the national, state and local levels working together to create an economy that works for all.”

The Ohio State Council of Machinists (OSCM) is an organization of 32 local unions that represent over 20,000 manufacturing, steel, automotive, aerospace and other workers across Ohio and West Virginia. On July 1, 2016, the West Virginia State Council of Machinists was affiliated into the Ohio State Council of Machinists.

IAM APPLAUDS PANEL APPROVAL OF REP. GOLDEN’S MULTI-YEAR PROCUREMENT AMENDMENT FOR U.S. NAVY DDG-51 DESTROYERS: 

The IAM recently sent a letter to the House Armed Services Committee strongly supporting U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s (D-ME) amendment to the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for a new multi-year procurement (MYP) contract for Flight III DDG-51 destroyers.

This week, the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee approved the Golden amendment that will allow the Secretary of the U.S. Navy to “enter into one or more multi-year contracts, beginning in the fiscal year 2023, for the procurement of up to 15 Arleigh Burke class Flight III guided missile destroyers.”

The amendment will impact thousands of IAM members who proudly work at Bath Iron Works and in the shipbuilding industry across the United States.

A new contract for DDG-51 destroyers is essential to protect our nation’s military advantage at sea, bolster our domestic industrial base, and maintain the high-quality jobs and skill level of the U.S. defense shipbuilding workforce.

“DDG-51 destroyers are proudly built by thousands of Machinists Union members at Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Bath, Maine,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “With the current MYP contract expiring in FY22, there is no scheduled ship procurement plan to ensure enduring workforce stability and skill retention. A new MYP contract is needed to ensure consistent funding for the DDG-51 program to equip our U.S. Navy properly and to promote the health of the U.S. shipbuilding industry, our domestic industrial base, and the highly skilled workforce on which it relies.”  

“The multi-year procurement is paramount to the future of the shipyard and industrial base, focusing on workforce stability, in which LS6 has collaborated with BIW by supporting investments in recruiting, training, and efficiencies,” said IAM Local S6 President Chris Wiers. “We are committed to this effort to prepare the next generation of shipbuilders and protecting job security for thousands of our members for years to come.”

“This Multi-year Procurement contract will deliver DDG-51 Flight III ships to the Navy over the next five years, ensuring that we have the large surface combatant fleet that we need to remain competitive in the short term,” said Rep. Golden. “And this multi-year contract will act as a bridge to the DDG-X that the Navy will need in the long term, by providing the stability and predictability needed to maintain the shipbuilding workforce. The preservation of this workforce is a matter of national security, and we just can’t afford to lose these skilled shipbuilders.”

The Machinists Union will be urging the full House Armed Services Committee to approve the measure when it’s considered on Sept. 1.

LOBBYING EFFORTS RESULT IN STRONG IAM DISTRICT 19 CONTRACTS WITH METRO NORTH, LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD: IAM District 19 recently ratified two new agreements with Metro North and Long Island Rail Road. The new contracts are the result of the lobbying efforts of the IAM, several other transportation unions and members from around the country.

Because of this lobbying, the IAM has retained all the positions at Metro North and Long Island Rail Roads and now have ratified two contracts that brings IAM members current on wages and back pay. The MTA, the parent agency of both of these commuter railroads, received $14 billion to use for operations and maintenance through these lobbying efforts.

“This is great news for our members working for these commuter rail carriers,” said Chief of Staff to the International President Richard Johnsen. “Our Legislative Department, staff and members have continued to fight for increased funding during these difficult times and it is great to see it come full circle in the form of a contract for our members. This is great for the workers and great for the riders who depend on them to keep these commuter trains moving.”

“Our members have worked tirelessly during the pandemic, and I’m proud to say their union has worked tirelessly for them,” said District 19 President J. Michael Perry. “They deserve to get some good news in the form of a contract. This is the very reason we lobby our representatives, so our members don’t get left behind.”

“I am proud to report this good outcome at a time when most of what we hear is bad news,” said District 19 Directing General Chairman and Assistant to the President Andrew Sandberg. “This is only one way our members have benefited from our involvement in politics. When asked why we involve this union in politics, this is the reason; to help our members get the dignity and respect they deserve at work.”

“We worked harder through the pandemic due to increased safety measures and the fact that at times, some members and fellow workers were sick or quarantined,” said IAM Local 226 President Gabriel Debraz Jr. “Now that it seems we are recovering, we’re happy to know that we will be getting the back pay and raises we deserve while going right into the negotiations.”

“NY was hit hard with Covid-19,” said IAM Local 753 Vice President T.J. Donohue. “We weren’t sure what to expect. Most of our workforce was working from home in the worst part of it, not the IAM. We came to work every day. We kept the railroad running so that other essential workers could get to work like doctors and nurses, Firemen and EMS along with Police in New York City and the surrounding area. We seem to have reached the end of it now. We’re happy that our Union was working for us and the MTA in Congress getting us the money we need to operate and keep our jobs. Included in that funding was a contract with back pay, thank you IAM.”

“Coming out of the worst time in all of our careers, a time all MTA agencies are experiencing at least a 75 percent loss in ridership, we thought it would be business as usual and they would keep the money received in federal bailouts while we experience furloughs,” said Local 754 President David Negus. “We’re happy to see that this contract was brought to us, not just by our essential work throughout the height of the pandemic but also from the IAM’s political work on Capitol Hill.”

In May 2020, the IAM and other transportation unions sent a letter to congressional leaders calling for increased public transportation funding in future relief packages.

“It has become clear that this ongoing crisis is much more costly than previously anticipated, and that public transportation will need another significant infusion to remain operational for the foreseeable future,” the letter states. “Fifteen of the largest public transit agencies in the country recently sent you a letter projecting deficits as high as $8.9 billion due to lost farebox receipts, decreased tax revenue, and increased costs associated with the pandemic.”

This scenario reflects the unprecedented conditions brought upon by the global pandemic. Both carrier’s finances were decimated while IAM members continued to work and made the necessary changes to keep riders, management and themselves safe.

IAM TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES IN AVIATION LABOR RECOVERY ROUNDTABLE: Chief of Staff to the International President Richard Johnsen, along with a coalition of aviation labor leaders, recently participated in an Aviation Labor Recovery Roundtable call with Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Steve Dickson and U.S. Transportation Department Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg.

The main topics discussed were airline workforce shortages that result in flight cancelations, delays, and passenger frustrations.

“There needs to be a sense of urgency from the airlines to staff their workforce at every position properly,” said Johnsen. “The airlines were granted billions of dollars in federal relief from this administration to address these problems, and they must act now.”

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) wrote a letter to each airline demanding answers to the workforce shortages.

“I thank Sen. Cantwell for demanding answers from the airlines and this administration for setting up and participating in this call to address this serious issue,” added Johnsen. “Too many airline employees are overworked and fatigued and there have also been too many instances where they have been the victims of violent behavior from unruly passengers. The IAM will continue to lead the fight for the safety and well-being of all airline employees.”

FAIR AND OPEN SKIES ACT WILL PROTECT U.S. AIRLINE INDUSTRY: The IAM joined a coalition of labor organizations to call on Congress to support the “Fair and Open Skies Act” introduced by U.S. Rep. Peter Defazio (D-OR). The legislation, among other things, would give the Department of Transportation (DOT) the authority needed to protect the wages, benefits and working conditions of US aviation workers by not permitting foreign airlines to operate in the US if such carriers utilize a “flag-of-convenience” business model, which has shown to undermine US aviation workers’ terms of employment and distort market competition.

“The Fair and Open Skies Act would give the DOT the authority it needs to protect wages and working conditions,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “To avoid important employment, tax and safety regulations of its home country, or otherwise undermine labor standards also undermines the American Aviation worker. This pro worker legislation will protect against that.”

Flag of convenience carriers are foreign air carriers established in a country other than the home country of its majority owner. This is done in order to avoid regulations of the home country, which undermines labor standards in the industry, and in the countries where the flag of convenience carrier operates.

Norse Atlantic Airways, the successor to the recently extinct Norwegian Air Shuttle, has been introduced as the latest foreign carrier to utilize the flag-of-convenience model. The airline plans to begin US operations this December.

The maritime industry understands the damage the flag of convenience business model can have on working people. When this business model began in the maritime industry, it destroyed an industry once known for good jobs. Non-U.S. workers from countries with non-existent safety and labor standards now face horrendous working conditions and poverty wages.

MACHINISTS UNION FIGHTING FOR LOCAL 778 MEMBERS AT MISSOURI OLIN WINCHESTER AMMUNITION PLANT: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate appropriators, urging them to reject a Biden administration budget proposal that would cut funding for U.S. Army ammunitions and threaten the jobs of IAM Local 778 members at the Olin-Winchester Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, MO.

Martinez urged Congress to increase funding for the Independence facility which manufactures the Army’s 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and .50-caliber rifle ammunition.

“The Administration’s FY22 budget unwisely includes a 30 to 50 percent reduction in these munitions compared to the FY21 appropriated levels. The impact of these proposed cuts would be crippling to this highly-skilled workforce, reducing the current workforce of 1,700 by at least 450-550 employees,” Martinez wrote in the letter. “If these cuts are allowed to occur the Army would lose years of ammunition production expertise overnight. The decision to reduce this capacity would be highly inefficient, as the loss of workforce skills and production capacity would take years to rebuild when the Army decides to ramp up ammunition acquisition in subsequent years.”

A president’s budget request is often seen as a “wish list” of sorts that Congress can choose for guidance, or reject.

Martinez’s letter was sent to House and Senate leaders, including Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo) and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.)

WASHINGTON MACHINISTS COUNCIL AND IAM LOCALS IN EASTERN WASHINGTON STATE SPONSOR POKER TOURNAMENT TO RAISE MONEY FOR MNPL: Participants were dealt an evening of fun as Eastern Washington State Locals sponsored a poker tournament to raise money for Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) on June 17. The fundraiser was in conjunction with the Washington Machinists Council, which held its first in-person meeting since COVID began. Donations were still coming in, but it appeared to raise more than $4,000.

The event at the Northern Quest Casino gave members a chance to catch up with other members from various employers and locals, while raising money for the political arm of our Union.

Members from all three Eastern Washington Locals 86, 1951, and 1123 worked together to ensure it was a success. 

Article written and provided by Connie Kelliher, IAM District 751. 

FEDERAL WORKERS ALLIANCE REQUEST BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION TAKE URGENT ACTION: Members of the Federal Workers Alliance (FWA), an alliance of more than 30 national unions that collectively represent more than 300,000 federal workers across the country, to request that the Biden-Harris Administration take urgent action to restore order and functionality to the Federal Labor Relations Board (FLRA). It is our request that the Biden Harris Administration send immediately to the Senate a nomination for FLRA Member to accompany the nomination of Ernest W. DuBester as FLRA Chairman.

Read the letter here.

PRESIDENT BIDEN, SENATE AGREE ON INFRASTRUCTURE BILL: The Biden Administration has come to an agreement with a bipartisan group of Senators on a $550 billion infrastructure bill, which includes $66 billion for rail – the vast majority of which will go towards passenger rail. If passed, this would mark the single largest investment in passenger rail that the country has ever made. The bill has so far passed a procedural vote in the Senate, but final passage and the House still need to weigh in. The bill is expected to include various Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) priorities that the union has pushed for on Capitol Hill, and the investments should create hundreds – if not thousands – of new jobs for TCU/IAM members across the country.

Read: A Look at What the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Would Do The New York Times

NFFE-IAM WINS FAVORABLE SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS REVERSING DANGEROUS POLICIES THAT LIMITED EMPLOYEE INPUT: The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) claimed another victory in reaching a favorable settlement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding its implementation of Trump administration Executive Orders and litigation concerning restrictions on representation rights for Title 38 employees. This settlement comes in the wake of NFFE’s recent success in compelling the VA to reinstate the agency’s previous Labor Master Agreement, first ratified in 2011, effective now through the next two years.

“NFFE is pleased with the result of this settlement, as it restores critical rights to union workers at the VA and allows them to operate under their previously negotiated labor contract, which pre-dated the last administration,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “After the last presidential administration imposed a fiercely anti-labor collective bargaining agreement, this settlement brings to a definitive end the unjust and dangerous policies at the VA.”

The settlement ensures that the NFFE-represented VA workers’ collective bargaining agreement is now in effect until July 6, 2023. Various agreements associated with the contract are in effect is well. Separately, today’s agreement settles all litigation cases stemming from multiple Trump Executive Orders, resulting in several favorable outcomes. This includes restitution to unions for time and expenses lost while working on Official Time on behalf of the VA. The settlement also restores Official Time for Title 38 employees, which is provided under law to allow medical professionals and clinicians with the right to provide input over working conditions and other matters.

“Nurses weren’t permitted to have representation and now they are getting that back. They have the right again to say, ‘this is what I need to be safe while I work’ or ‘this is how I think patient care can be better’ based on their lived experience,” said NFFE-IAM VA Council President Jeff Shapiro. “Having all the rights and protections of a union is more important than ever during a pandemic. With this global deal, Secretary McDonough is showing he respects our absolutely critical workforce, values their input, and wants to help VA be the best it can be.” 

“When Official Time was taken away from Title 38 nurses and other practitioners, morale for healthcare practitioners at the VA suffered, and transparency was lost,” Erwin continued. “Over the past several years, VA medical professionals and staff endured a trampling of their workplace protections as they carried on and provided outstanding care for our nation’s veterans. With this settlement, VA caregivers again have input over their ability to treat their patients effectively and efficiently, bringing VA patients closer to those who care for them. This is a huge victory today, especially our nation’s veterans.”

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Machinists Pay Tribute to Trumka – IAM District 751 Calls for Action-Machinists Support Action to Address Unruly Airline Passengers

Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill

MACHINISTS UNION PAYS TRIBUTE TO WORKING FAMILIES HERO RICHARD TRUMKA:  National AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka passed away last week at the age of 72.

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. released the following statement on the passing of National AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka:

“Today, workers across the world mourn the loss of a labor movement giant and working people’s champion, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Rich revitalized the labor movement and stood toe-to-toe against any enemy standing in the way of dignity and justice on the job. He made life better for working people across our nation and the world. Our heart goes out to his family, friends, and the entire AFL-CIO.

“The IAM will forever be grateful to President Trumka for standing up for IAM members all across our different industries. Rich marched on our picket lines and helped lead efforts to improve the lives of working families. He was a fighter for change, and his work will never be forgotten. The IAM will honor Rich in a way he would want us to–fighting like hell to pass his legacy legislation, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.”

Richard L. Trumka was president of the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO from 2009 until his death on August 5, 2021. 

READ: Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, dies at 72 The Washington Post

MACHINISTS APPLAUD BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION: The Senate recently passed the massive piece of legislation that includes funding for rebuilding the nation’s roads, airports, passenger and freight rail, and bridges and expanded broadband access.

The Machinists Union supports the trillion-dollar federal infrastructure bill that “will uplift millions of working families through good union jobs that offer decent wages and benefits,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.  

Martinez applauded the federal bill and its provisions like Buy American rules intended to boost domestic manufacturing.

“This package will make an unprecedented federal investment in public transit and passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak. As the largest transportation union in North America, we applaud the investment in airline and rail infrastructure.” Martinez said. “Our transportation sector will benefit through the modernization projects created through the robust funding provided in this infrastructure package. The Biden-Harris administration committed to building back better our vital manufacturing and transportation sectors during my meeting earlier this year at the White House.”

The legislation now moves for House consideration as early as next month. The IAM looks forward to working with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of the chamber to get this historic investment passed.

MACHINISTS SUPPORT CALLS TO FAA TO USE CIVIL ACTION, FINES TO ADDRESS UNRULY AIRLINE PASSENGERS: The IAM praised a recent letter the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) sent to the Federal Aviation Administration, urging the agency to take swift actions like civil enforcement and steep fines to help thwart the growing number of assaults on airline employees. 

“On top off being overworked, fatigued and under constant stress, our airline membership is being mentally and physically abused by unruly passengers, which adversely affects their health and safety,” said Richard Johnsen, Chief of Staff to the International President. “We are calling on the airlines and FAA to address airline passenger assault as well as the understaffing issue. The IAM is willing to work with the airlines, FAA and Congress to address these very serious concerns.”

The IAM Transportation Department includes more than 160,000 workers in the airline and rail industries. The IAM is the largest airline union in North America.

DeFazio’s correspondence to the FAA referenced the agency’s own data showing steep increases in air rage incidents subject to enforcement this year. There have been 628 such incidents in 2021 as of August 6, nearly twice the previous peak of 310 in 2004.

“The violent, disruptive behavior that we’ve seen on airplanes this year must not go unpunished,” DeFazio wrote. “Recklessly refusing to wear a mask during the deadliest pandemic in a century is dangerous enough, but punching flight attendants, running for the cockpit door, assaulting other passengers, and the litany of other outrageous incidents reported in the press requires a strong federal response, and I want to ensure that the FAA has the legal tools and authorities necessary to put these incidents to a stop.”

The IAM has been urging lawmakers and other federal officials to step up measures to protect the safety of airline workers in recent months. That includes Johnsen taking part in the Aviation Labor Recovery Roundtable call with FAA Administrator Steve Dickson and U.S. Transportation Department Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg.

Johnsen then urged participants on the call to share the union’s urgency to assure airlines properly staff positions, adding that “airlines were granted billions of dollars in federal relief from this administration to address these problems, and they must act now.”

IAM DISTRICT 751 CALLS FOR ACTION ON CHINESE 737 MAX RECERTIFICATION, UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES:  IAM District 751, which represents more than 26,000 aerospace workers at Boeing and its suppliers, is calling for action as China becomes a global competitor in the aerospace industry.

In a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai hosted at its Seattle union hall, District 751 President Jon Holden called for immediate Chinese recertification of the IAM-built 737 Max and outlined concerns over China’s growing aerospace footprint. Holden thanked Tai for focusing efforts on worker-centered trade and sounded the alarm on the transfer of U.S. technology and jobs to China, as well as unfair Chinese government subsidies to its aerospace industry.

Holden also raised concerns about worker and human rights in China.

“China’s continued refusal to honor basic human rights, including those concerning forced labor, discrimination, child labor, the right to form and join a union and engage in collective bargaining, are moral issues,” said Holden. “They are also economic issues, which drive standards down around the world. We see U.S. and European aerospace companies continuing to outsource work and build production plants in Mexico to take advantage of low wages and no workers’ rights.”

“Our members at IAM District 751 will benefit from President Holden’s advocacy,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “We will fight for the immediate recertification of the 737 Max and to stop China’s unfair trade practices that are causing harm to aerospace and manufacturing workers in the Puget Sound.”

READ: USTR Tai, DelBene meet with labor on worker-centered trade The Stand  

Holden was joined at the meeting by IAM District 751 Chief of Staff Jason Chan, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and other Washington state labor leaders.

CHICAGOLAND REPS. GARCIA, NEWMAN CRITICIZE METRA BARGAINING STANCE: Rep. Chuy García (D-IL) and Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) recently wrote a letter expressing concern at the state of contract negotiations between Metra and several labor unions. 

“We write to express concern at the state of contract negotiations between Metra and several labor unions, stated Reps. Garcia and Newman. “We understand Metra has an obligation to represent its interests in negotiations, but some of Metra’s current negotiating stances are troublesome and unproductive,” the letter states. “We hope that an agreement can be found that honors our frontline heroes by providing them with fair contracts and stand ready to assist Metra in achieving that goal.”

Click here to read the full letter

PENNSYLVANIA LOCAL 1717 PRESIDENT MEETS PRESIDENT BIDEN AT BUY AMERICAN SPEECH: President Biden made a stop at the Mack Truck plant in Macungie, PA, recently to talk about his plan to strengthen Buy American rules.

During the speech, Biden told the audience of about 130 people that he would be making some of the biggest enforcement changes the Buy American plan had ever seen. No longer would it be good enough for the federal government to spend tax dollars on products made in the U.S.A. built with just 55% of American components. By 2029, he wanted that number ramped up to 75%, with companies having to prove that they have met that threshold. Right now, the government spends about $300 billion a year to buy these products.
 
READ: On ‘Buy American’ Visit, Biden Spotlights PA Manufacturing

IAM Local 1717 (District 1) President Joe Gerrity was in the third row to hear what the president had to say. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an IAM member who grew up just five blocks from where Joe Biden once called home in Scranton.

“Excellent! That’s all I can say. It was such a great experience,” said Gerrity. “Talking to him was like talking to someone from the old neighborhood.”

And in this case, that was the truth.

“When President Biden’s staff tried to get him to hurry up and move onto others waiting in line to shake his hand, he literally said to them ‘He’s from Scranton, he’s my guy. I love talking to people from the old neighborhood.’ I still can’t believe the president of the United States took time to talk to a guy like me,” explained Gerrity, who said he’s still on cloud nine from that day. “He even took my mother’s phone number, who still lives in the old neighborhood, and promised to give her a call if he had time. That was unbelievable.” 

But it was the speech Biden gave that solidified Gerrity’s belief that President Biden is good for workers and the labor movement. 

“He said the word union at least 20 times in his speech,” said Gerrity. “That speaks volumes.”

READ: Machinists Union Praises Biden Administration’s Buy American Expansion

“The increases and enforcement changes to the Buy American program will really benefit U.S. workers,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “This is something the IAM is constantly fighting for. If it’s stamped Made in the USA, it should really mean, Made in the USA. We have the best workers who make the best products right here, so there’s no reason to look anywhere else. You can be sure the Machinists Union will never stop fighting to get that number to 100 percent.”

“My dad has been a union member for 55 years and I followed in his footsteps,” said Gerrity. “It is so important that we have politicians like President Biden in our corner fighting for workers. A stronger Buy American plan is good for all workers. I can’t thank my union enough for this opportunity that I know I will never forget.”

LABOR DEPARTMENT RULES IAM FLIGHT TRAINERS COVERED BY SERVICE CONTRACT ACT: The Labor Department’s Wage and Hour division recently sided with the Machinists Union in its decision that U.S. Air Force contractors employed by FlightSafety Services Corporation (FSSC) are covered under the Service Contract Act (SCA). The federal agency’s Aug. 2 ruling creates opportunities for the IAM to negotiate stronger labor contracts with Service Contract employers who have to abide by the guidelines that require contractors and subcontractors to pay area wages and benefits that are determined by the government.

The Labor Department’s decision is a victory in the IAM’s longstanding effort to get the designation for its Local 708 members who train pilots and maintain flight simulators for the new KC-46 at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas. The U.S. Air Force contracts office failed to include this designation of SCA for its government contract, a decision that led to a years-long fight that included strikes and mounting support from elected officials. 

Service Contract workers are private-sector employees who work under federal contracts, primarily at military bases and other federal installations.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Your Senators and Representative to Help Protect SCA Jobs Today

Without an SCA designation, IAM members at McConnell AFB had been paid less than their counterparts working in the same industry. 

“This is a tremendous victory for this critical workforce that helps the men and women who support our nation’s armed forces,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This DOL ruling finally creates the opportunity for these workers to have the same protection that the Service Contract Act offers to the hundreds of other companies doing the same or similar work for the government. I want to thank our Legal and Aerospace departments for their hard work fighting for our membership.”

The Air Force has until Oct. 1 to decide whether to appeal the DOL ruling. The IAM remains confident, however, that the agency’s decision will ultimately be upheld.

The IAM also represents FlightSafety workers at Pease AFB in New Hampshire, Altus AFB in Oklahoma and Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina.

The DOL ruling also comes as the IAM is urging the Biden administration to reinstate protections in the SCA that were removed by former President Donald Trump.

The IAM represents nearly 40,000 Service Contract Workers in various industries, spread across more than 800 locations.

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS NLRB CONFIRMATIONS: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently applauded the U.S. Senate confirmation of NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo.  

“On behalf of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, we applaud the U.S. Senate confirmation of NLRB General Counsel Abruzzo. Jennifer Abruzzo’s NLRB experience will allow the agency to be a fair venue for enforcing laws governing the right to join a union. Ms. Abruzzo has spent her career protecting the rights of workers under the National Labor Relations Act. The IAM looks forward to witnessing the shift that will come with the confirmation of Ms. Abruzzo and other members of NLRB.”

The IAM also praised the confirmations of Gwynne Wilcox and David Prouty to the NLRB.

“The Machinists Union couldn’t be more pleased with the confirmation of Gwynne Wilcox to the National Labor Relations Board,” said Martinez. “Gwynne has devoted her entire working life to making sure workers get justice in the workplace. This confirmation will strengthen the NLRB and ensure that corporations are held accountable. Gwynne’s experience will ensure that union representation elections get back on pace and put in fair rules that create an even playing field. The IAM looks forward to working with Gwynne and the Biden-Harris administration to reverse changes from the previous administration that rolled back workers’ rights.

“David’s breadth of professional experiences make him particularly well suited for a position on the board,” said Martinez. Throughout his long career as a labor attorney, Mr. Prouty has demonstrated his dedication to protecting the rights of workers in a wide range of fields. His commitment to the principles of workers’ rights and advocacy, as well as his in-depth understanding of the National Labor Relations Act and organizing, make him particularly well-suited to be a member of the NLRB.

NFFE-IAM PRAISES NOMINATIONS OF SUSAN T. GRUNDMANN AND KURT RUMSFELD TO THE FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY: NFFE-IAM is supportive of the nominations of Susan T. Grundmann and Kurt Rumsfeld, along with Ernest DuBester, to the Federal Labor Relations Authority. These nominees form a highly qualified team of dedicated professionals who will properly execute the mission of the agency. NFFE-IAM is requesting the Senate vote for the confirmation of the nominees as quickly as possible.

Read the rest of the statement: NFFE Praises FLRA Nominations of Susan T. Grundmann and Kurt Rumsfeld

HELP PASS THE PRO ACT: The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act or H.B. 842 that passed the House in early March, has gained momentum in the Senate after IAM Members along with working families across the U.S. flooded Senate offices with calls to support the hardworking men and women of this country by supporting the PRO Act.

The PRO Act puts workers first and strengthens the rights of workers to join and participate in a labor union.   

The 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

The Machinists Union has compiled a list of ways you can help pass the PRO Act: 

• Call your Senators at 866-832-1560. Please send a message using our action alert.
• Share the IAM’s PRO Act posts on Facebook and Twitter.

The PRO Act is the most comprehensive piece of labor legislation introduced since the Great Depression. At its core, it protects the rights of people who want to be part of a labor union and repeals laws that hurt workers.

The post Machinists Pay Tribute to Trumka – IAM District 751 Calls for Action-Machinists Support Action to Address Unruly Airline Passengers appeared first on IAMAW.

Pro-Worker, Pro-Democracy Agenda Moving Forward – Attack On Workers Rights in California Recall – IAM Members at Cascades Demand a First Contract

Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS SPEAKER PELOSI, HOUSE DEMOCRATS FOR MOVING PRO-WORKER, PRO-DEMOCRACY AGENDA FORWARD: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. released the following statement in full support of the Build Back Better Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill:

“We applaud Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats for helping move a historic pro-worker, pro-democracy agenda forward. Their courage will help uplift millions of working families through good union jobs that offer fair wages and benefits.

“We have an opportunity to strengthen our U.S. manufacturing sector and increase the amount of good-paying union jobs. Now we must roll up our sleeves and rebuild America’s infrastructure and workforce across all industries.”

TELL CASCADES CONTAINERBOARD’S CEO THAT MACHINISTS UNION MEMBERS DESERVE A FIRST CONTRACT: More than 100 workers at Cascades Containerboard voted to join the Machinists Union in April 2019, and have been attempting to bargain for a fair contract for more than two years. Working conditions at the facility are key issues for Cascades employees.

CLICK HERE: Tell Cascades Containerboard’s CEO that Machinists Union Members Deserve a First Contract 

IAM WESTERN TERRITORY FIGHTING BACK AGAINST ATTACK ON WORKERS RIGHTS IN CALIFORNIA RECALL: IAM members in California are working hard to make sure IAM members participate in the September 14 recall election that will decide whether California Gov. Gavin Newsom will be removed from office.

The Fighting Machinists in the Western Territory are educating members on why they should oppose the recall effort led by millionaires who want to roll back the clock on California’s worker protections. Many of these millionaires are funneling big money into a campaign to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. 

The IAM Western Territory has led a robust program that includes phone banking, text messaging, robocalls and other member-to-member interactions. 

“I am extremely proud of the efforts from our staff and officers on the ground,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “This is a fight to protect our union contracts, wages and healthcare. We won’t allow union-busting candidates to take control of the great state of California.”

Learn more at noantiworkerrecall.com

MACHINISTS APPLAUD PASSAGE OF THE JOHN R. LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ACT: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. released the following statement applauding the passage of H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 (VRAA).

“The IAM strongly believes that voting is a sacred pillar in our country’s democracy. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act would help eliminate racial discrimination in our elections. The same groups fighting to suppress voting rights are also pushing some of the most anti-worker laws in our nation. We must stand in solidarity to fight back against any voter suppression attempts in our great country.

“Our union will continue to help ensure that all our members have full access to the ballot box. Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in a process that legendary and late civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis championed in the halls of Congress.

“In 2013, Congressman Lewis personally participated in the IAM’s 125th birthday commemoration in Atlanta. Speaking to IAM members there, Lewis encouraged us to fight against voter suppression. ‘We must not step backward to another dark period in our history. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society,’ Lewis said.

“The IAM will work to carry on his legacy and fulfill the democratic promise of America.”

NJSCM HOLDS THEIR ANNUAL CONFERENCE: The New Jersey State Council of Machinists (NJSCM) held their annual conference last weekend in Jersey City, where they welcomed their new officers. The newly elected officers include: 

President: Cristino Vilorio, IAM Local 447 Business Representative 

Secretary-Treasurer: Michael Buonpastore, IAM Local 1776 Safety Representative

Legislative Director: Anthony Stevens, TCU/IAM Local 626 Chairman

Education Director: Ira Stern, IAM District 15 CREST Apprenticeship Program

Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant administered the oath of office to the new board and addressed the delegates. During his address to the delegates, Bryant spoke on the importance of passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and electing the right people to office.

“We’re going to need to keep electing pro-worker candidates up and down the ballot in New Jersey and across the country, said Bryant. “We need to elect more worker-friendly politicians here in New Jersey and across the country.”

IAM International President Robert Martinez sent a letter to the delegates thanking the entire NJSCM delegation.

“I can’t begin to describe how proud I am of the New Jersey State Council of Machinists,” wrote Martinez. “You have shown tremendous solidarity and strength during some of the most difficult times in the 133-year history of our great union.” 

During the conference, NJSCM announced their endorsement of Gov. Phil Murphy (D) for re-election.

NJSCM members commended Murphy’s first-term accomplishments, including enacting paid sick leave, expanding paid family leave, enforcing strong workplace protections, and investing in workforce development and apprenticeship programs that have enriched New Jersey’s talent pool.

“The Murphy-Oliver administration ushered a new era of progressive, pro-worker legislation in our state, making New Jersey a model for the nation on issues such as equal pay, earned sick leave and paid medical and family leave for all workers, tax fairness, making apprenticeship programs and community college more accessible and affordable, and protecting and expanding voting rights,” said Ines Garcia-Keim, President of NJSCM. “Our state budgets have demonstrated their commitment to these values of fairness and compassion, and their steady leadership guided our state from being an epicenter for COVID-19 to a recovery that is rebuilding our economy and saving lives.”

“Alongside the hardworking men and women of the NJSCM, we’ve reclaimed New Jersey’s rightful place as a national leader in protecting the rights of workers and standing up for organized labor,” said Murphy. “I’m honored to have earned NJSCM’s endorsement and look forward to building on our partnership to keep the union doors open for future generations of New Jerseyans to walk through and into the middle class.”

During the conference, Juan Negron, Special Assistant to the International President, was awarded the annual Frank Darcy Award for Leadership. Juan was praised for his steadfast dedication to IAM members and the Passaic County Central Labor Council, which he led as president for many years.

NFFE-IAM PRAISES BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ON FEDERAL SERVICE IMPASSES PANEL PICKS: This week, the Biden Administration announced the appointment of 10 new members to the Federal Service Impasses Panel (FSIP), a small agency that resolves disputes when an impasse is reached between unions and government agencies during labor-management negotiations. NFFE-IAM lobbied hard to get biased Trump appointees removed on Day One of the Biden White House, and praised the new picks announced this week. 

“NFFE is in strong support of President Biden’s picks for the Federal Service Impasses Panel. During the previous administration, the anti-union, anti-employee attitude of the White House trickled down into the agency, resulting in opinions that overwhelmingly favored management,” stated NFFE-IAM President Randy Erwin.

TCU/IAM UNIT 167 DIVISION CHAIR ANTHONY STEVENS ELECTED AS DIRECTOR OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE COUNCIL OF MACHINISTS LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR: TCU/IAM Unit 167 Division Chair Anthony Stevens elected as Director of the Legislative Department of the New Jersey State Council of Machinists: Anthony Stevens, a 30-year TCU member and New Jersey Transit (NJT) worker, Division Chairman of Unit 167 and six-time selected Local Chairman of Lodge 626, was elected to the New Jersey State Council of Machinists (NJSCM) as Legislative Director.  

Pictured are Unit 167 Local Lodge Officers (Left to Right) Dean Harris, John Boe-Siclari, Anthony Stevens, Keith Gilbert, and Jeff Pacini. 

Anthony has tirelessly fought for the rights of his members on NJT for 18 years.

His institutional knowledge of NJT history, beginning when it formed from Conrail thru today, has made him the go-to guy for answers for TCU and the other Unions on the property.

He has been politically active for 30 years in New Jersey making the selection of him as Director of the Legislative Department of the NJSCM a perfect fit.

TCU/IAM President Artie Maratea said, “We are proud of Anthony for his dedication to our Union and our TCU/IAM brothers and sisters.

“We congratulate Brother Stevens in his new role. We know he will be a valuable asset to our union members in his role as Director of the Legislative Department of New Jersey State Council.”

IAM HOSTS WOMEN OF LABOR: The Machinists Union’s Political and Legislative Department is hard at work, making sure our members’ concerns are a top priority. Part of the job includes networking and lobbying through groups like Women of Labor. “So, the Women of Labor is an organization of women who work on the Hill, they handle political and legislative issues and we meet monthly with the women of Congress,” said Monica Lee Silbas, Asst. Director of the IAM Political and Legislative Department.

Members of Congress often walk over for meetings like this and special events, making themselves available for questions, concerns and feedback, whether it’s in the IAM townhouse or outside on a summery day. “It’s very important that we support and encourage our women lobbyists, as women we need our voices heard,” said IAM General Secretary Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “As caregivers and mothers, we’re passionate about things that affect and impact our families’ everyday life as well, as in the workplace, so it’s very important that we get out first and have our voices heard.” 

MACHINISTS UNION WELCOMES NEW AFL-CIO LEADERSHIP TEAM: As the IAM, the labor movement and working people around the globe continue to mourn the untimely passing of Richard Trumka, the Machinists Union looks forward to working with the most diverse leadership team in the history of the AFL-CIO.

On Friday, August 20, the AFL-CIO Executive Council elected Liz Shuler as the first woman to hold office in the history of the labor federation. Shuler, an IBEW member, had served as AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer since 2009, where she was the federation’s chief financial officer and placed an emphasis on grassroots organizing and youth engagement.

“I am humbled, honored and ready to guide this federation forward,” said Shuler. “I believe in my bones the labor movement is the single greatest organized force for progress. This is a moment for us to lead societal transformations—to leverage our power to bring women and people of color from the margins to the center—at work, in our unions and in our economy, and to be the center of gravity for incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented union growth.” 

The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers International (USW) Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold the No. 2 office. At the USW, Redmond oversaw the Civil and Human Rights Department, as well as the union’s shipbuilding, health care and public sector bargaining, and worked with USW allies across the country in responding to attacks on voting rights and in combating economic inequality.

“I could not be more excited to get to work with President Shuler so we can build on the labor movement’s legacy of change, writing a new chapter that brings the promise of union membership to workers across this country,” said Redmond. “This is the right team at the right time to help bring about the economic and social justice America is hungry for.”

Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO. 

The AFL-CIO is a federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members across the United States, including the IAM.

HELP PASS THE PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT: The Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) or H.B. 842 that passed the House in early March, has gained momentum in the Senate after IAM Members along with working families across the U.S. flooded Senate offices with calls to support the hardworking men and women of this country by supporting the Protecting the Right to Organize Act

The Protecting the Right to Organize Act puts workers first and strengthens the rights of workers to join and participate in a labor union.   

The Protecting the Right to Organize 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

The Machinists Union has compiled a list of ways you can help pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act: 

• Call your Senators at 866-832-1560. Please send a message using our action alert.
• Share the IAM’s Protecting the Right to Organize Act posts onFacebook and Twitter.

The Protecting the Right to Organize Act is the most comprehensive piece of labor legislation introduced since the Great Depression. At its core, it protects the rights of people who want to be part of a labor union and repeals laws that hurt workers.

The post Pro-Worker, Pro-Democracy Agenda Moving Forward – Attack On Workers Rights in California Recall – IAM Members at Cascades Demand a First Contract appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM Saves Thousands of Aerospace Jobs — Fighting Machinists Help Fend Off California Recall — Machinists, Rep. Norcross Push ‘Buy American’ Expansion

Oct 18, 2021 | Machinists On The Hill

IAM SAVES THOUSANDS OF MACHINISTS JOBS: The IAM’s Political and Legislative Department’s strong advocating for the new federal aerospace job protection program is saving thousands of IAM jobs.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released the first round of funding to more than 300 companies as part of a new federal program aimed at saving aerospace manufacturing and repair jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

“This program will help ensure our nation’s aerospace industry will keep moving forward with the critically important workforce it needs,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I want to thank the hard-working staff in the IAM’s Political and Legislative Department who won bipartisan support to ensure these highly-trained and skilled jobs remain intact as our nation’s aviation industry goes through one of the hardest moments in history.”

The U.S. DOT this week announced the release of $482.3 million in funding to 313 businesses, including approximately 20 with IAM-represented employees like Spirit Aerosystems, Pratt & Whitney, Hexcel Corp., and Learjet.

The IAM, the largest aerospace union in North America, has been urging U.S. aerospace employers to apply for funding from the federal program.

“Our nation’s aerospace industry has been successful due to the diligent and hard-working workers they employ. That’s why it’s so important that these workers remain on the job,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “These men and women are very important to the vitality and recovery of our nation’s aviation industry.”

The IAM’s effort has already saved thousands of IAM-represented jobs.

For example, the U.S. DOT provided $75.5 million to Spirit AeroSystems, which is estimated to save 3,214 jobs. Spirit, based in Wichita, KS, is a major supplier for the Boeing Co.

READ: Wichita-area aviation manufacturers get more than $100 million to save jobs

 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.
 

FIGHTING MACHINISTS HELP THWART RECALL: The hard work of the IAM Western Territory has helped defeat the Sept. 14 attempt to remove California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) from office.

For months, the Fighting Machinists in the Western Territory has been in the midst of a campaign to educate members about the importance of voting to reject the recall, which was led by millionaires who wanted to roll back the clock on California’s worker protections.

Several publications like The New York Times dubbed Newsom’s win a landslide victory against conservative talk show host Larry Elder, a staunch critic of minimum wages and labor unions.

“I am so proud of our territory’s staff and officers. Their dedication to this very important campaign has pushed back an effort to rewind the workers’ rights that are so important to our members in California,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “With this attempted recall in our rearview mirror, it’s now back to work to help rebuild the economy and assure state laws continue to improve the lives of our IAM members.”

The Western Territory’s program included phone banking, text messaging, robocalls, and other member-to-member interactions.
 

LEADING CHARGE TO ‘BUY AMERICAN’ DEFENSE EXPANSION: An amendment championed by the IAM and U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) that would dramatically increase domestically made procurement requirements in major defense programs has cleared a critical hurdle in Congress.

The IAM has been pushing the increase for years in order to strengthen the defense industrial base and domestic supply chain while helping prevent vulnerabilities created by military products being made in China and other countries.

“Buy American policies serve the public good by targeting our tax dollars for the purchase of American-made products and services,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We must understand that the foundation of our industrial base lies with the skills and abilities of the American worker. Congressman Norcross’s amendment would help ensure that our tax dollars are used to support the U.S. workforce and the firms who employ them.”

The amendment passed on a bipartisan vote during a House Armed Service Committee mark-up of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation would increase “Buy American” requirements for major defense programs from 55 percent to 60 percent upon the bill’s enactment. Requirements would further rise to 65 percent by 2024 and to 75 percent by 2029.

“I am proud to have fought for provisions that make America safer by investing in the American worker,” said Norcross. “This bill will put us on a path to build back better by increasing our domestic supply chain capabilities, strengthening our workforce, and giving our service members the tools they need to win the future fight.”
 

IAM DEMANDS EMPLOYERS BARGAIN OVER VACCINE MANDATE: The Biden administration recently ordered the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop a rule requiring employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require unvaccinated workers to produce a weekly negative COVID-19 test result. 

The IAM will closely examine the final rule and its full effect on different industries and employers once the rule is final.

“The IAM places the highest priority on the health and safety of our members at all times,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We continue to demand that employers provide personal protective equipment, practice social distancing and follow all CDC guidelines to ensure the safety and health of our members during this pandemic.”

OSHA will issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to implement this requirement.

“As the administration moves to adopt an emergency temporary standard concerning vaccines and testing, the IAM will work to enforce the legal obligation of employers to bargain with unions over effects that implementation will have on union-represented employees,” said Martinez. “Rest assured, the IAM will, as always, continue to vigorously protect our members’ rights.

This requirement will impact more than 80 million workers in private sector businesses with 100+ employees.
 

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FIGHTING ‘ANTI-DEMOCRATIC, ANTI-AMERICA’ TEXAS VOTER SUPPRESSION LAW: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) recently signing a voter suppression bill into law has drawn ire from IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., a Texas native, who urged union members and our allies to help unseat the “right-wing radicals” who spearheaded the Republican-led legislation that implements a series of roadblocks in the state’s ballot process.

Martinez tweeted for IAM members and our allies to lift up “by defeating right-wing radicals at the ballot box and in the courts.”

The new state law sets restrictions such as banning 24-hour voting and drive-thru voting. The law also restricts officials from mailing unsolicited mail-in ballot applications and sets new requirements for those tasked with helping those with disabilities at the polls.

This is a blatant attempt by Abbott and the radical right to turn back the clock on voting rights when we should be making it easier to vote. 

The Machinists Union strongly pushed for the successful passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 (H.R. 4) through the U.S. House of Representatives last month to fight back against laws just like this one. The legislation would restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that John Lewis fought for, and put us back on a path toward racial equity in voting.
 

ARIZONA SENATORS SHOULD COSPONSOR PRO ACT: IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen recently authored an op-ed urging Arizona’s Sens. Mark Kelly and Krysten Sinema, both Democrats, to get off the sidelines and formally cosponsor the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (S.420).

“Participating in union organizing campaigns all across the country, including in the West, I’ve seen the horrible lengths companies will go to in order to keep total control of their workforce. It is unacceptable and American workers deserve better. The way to empower American workers is by passing the PRO Act,” Allen wrote.

The bill, introduced by Senate HELP Committee chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) is co-sponsored by 44 Democrats and two independents who caucus with Democrats.
 

PRAISING UNIONS FOR KEEPING AMERICA MOVING: President Biden recently delivered a historic speech from the White House recognizing labor unions and essential workers for their sacrifices and courage in keeping America moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. The president also honored the legacy of the late AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka and took a moment of silence to remember working people who have passed away from the virus. 

Biden also took the moment to once again urge for U.S. Congress to pass the PRO Act.

TENNESSEANS SHOULD SUPPORT PRO ACT: IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace, a Tennessee native, authored an op-ed in the Tennessean newspaper about how improving the lives of workers in the state should include labor unions.

“Labor unions helped create the middle class. Strengthening ways that workers can join such organizations will truly benefit the American workers and their families in Tennessee,” Wallace wrote. “A good start is to update federal labor laws by removing the roadblocks thwarting workers from freely deciding if they want to join a union.”
 

PUSH TO SAVE JOBS IN SAN DIEGO: National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) On Aug. 26, held a press conference in downtown San Diego in an effort to save 300 good-paying jobs of workers employed at the Western Region Detention Facility (WRDF), a facility currently operating on a U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) contract that is set to expire on September 30th.

The workers at the WRDF are urging President Biden to allow the USMS to extend its contract with GEO, the employer, to keep the WRDF open and avert closure.

“President Biden, we are calling on you to stand with workers and save these 300 good-paying, union jobs,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “These workers provide an invaluable public service to the community. These jobs are critical to these 300 families and the San Diego area, which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country at 7.0 percent. Please, do not stand in the way of U.S. Marshals Service continuing their contract to keep this senseless closure from happening. These workers are depending on you.”

If the facility is closed, 300 workers, including officers, nurses, doctors, teachers, counselors, and other support staff will all be suddenly terminated, putting the well-being of them and their families in danger at one of the worst possible times.

READ: Federal Union Calls for Biden to Keep San Diego Detention Center Open

“This closure will be simply devastating to the workers being laid off,” continued Erwin. “These are veterans who have been working at the facility for many years and love their jobs, workers who need their jobs to pay for the care of family members with disabilities and elderly parents, and single moms just trying to keep food on the table. Allowing this closure to happen would be heartless. President Biden can keep these hard-working public servants from this painful layoff. We hope that he hears this message and does the right thing.”
 

MACHINISTS ENDORSE MCAULIFFE FOR GOVERNOR: The Virginia State Council of Machinists recently endorsed Terry McAuliffe (D) in Virginia’s Gubernatorial race. The council also endorsed Hala Ayala (D) for Lieutenant Governor and Mark Herring (D) for state Attorney General.  

“The Virginia State Council of Machinists is proud to support Terry McAuliffe and his commitment to a pro-worker policy platform, which includes job skills training and other measures that will help grow the middle-class in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We look forward to mobilizing IAM members throughout Virginia to help him win the election,” said Virginia State Council of Machinists President Larry Battle.

McAuliffe, who formerly served as Virginia’s governor, will face Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin in November.
 

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN SAVES TCU/IAM JOBS: Fewer riders, fewer tickets bought and scaled-back schedules were just a few of the COVID-induced obstacles that caused the railroad industry to lose millions and threatened the livelihoods of thousands of Amtrak employees.

Workers often only discover how legislation impacts their lives when they see immediate results. The American Rescue Plan did just that. The massive relief legislation was negotiated and signed into law by President Biden and Congressional Democrats, and provided direct immediate relief to American workers to help rescue the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of that relief helped hard-hit public transit agencies and Amtrak to avoid layoffs and service reductions which, in turn, kept thousands of TCU/IAM members from being furloughed or recalled from layoff. Together, the IAM and TCU/IAM fought hard to pass the American Rescue Plan, which brought much-needed relief to working families. 

The Transportation Communications Union lobbied heavily on Capitol Hill for that safety net – to save jobs that keep America and Americans moving, to increase unemployment benefits, not to mention ongoing efforts to bolster railroad retirement benefits.

“TCU members are working hard all across this country,” said TCU/IAM President Artie Maratea. “This pandemic has shown us how much we need to support each other. A strong, vibrant labor movement — one that gets in front of change, supports its members, and stands in solidarity with everyone is the only way to create the kind of future we all want and deserve.”
 

TCU/IAM SUPPORTS AMIT BOSE NOMINATION: The TCU/IAM joined the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), and several other rail unions urging the confirmation of Amit Bose for Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

On Sept. 14, TCU signed onto a letter of support of Bose’s nomination, which comes before the Senate Commerce Committee in the coming days. The panel’s approval would advance the nomination for full Senate floor consideration.

“Amit Bose is a uniquely qualified candidate whose stewardship of the FRA at a pivotal moment in the history of the domestic rail industry should be strongly welcomed. TTD and the rail unions representing workers across crafts in freight, passenger, and commuter rail are proud to endorse his nomination,” according to the letter.
 

HOMEGROWN, SUSTAINABLE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY: IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden recently represented the Machinists Union at a virtual White House roundtable discussion with federal agencies and aviation sector stakeholders. The Biden administration has embarked on a whole-of-government strategy to achieve a net-zero carbon aviation sector by 2050, aligned with the president’s Build Back Better agenda.

Holden, who has over 24 years of experience in the aerospace industry and represents more than 26,000 IAM members at Boeing, emphasized that the transition must benefit U.S. aerospace workers. Representatives from the airline industry, fuel providers, airports, labor organizations, and aircraft manufacturers shared commitments to reduce emissions in the aviation sector through improvements in aircraft technology, fuels, and operational improvements. 

“We need to make sure that all efforts in this area are designed, engineered, and built in the U.S.,” said Holden. “This is about the U.S. aerospace industry and counting on them for good, middle-class jobs in all our communities. We can also ensure that research and development, test and evaluation of sustainable aviation technology remain here in the U.S. We should not see our technology given away to other countries for sales of aircraft, creating very capable competitors.”

“Brother Holden is a champion for the aerospace workers of today and tomorrow,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Growth in sustainable aviation fuels must happen in conjunction with incentivizing employers to bring back home the thousands of good aerospace jobs that have been outsourced to Mexico and China.”

Holden also called for an increase in registered apprenticeship programs to train the next generation of aerospace workers.

“These programs have the infrastructure to make sure that the skills learned are well-rounded and transferable to many industries, so a worker can use anywhere in the country,” said Holden.

Executive actions are taken across the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Agriculture, Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the General Services Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency will result in the production and use of billions of gallons of sustainable fuel that will enable aviation emissions to drop 20 percent by 2030.

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