IAM Continues Call For Senate Confirmation of Working People’s Champion Julie Su – IAM Rail Division Joins Transportation Unions to Support Pro-Labor Surface Transportation Board – Texas State Council Brings Together IAM Activists

Jun 30, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

IAM CONTINUES CALL FOR SENATE CONFIRMATION OF WORKING PEOPLE’S CHAMPION JULIE SU: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. is continuing the call, with a united labor front, for the U.S. Senate to confirm Julie Su as U.S. Labor Secretary.

“As I’ve said before, Julie Su is the type of leader we need at the DOL, fighting to improve the lives of our nation’s workforce and their families,” writes Martinez. “Her confirmation is so important as she has already proven time and time again to be a strong champion of the American workforce. This includes her service as Deputy U.S. Labor Secretary, collaborating with former U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to produce historic job growth and ensuring the nation’s workforce has skills bets for the tasks of today and the future.”

TAKE ACTION: Sign the petition calling on the confirmation of Julie Su as U.S. Labor Secretary

Read the full IAM letter to the U.S. Senate supporting Su’s confirmation here.

IAM RAIL DIVISION JOINS TRANSPORTATION UNIONS TO SUPPORT PRO-LABOR SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD: The IAM and a coalition of 13 rail unions are calling on President Biden to continue the progress made for rail workers under the Surface Transportation Board.

Three opposing organizations had called for the removal of the STB’s chairman, Marty Oberman.

“The actions and approach of the current board are a refreshing change from its predecessors, which often acted more as advocates for the railroads rather than their regulators,” writes the union coalition. “Chair Oberman is due much credit for that change.”

“Chair Oberman and the other members of the current STB have valued the opinions of rail unions and ensured that the voices and interests of rail workers are heard,” reads the letter. “Chair Oberman has aggressively questioned railroad representatives in STB proceedings when the assertions of the railroads seemed to be without evidentiary support or appeared to be premised on false assumptions.”

Read the full coalition letter to President Biden here.

TEXAS STATE COUNCIL BRINGS TOGETHER IAM POLITICAL ACTIVISTS: IAM members from across the Lone Star State, including dozens of first-time delegates, recently gathered in Austin for the annual Texas State Council of Machinists.

Members heard from IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace, National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon and multiple other department heads.

Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy, as well as Texas State Rep. Chris Turner (D-Arlington), also addressed delegates on mobilization plans for Texas working families in upcoming elections. 

See the IAM’s Twitter thread for more on the Texas State Council of Machinists.

NFFE-IAM HOSTS LABOR DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL FOR MONTANA SMOKEJUMPER BASE TOUR: The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) recently hosted the U.S. Labor Department’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) Director Christopher Godfrey at the Missoula Smokejumper Base in western Montana.

Godfrey held important discussions regarding workers’ compensation with the Missoula Smokejumpers and Helitack crews, as well as wildland firefighters at the Ninemile Ranger Station on the Lolo National Forest. He also had the opportunity to tour the Missoula Smokejumper Base, watch parachute training exercises, and take part in a blasting program demonstration during his visit.

“It is really encouraging to have Director Godfrey meet with wildland firefighters to personally discuss workers’ compensation with them,” said NFFE-IAM President Randy Erwin. “He clearly cares deeply about the mission of his office and the employees that he and his staff have a duty to assist. NFFE is proud of our accomplishments thus far in helping wildland firefighters access OWCP, but we understand there is still a lot of work to do. I look forward to working with Director Godfrey so that no federal employee has to worry about their healthcare or finances should they get injured on the job, especially our brave wildland firefighters who risk their lives every day they set out to protect our country from wildland fires.”

Read more about the visit here.

IAM SUPPORTS AIRWAYS ACT TO BOLSTER AVIATION JOB FORCE: The IAM is supporting a bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) that aims to address the nation’s workforce shortage, starting with a widely understaffed aviation industry, and to strengthen the aviation sector as Congress plans to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“America has a worker shortage problem, particularly in aviation,” said Warnock. “The current aviation workforce shortage is not only a challenge to confront, but an opportunity to seize by investing in the next generation of aviation workers—and I believe the entire education system has an important role to play in getting it done. That is why I am proud to introduce the AIRWAYS Act to help more schools train students from all zip codes to work in the aviation industry.”

The AIRWAYS Act would:

• Establish a grant program to support the education, recruitment, and workforce development of aircraft pilots as well as aviation maintenance and aviation manufacturing technical workers.
• Encourage the participation of populations underrepresented in the aviation industry, including veterans, women, minorities, and individuals in economically disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities.
• Encourage participation of populations underrepresented in the industry to address the workforce needs of rural and regional airports.
• Strengthen aviation programs at minority serving institutions, a public institution of higher education, or a public postsecondary vocational institution.

Read more about the AIRWAYS Act here.

VIRGINIA STATE COUNCIL PRESIDENT REPRESENTS IAM AT WHITE HOUSE: Virginia State Council of Machinists President Charles Mann (third row from top, far right) was invited to the White House recently to speak to officials on how the administration’s workforce investments and support for labor have benefitted IAM members in the Commonwealth.

Mann thanked the administration for its quick action to save the airline, rail and other industries during the pandemic, as well as the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act, and other legislation that is helping to encourage manufacturing by union members here at home.

“Communities in Action” is a series of events that brings local elected official and community leaders to the White House to discuss how leaders are using federal dollars to create opportunities and improve lives.

IAM CALLS FOR RECONFIRMATION OF PRO-LABOR NLRB MEMBER: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. wrote a letter to each U.S. Senator calling for the swift reconfirmation of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox. The NLRB is an essential federal agency that determines violations of the private-sector workers’ rights.

“Wilcox’s life-long career as a champion for workers’ rights has helped ensure an even playing field between workers who want to exercise their federally protected rights and the employers who want to keep the upper hand,” writes Martinez. “During her tenure, the Board has reversed bad precedent limiting the kinds of support workers can show for unions (Tesla, Inc.); reversed bad decisions and orders that tried to limit the ways workers could organize themselves into bargaining units (American Steel, Inc. and Nissan) and ensured that employers are held accountable for damages caused by their knowing violations of the Act (Thryv, Inc.).”

Read the IAM’s full letter to the Senate calling for the reconfirmation of Gwynne Wilcox to the NLRB.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE COUNCIL SHOWCASES IAM’S STRENGTH IN KEYSTONE STATE: Nearly 100 IAM leaders, activists and members from across Pennsylvania joined together in York for the 77th annual Convention from June 5 to 7.

Delegates heard from a variety of elected officials and leaders, including IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, Headquarters General Vice President Brian Bryant, Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, and Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen.

Eastern Pennsylvania MNPL Director Bob Miller reports on this year’s convention.

IAM SUPPORTS BILL TO STRENGTHEN AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS, CLOSE IMPORT LOOPHOLE: The IAM is backing legislation that stop non-market economies from exploiting a loophole that allows imports valued under $800, also known as the de minimis threshold, from coming into the U.S. without paying duties, taxes, fees or undergoing rigorous inspection. 

“The Import Security and Fairness Act will provide the necessary worker protections by enforcing fair labor standards,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I applaud Rep. Blumenauer for leading this fight. Our union knows all too well how unfair trade practices lead to massive job losses. This legislation will help fight against a rigged economy and put the power back in the workers’ hands who help drive our nation’s economy. We urge Congress to pass this crucial legislation quickly.”

The Import Security and Fairness Act would:

1. Prohibit goods from countries that are both non-market economies and on the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Priority Watch List, such as China, from using de minimis. The U.S. government has found that such countries provide unfair benefits to their companies. This change ensures that shipments from these countries don’t benefit further under U.S. law. 
2. Require Customs and Border Patrol to collect more information on all de minimis shipments and prohibit use by bad actors. This provision makes common-sense changes that will require CBP to collect more information on de minimis shipments and prohibit importers that have been suspended or debarred from being able to use de minimis.

The bipartisan Import Security and Fairness Act was introduced by U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Neal Dunn (R-FL), and U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Marco Rubio (R-FL).

The post IAM Continues Call For Senate Confirmation of Working People’s Champion Julie Su – IAM Rail Division Joins Transportation Unions to Support Pro-Labor Surface Transportation Board – Texas State Council Brings Together IAM Activists appeared first on IAMAW.

Register for the 2023 IAM Legislative Conference – Building the Future of U.S. Rail – Labor Secretary Nominee Julie Su a Strong Champion for American Workers

May 13, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2023 IAM LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE: Registration is now open for the 2023 IAM Legislative Conference! This crucial conference provides an opportunity for IAM members to have their voices heard in Washington, DC, and to advocate for policies that benefit working families. 

This year’s conference will take place from June 19-21, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Attendees must make reservations by Thursday, May 11, 2023, to guarantee the IAM hotel room rate.

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

As part of the conference schedule, attendees will lobby members of Congress and remind them who they were elected to represent. IAM members will meet with their congressional representatives and will provide their perspectives to advocate on behalf of fellow machinists and their families on the issues that matter most. All delegates planning to attend the 2023 IAM Legislative Conference should pre-schedule meetings with their Congressional District Representative as well as Senators for Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

By adding their voice, members can help support IAM’s work on:

• The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
• Buy American
• Transportation
• Trade
• Defense funding
• Retirement security
• Affordable healthcare
• And much more!

The 2023 IAM Legislative Conference includes sessions where delegates will hear and interact with Congressional allies and attend a congressional reception hosted by the IAM.

Join us and make an impact by participating in this important conference.

Register today!

MAINE LOBSTERING UNION TESTIFIES BEFORE U.S. CONGRESS ON PROTECTING SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE LOBSTER FISHERY: Maine Lobstering Union Local 207 Executive Liaison and Political Director Virginia Olsen Political Director Virginia Olsen testified at a hearing this week held by the U.S. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries, opposing legislation that would unfairly target the Maine lobstering industry.

The subcommittee hearing included testimonies on H.R. 1213, “Restoring Effective Science-based Conservation Under Environmental laws protecting Whales Act of 2023” or the “RESCUE Whales Act of 2023.” 

H.R. 1213 will impose meritless measures regarding endangered right whales while undermining Maine’s economy and the financial stability.

“As Maine fishermen we have repeatedly stepped up and done whatever was required of us to protect right whales,” said Olsen. “Regulations only benefit the whale when the whales are present, and where there are no whales there is no justification for the regulation. Unnecessary regulations only erode public confidence in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) without any benefit to the endangered species itself.”

Olsen gave an extensive testimony to lawmakers about the various ways hardworking lobstermen in Maine have adhered to environmental laws protecting our natural resources while keeping the state’s economy afloat and families fed.

The IAM recently sent a letter to Congress on behalf of Maine Lobstering Union (MLU) Local 207 strongly opposing H.R. 1213. The recently introduced legislation risks the livelihood of entire communities without credible scientific information that would benefit right whales.

“This legislation, H.R. 1213, would roll back the prudent action Congress took in December 2022, and once again put this entire industry in existential peril,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “While I am certain that proponents of this legislation believe they are doing the right thing and acting to protect this endangered mammal, it is clear that not one right whale will be protected by this legislation because these whales do not frequent the coast of Maine.”

“Rushing NOAA to implement new rules without additional research and fixing a broken system does nothing to protect right whales,” said Olsen. “Instead, it does everything to endanger a heritage fishery that not only my family, but thousands of others have participated in for generations.”

“To propose regulations without supplementary research is shameful and does nothing to protect the right whales,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “The IAM stands with its members in Maine and will continue to advocate to protect union jobs but also to raise awareness on the importance of protecting endangered species when deemed necessary.”

Olsen also met with Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (D-ME) who praised Maine Lobstering Union’s advocacy on behalf of the hard-working men and women working in the industry.

Watch Olsen testimony here.

Click here to read the full letter.

The Maine Lobstering Union (MLU) is a division of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) District 4 and the only union-based cooperative in the lobster industry owned and operated by Maine lobstermen. The MLU supports Maine’s lobster community and is committed to the sustainability and safety of Maine’s lobstermen and women and all wildlife that occupy and rely upon the fishery.

WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON WORKER ORGANIZING AND EMPOWERMENT SEES RESULTS IN UNION MEMBERSHIP AND APPROVAL: Federal agencies, like the Department of Labor and Office of Personnel management, have been implementing recommendations from the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment and have announced progress with results.

The AFL-CIO formed its White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment Committee, pulling together labor union organizing and policy experts, including IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo with IAM Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, to assist in thinking through issues for the Task Force to make recommendations for.

Addeo and Solomon focused on the issue unions have in gaining access to military bases to organize and represent Service Contract Act employees in their submission to the Task Force, which created a recommendation for it: 

Standardize Guidelines for Union Organizer Access to Military Bases and Installations Recommendation: Instruct the Department of Defense (DOD) to review existing guidance, consider developing consistent policies and best practices, and consider issuing standardized guidance across the Department to ensure union organizers can access bases and installations. The DOD should consider implementing standardized guidelines ensuring that union organizers can have access to employees – including employees of private-sector contractors – on its bases and installations in a manner that does not interfere with safety, security, order, or contract operations. DOD should also reiterate current federal policy protections for organizing activity related to union access on DOD property and highlight relatively recent processes and procedures that have improved and standardized the access process.

“The Task Force was effective; our issues were addressed,” said Addeo. “So far we have seen positive results from the Task Force actions that were taken regarding access to military bases.” 

The Biden administration in April 2021 established the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment chaired by Vice-President Kamala Harris and Vice-Chaired by Labor Secretary Marty Walsh.

The goal of the Task Force is to “remove barriers to worker organizing and position the federal government as a model employer,” says multiple documents from the White House.

The Task Force submitted more than 70 recommendations to the President, all of which were approved by President Biden in February 2022.

Multiple Task Force recommendations focus on increasing visibility, support, awareness, and promotion of collective bargaining. The White House statement says that since agencies began working to better inform federal workers of their right to join a union, nearly 80,000 federal workers have become union members.

Read the White House’s full update on implementing the Task Force’s recommendations.

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALL FOR CONTINUED FUNDING FOR THE F-35 PROGRAM: As the largest aerospace and defense union in the United States, the IAM has advocated consistently for adequate funding of the F-35 Lightning II and F135 programs in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 defense budget.

And now members from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives recently sent letters urging the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and U.S. House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to strongly consider the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 defense authorization and appropriations bills continued support for the F-35 Lightning II and the F135 engine program. 

The F-35, built by IAM District 776 members in Fort Worth, Texas,  is the only 5^th generation stealth fighter currently produced by the United States and our allies. These support letters are critical in showing strong support for the F-35 programs in the FY 2024 budget and appropriations process. 

READ: F-35 House FY24 Support Letter

READ: F-35 Senate FY24 Support Letter

RAIL DIVISION ON THE FRONT PAGE OF WALL STREET JOURNAL: The legislative and communications efforts of the IAM Rail Division continue to pay dividends in the press as the TCU Carmen Division and Machinists District 19 were the central focus of a front-page article ‘Hurry Up and Get It Done’: Norfolk Southern Set Railcar Safety Checks at One Minute Wall Street Journal (March 30, 2023, by Esther Fung, Kris Maher, and Paul Berger)

The piece covered the increased time pressures that railroad shop crafts are under to get their inspections and repairs done faster and faster. Rail safety has been on the hot plate in Congress as a bipartisan group of legislators are trying to improve safety regulations in the wake of the East Palestine, OH derailment.

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALL FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR C-130J AIRLIFT PROGRAM: IAM Local 709 members who build C-130 and C-130J military transport planes recently received some strong backing for the C-130 program from Capitol Hill. 

Over 66 members of Congress recently wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations, Chairman Ken Calvert and Ranking Member Betty McCollum urging supporting the procurement of Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Navy Reserve, and Marine Corps C-130 aircraft.

Potential future conflict with near-peer adversaries demonstrates a need to move equipment in an environment facing contested logistics reliably. Improving our nation’s airlift capacity would ensure the United States maintains its capability of providing the force with the necessary equipment to succeed anytime, anywhere.

“A stable C-130J production line supporting current and future validated DoD requirements is the best approach to preserving the 380 suppliers across 36 states that support the 27,200 direct and indirect jobs, yielding more than $3.7 billion of total economic impact,” reads the letter. “C-130J production is currently declining from 2020’s healthy rate of 24+ aircraft per year down to 20 per year, and only continued adds will keep it from falling further. The previous strong production rates were a direct result of MYP-III as well as 64 critical bipartisan adds during the FY2017-2023 Congressional appropriations cycles. A significant drop in production over the next three years could dramatically increase C-130J pricing, undermine national security and that of our allies at a dangerous time in world affairs, and erode the strength of the national supplier base when many future requirements remain unfilled.”

Only two budgeted aircraft are in the President’s FY24 budget request; increased procurement is even more critical.

FY24 request includes the following:

1.   8-16 Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard C-130J to continue recapitalization

2.   5 Navy Reserve KC-130J for recapitalization of aging C-130T

3.   2 Marine Corps KC-130J to replace operational losses

4.   Air National Guard LC-130J “ski-birds” and $68 million for non-recurring engineering

CONGRESS MUST MAKE THE NECESSARY INVESTMENT IN OUR FEDERAL WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS: This week, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) held a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol to raise awareness of the severe issues facing the federal wildland firefighting workforce. The event was hosted by Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA). Speakers included Representatives Porter, Joe Neguse (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-VA), as well as Kevin O’Connor of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Bobbie Scopa of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Association, William Bowser of the American Federation of Government Employees, and NFFE Wildland Firefighter Justin Brown.

“I am honored to represent these heroic women and men who protect our nation’s communities and public lands from wildfire,” said NFFE-IAM President Randy Erwin at the press conference. “These are the workers responsible for protecting of hundreds of millions of acres of federal lands and providing an invaluable service to the American people. A lot of folks don’t realize it, but these firefighters often spend weeks, or even months, away from their families, often working 18 hours or more per day, to protect us and our communities. However, these wildland firefighters often go unnoticed and under-appreciated. In many ways, they are America’s forgotten first responders.” 

All speakers discussed the crucial work that wildland firefighters undertake, despite unjust wages, staffing shortages, and poor workplace conditions. Members of Congress advocated for bipartisan support of President Biden’s fiscal year 2024 budget, which includes funding for new pay tables, healthcare and mental health programs, and enhancements to housing for wildland firefighters. Many speakers asserted that without significant change, the wildland firefighter workforce would see even more workers leaving the service, putting communities and lives at risk.  

“To all the wild land firefighters across the country – let me say, thank you for the job you do every day,” continued Erwin. “Your nation owes you a debt of gratitude. We need substantially better pay, more boots on the ground, improved mental health and medical services, affordable, livable housing, and more. Let’s make the necessary investment in our federal wildland firefighter workforce that this country so badly needs. I want to thank Representatives Porter, Connolly, Neguse, and Kim for being here today and their unflinching support of wildland firefighters.”

IAM Healthcare Supports Critical Legislation to Prevent Workplace Violence in the Healthcare Industry: IAM Healthcare, a voice of more than 10,000 health professionals within the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), announced its support for the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (HR.2663/ S.1176). Introduced in Congress this week by U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), the bipartisan legislation would require creation of a federal standard directing employers in the healthcare industry to develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans.

“The extreme violence, harassment, and fear that healthcare professionals face just to go to work and care for their patients is unacceptable,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “IAM Healthcare members support this critical legislation, not only for their own safety, but for the millions of Americans whose quality of care is impacted because healthcare corporations fail to implement effective violence prevention measures.” 

Highlighting the ripple effects of workplace violence in healthcare settings, IAM leaders pointed to a recent research review that found “…the negative implications of such widespread violence in healthcare sectors have a significant impact on the delivery of health care services, including a decline in the quality of care….”

According to IAM Healthcare and other industry experts, the decline in quality is compounded by an exodus of overwhelmed and burnt-out healthcare workers from their professions. Research also shows a clear link between exposure to both primary and secondary workplace violence and mental health struggles among nursing staff.

“As a husband and father of nurses, I’ve seen the sacrifices they and their colleagues have made to provide the best care for patients,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Brian Bryant. “Our healthcare heroes need more than just words of gratitude; they need employers to take responsibility for providing workplaces free from violence – this bill will finally hold employers accountable for doing that.”

The legislation will cover a wide array of workplaces, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home health programs, behavioral health facilities, and other health care and social service settings. Employers will be required to review and address security procedures, patient care policies, staffing, training, built environment, and record keeping, among other factors. 

The comprehensive planning process must also include employee input at every step. When combined with the power of collective bargaining and professional representation enjoyed by IAM Healthcare members, this will provide even greater leverage for health professionals to participate in developing meaningful solution

MARKEY JOINS WARREN AND MASSACHUSETTS DELEGATION IN URGING NAVY SECRETARY TO PRIORITIZE CONTRACTS WITH UNIONIZED SHIPYARDS AMID CONCERNS OF UNDERUTILIZATION: Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Richard E. Neal (MA-01), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) in sending a letter to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro to express their concerns about the Navy’s underutilization of unionized commercial shipyards, and the risk underuse of these yards poses to workers and communities in Massachusetts and across the country. In the letter, the lawmakers highlight President Joe Biden’s commitment to empowering workers and prioritizing union workforces in the contracting process, and emphasize that shipyards should not be left out of this pledge. They also urge the Secretary to prioritize contracts with these shipyards, including Boston Ship Repair (BSR) in Massachusetts.

“Shipyards are critical to maintaining a robust defense industrial base, and should not be exempt from President Biden’s commitment to empower workers and prioritize unionized workforces and employers who engage cooperatively with their  unionized employees in the contracting process. We urge you to rectify your approach to awarding vessel building and repair contracts and to utilize all tools at your disposal to support organized workers,” wrote the lawmakers. 

Last year, the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment released recommendations on using the federal government’s purchasing power to support unionized workers  and pro-worker employers. However, representatives from a Boston Ship Repair, a unionized shipyard in Massachusetts, have reported to the lawmakers’ offices that they are not receiving enough work for vessel repair contracts, throwing hundreds of skilled union jobs into limbo.

According to representatives from BSR and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers—the union representing BSR’s workers—the Navy has consistently awarded ship repair and maintenance contracts to non-union shipyards over BSR and other union shipyards. In the last nine months, BSR bid on 17 Military Sealift Command and MARAD vessel repair contracts, but has only been awarded one. All of the other contracts went to non-union shipyards.

In the letter, the lawmakers continued, “A lack of consistency in the receipt of contracts harms shipyards, workers, and the surrounding community. If shipyards are unable to anticipate if or when they will receive work in a given year, they may be unable to retain their workers. At BSR, for example, workers have been laid off for over six months due to a lack of work, and with no return in sight. More broadly, the shipbuilding and repair industry contributes significantly to the state and local economy;  according to one report, the industry generates roughly $18 million annually in gross state product. Consequently, the loss of a multimillion-dollar ship repair contract impacts not only the shipyard but the local community and even the state economy.”

The post Register for the 2023 IAM Legislative Conference – Building the Future of U.S. Rail – Labor Secretary Nominee Julie Su a Strong Champion for American Workers appeared first on IAMAW.

5 of many Register for the 2023 IAM Legislative Conference – Stop Cuts to Railroad Unemployment – Fighting for Wildland Firefighters

May 13, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2023 IAM LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE: Registration is now open for the 2023 IAM Legislative Conference! This crucial conference provides an opportunity for IAM members to have their voices heard in Washington, DC, and to advocate for policies that benefit working families. 

This year’s conference will take place from June 19-21, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Attendees must make reservations by Thursday, May 11, 2023, to guarantee the IAM hotel room rate.

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

As part of the conference schedule, attendees will lobby members of Congress and remind them who they were elected to represent. IAM members will meet with their congressional representatives and will provide their perspectives to advocate on behalf of fellow machinists and their families on the issues that matter most. All delegates planning to attend the 2023 IAM Legislative Conference should pre-schedule meetings with their Congressional District Representative as well as Senators for Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

By adding their voice, members can help support IAM’s work on:

• The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
• Buy American
• Transportation
• Trade
• Defense funding
• Retirement security
• Affordable healthcare
• And much more!

The 2023 IAM Legislative Conference includes sessions where delegates will hear and interact with Congressional allies and attend a congressional reception hosted by the IAM.

Join us and make an impact by participating in this important conference.

Register today!

STOP CUTS TO RAILROAD UNEMPLOYMENT – SEND A LETTER: With the end of the national emergency related to Covid-19, budget sequestration cuts will be reimposed on Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits (RUI) on May 10, 2023. This will trigger cuts to railroaders’ checks by 5.7% (for 2023 – but it varies by year).

Quickly and easily send a letter to your reps and senators in support of the REEF Act to prevent this cut to your and other railroaders’ benefits.

The Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act would repeal this unfair and unnecessary reduction that only targets the unemployment of railroad workers (regular State-based unemployment programs are already exempt).

As railroad workers, this is your money! Rail workers support this legislation, as do the railroads. There are no groups opposed to this legislation; it is a bipartisan issue that Congress could pass and fix in a heartbeat. 

Protect yours and other rail workers’ benefits by sending a letter to your reps and senators telling them to vote in support of the REEF Act that would permanently exempt RUI Benefits from budget sequestration reductions.

NFFE-IAM FIGHTS FOR WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS ON CAPITOL HILL: The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) recently held a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol to raise awareness of the severe issues facing the federal wildland firefighting workforce. The event was hosted by U.S. Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA). Speakers included Reps. Porter, Joe Neguse (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-VA), as well as NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, Kevin O’Connor of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Bobbie Scopa of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Association, William Bowser of the American Federation of Government Employees, and NFFE-IAM Wildland Firefighter Justin Brown.

All speakers discussed the crucial work that wildland firefighters undertake, despite unjust wages, staffing shortages, and poor workplace conditions. Members of Congress advocated for bipartisan support of President Biden’s fiscal year 2024 budget, which includes funding for new pay tables, healthcare and mental health programs, and enhancements to housing for wildland firefighters. Many speakers asserted that without significant change, the wildland firefighter workforce would see even more workers leaving the service, putting communities and lives at risk.  

IAM DISTRICT 77 URGES MINNESOTA SENATE TO SUPPORT FAIR PAY FOR WARRANTY AUTO WORK: Last month, the Minnesota Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held a hearing with testimony on Senate Bill 827 (SF 827) from allies and labor advocates, including Grant Whalen, a Technician and member of IAM District 77. If passed, the bill will order automobile manufacturers to compensate dealerships with labor hours used for non-warranty retail repairs when performing warranty repairs.

During the hearing, witnesses argued that the automotive manufacturers do not compensate dealerships with enough labor hours to perform warranty repairs. Technicians’ wages are based upon hours produced, and those inadequate warranty labor repair times are passed on to the Technicians.

IAM advocacy efforts have been led by IAM District 77 Assistant Directing Business Representative John Duerscherl who also brought together more than 20 IAM Shop Stewards to engage during the Senate hearing and to get the bill passed.

“We have to ensure that the voices of our members and all workers in Minnesota are heard,” said Duerscherl. “This legislation will guarantee that automotive and truck dealerships will be reimbursed for warranty repairs with labor times that the dealership would use when performing retail repairs, which ultimately will benefit Technicians and their families.”  

IAM District 77 has worked jointly with Teamsters Local 974 to mobilize members to educate them about the importance of this Bill.

“IAM District 77 has been very vocal to ensure our members and all workers are compensated fairly for their labor,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “This important piece of legislation is not only important for our members, but to all the workers working in this industry.”

SF 827 was introduced by State Sens. Tou Xiong, Judy Seeberger and Aric Putnam.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE COUNCIL JOINS TOGETHER TO GROW STRENGTH, NUMBERS: The North Carolina State Council of Machinists met in Pine Knolls Shores, NC for training and meetings about the union’s political and legislative engagement and priorities.

“What we do in the state council is go to screening sessions for candidates running for local, state, and federal offices,” said North Carolina State Council President Teddy McNeal.

IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. addressed the Council, updating delegates about the Grand Lodge Convention, promoting listening sessions for the Committee on the Future, and pushing for engaging the membership in legislative issues that affect the union.

“We’ve got to make the case on the shop floor why we have to be politically involved,” said Martinez. “Let’s pass the PRO Act and end Right-to-Work-For-Less in all 50 states, just like we did in Michigan. We can do the same thing here in North Carolina if we mobilize in 2024.”

IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace spoke to the council about issues specific to the Southern Territory, like organizing in Right-to-Work states and North Carolina state-specific policy.

“North Carolina had a major Senate race last year, and North Carolina will play a major role in the coming presidential election,” said Wallace. “This council does the hard work of mobilizing Southern membership around issues that impact our members and ensures that Machinists members’ voices are heard by North Carolina legislators, especially when it’s policy that will affect workers and their families.”

Southern Territory Grand Lodge Representative Joe Greaser gave a presentation about in-plant organizing. Many Southern states, including North Carolina, have so-called “right-to-work” laws in place so locals have to constantly be organizing in the places where the IAM already represents members.

“The get-out-the-vote work our union does makes a difference, it really does,“ said Greaser. “Letting people know what candidates have their back and reminding them about important elections makes a difference.”

Assistant Legislative and Political Director Loren Almeroth spoke to the council about the importance of union members engaging in politics and current legislative issues that will affect working families.

“Loren emphasized the importance of members understanding and participating in politics,” said McNeal. “Politics impacts laws that affect workers’ rights, working conditions, wages, time-off and more.”  

“International President Martinez delivered an inspiring message to delegates,” said McNeal. “He reviewed what happened at the Grand Lodge Convention and how those changes would impact what we do, and he encouraged us to attend Committee on the Future listening sessions.”

IAM FLORIDA SUGAR WORKERS VISIT CAPITOL HILL TO ADDRESS PRIORITIES: Last month, the Florida State Council of Machinists visited Washington, D.C., urging lawmakers to address the importance of jobs in sugarcane farming and manufacturing in Florida.

During their visits, IAM members lobbied for sensible and reliable policies around sugar production and the upcoming Farm Bill.

“Everything I have today is because I’m with such a great employer. We’re like a family,” said IAM Local 2152 President Cornelius Fowler on how U.S. sugar production and manufacturing help support good-paid union jobs. 

IAM Florida sugar workers’ occupations include but are not limited to sugarcane farming, milling and refining processes on American soil, including many positions requiring skilled trades, such as machinists and welders.

“The IAM will continue to work closely with allies advocating for agricultural policies that help America’s sugarcane industry and the workers that depend on it,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace.

Early in March, the Florida State Council of Machinists also visited legislators in Tallahassee, FL, to discuss sugarcane farming and manufacturing. 

REPS. GARAMENDI AND NORCROSS REINTRODUCE THE “BASE ACCESS PRIVILEGES IMPROVEMENT ACT: Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) reintroduced the “Base Access Privileges Improvement Act,” legislation to streamline the process for IAM members who work on Defense Department facilities across the country to get access to Defense Department facilities.  

The IAM has been a huge supporter of this vital legislation for members who work in the service contract industry. 

IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo and IAM Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon recently assisted the AFL-CIO White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment Committee to put a focus on removing the barriers in gaining access to military bases to organize and represent Service Contract Act employees in their submission to the Task Force, which created a recommendation for it: 

Standardize Guidelines for Union Organizer Access to Military Bases and Installations Recommendation: Instruct the Department of Defense (DOD) to review existing guidance, consider developing consistent policies and best practices, and consider issuing standardized guidance across the Department to ensure union organizers can access bases and installations. The DOD should consider implementing standardized guidelines ensuring that union organizers can have access to employees – including employees of private-sector contractors – on its bases and installations in a manner that does not interfere with safety, security, order, or contract operations. DOD should also reiterate current federal policy protections for organizing activity related to union access on DOD property and highlight relatively recent processes and procedures that have improved and standardized the access process.

ARIZONA STATE COUNCIL OF MACHINISTS ENDORSE RUBEN GALLEGO FOR U.S. SENATE: The Arizona State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Ruben Gallego for United States Senate. Their endorsement joins a large and growing coalition of labor unions that are throwing their early support behind Ruben’s bid to be Arizona’s next senator. Ruben has already earned the endorsements of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 640, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 104 and the Communications Workers of America Arizona State Council.  

“In Congress, Ruben has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with workers and organized labor every chance he got, fighting to pass the PRO Act and pass a $15 minimum wage,” said Denise Heath, Secretary-Treasurer of the Arizona State Council of Machinists. “Ruben knows that unions built the middle class and are essential to unlocking the American Dream for millions of hardworking families. He is a steadfast ally of the labor movement and friend to workers in Arizona and across the country. The Arizona State Council of Machinists is proud to endorse Ruben Gallego for Senate.”  

Ruben knows what it means to wake up each day and have to provide for your family. He grew up working class, and took on a number of blue collar jobs to help support his mom and sisters – including as a line cook, in a meat packing plant, and on construction sites. At Harvard, Ruben put himself through school by cleaning his classmates’ bathrooms. He knows the dignity and importance of hard work firsthand.

In Congress, Ruben represents those values by fighting for legislation that supports our brothers and sisters in labor, such as his work to include the Butch Lewis Act in the American Rescue Plan – to ensure 2 to 3 million workers’ pension plans remain solvent and pay full benefits through at least 2051. He has also voted to pass the PRO Act to protect and expand workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively for better wages, benefits, and protections. And he’s fought for a $15 an hour minimum wage – and committed to waiving the filibuster in the Senate so the PRO Act and minimum wage raise can become law, once and for all.

“I’m running for Senate to ensure that the American Dream remains a reality. That means supporting the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively for higher wages and workplace protections,” said Ruben. “Hardworking Arizonans deserve safe, family-sustaining jobs—and unions like the Arizona State Council of Machinists help guarantee that. I’m thankful to them for the work they have done on behalf of Arizona families, and deeply honored to have earned their endorsement.”

THE IAM AND 413 OTHER NATIONAL & STATE-BASED GROUPS BACK PRESIDENT BIDEN’S DEMAND THAT CONGRESS RAISE TAXES ON RICH & CORPORATIONS, NOT CUT INVESTMENTS IN WORKING FAMILIES: The IAM signed on to a letter to members of Congress demanding that they a clean debt limit bill be passed quickly allowing the United States to pay its bills—including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food assistance, and veterans’ benefits—and avoid global financial collapse.

“Our organizations want to reverse decades of tax cuts for the rich and corporations that are a primary cause of federal budget deficits,” reads the letter. “Ensuring the wealthy and corporations pay a fair share of taxes should be the focus of any budget negotiations, not cutting earned benefits and services working people and struggling families depend on to make ends meet and get ahead. This is also necessary to reverse historic racial and gender disparities and move the nation toward equitable opportunities for all.” 

Read the complete letter here. 

BUDINSKI LEADS EVERY FRESHMAN DEMOCRAT IN ADVOCATING FOR WORKER-CENTERED, CLIMATE-FRIENDLY TRADE POLICY: Congresswoman  Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) led every freshman Democrat in the 118th Congress on a letter to President Biden urging that the proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and other pending trade agreements include strong worker and environmental protections and digital provisions that protect consumers and foster fair competition.

“As new Members of Congress representing diverse districts across the United States, we look forward to working with you to ensure U.S. trade policy delivers for working people, helps to build a more resilient and fair economy, safeguards the environment, public health, and civil rights, and ensures independent farms, small businesses, and innovators can succeed,” wrote the Members. “As your administration implements important new industrial policies and begins negotiations on new trade policies, we respectfully urge you to work with us and our constituents in a transparent and inclusive manner.”

This 118^th Congress includes 36 Democratic freshmen.

IPEF is a proposed trade agreement between the United States and thirteen other Indo-Pacific nations that would set rules governing approximately 40% of the global economy. It is one of several U.S. trade initiatives currently under negotiation.  

The letter — which was drafted in cooperation with Citizens Trade Campaign, a national coalition of labor, environmental, family farm, faith and consumer organizations working together to improve U.S. trade policy — reflects both congress members’ and civil society groups’ interest in partnering with the administration to advance trade policies that contribute a more fair and sustainable global economy. 

The full text of Congresswoman Budzinski’s letter can be found here.

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International President Martinez Appointed to President’s Export Council – Maryland House Passes Statewide Library Worker Legislation- Machinists Union Calls for Passage of Protecting the Right to Organize Act

Mar 28, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT MARTINEZ APPOINTED TO PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has been appointed by President Biden to serve on the President’s Export Council, a U.S. governmental organization that serves as the principal national advisory committee on international trade.

“It’s an honor to serve our nation, our union, and our membership in this important role,” said Martinez. “I’m extremely grateful to President Biden and the administration for giving the Machinists Union a voice on trade policy that affects the lives of millions of working Americans.”

The President’s Export Council provides a forum for private-sector business and labor leaders, members of Congress, and other administration officials to discuss and resolve trade-related issues.

In addition to serving on the IAM Executive Council, Martinez sits on the executive councils of the AFL-CIO, the IndustriALL Global Union, the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the Alliance for Retired Americans, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Council, America’s Agenda, the Economic Policy Institute, and many others.

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS MARYLAND HOUSE PASSAGE OF STATEWIDE LIBRARY WORKER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING LEGISLATION: The IAM applauds the Maryland House of Delegates for recently passing H.B. 65/S.B. 352, an IAM-led bipartisan bill that would give unorganized public library workers a fair, clear and consistent process to utilize their constitutional right to freedom of association by forming a union, if they wish to do so. 

Current Maryland state law does not provide all library workers collective bargaining rights. Instead, in the past this has been handled on a county-by-county basis, requiring the state legislature to repeatedly contemplate similar legislation. 

A handful of jurisdictions currently allow library workers the right to collective bargaining. Baltimore County Public Library System (BCPL) employees are the most recent group who fought for this right through the Maryland State Legislature. In 2021, they earned the right to collective bargaining, choosing to organize with the IAM. They even gained the attention of President Joe Biden, who invited a BCPL employee bargaining team member to speak before the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. 

“The House passage of H.B. 65 is a huge step toward giving these hard-working public servants the right to a voice in the workplace and a seat at the table for the vitality of the library systems to thrive for the communities that count on them,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “I want to thank House Appropriations Committee Chairman Del. Ben Barnes (D-21) and Oversight Committee on Personnel Chairman Del. Jazz Lewis (D-24) for championing for the passage of this bill. I thank all delegates on both sides of the aisle who voted for the passage of this pro-worker bill. Now it’s up to the Senate to do the same and honor library workers with the collective bargaining rights they want.”

The legislation, introduced by Del. Steve Johnson (D-34A) and cross-filed in the Senate by Majority Leader Sen. Nancy King (D-39), does not guarantee union organizing or require library system employees to form a union. The bill simply enables Maryland library workers to organize for union representation, should they wish to do so.

“To protect and preserve our libraries, all across the state, workers need a seat at the table. A voice in the room. We need to be regarded and respected as experts in our fields, alongside our administrators. The passing of H.B. 65 by the House is an important step to get us there,” said Morgan Michael, a Library Associate II with the Harford County Public Library.

The passed legislation has support of groups such as the Maryland Library Workers United; Baltimore County Public Library-IAM United (BCPL-IAM); Harford County Public Library United (HCPL United); Maryland State & D.C. AFL-CIO; Metro Washington Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Maryland State Education Association (MSEA); and Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr. 

MACHINISTS UNION CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT: Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement regarding the recent re-introduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), H.R. 20:

“Today, Democratic Leaders in the House and Senate reintroduced the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. This bill would become the first national labor law reform in nearly a century that would expand workers’ rights. The bill would make it easier for unions to organize employees and weaken employers’ ability to resist unionization while protecting workers’ rights to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. 

Click here: Protect the Right to Organize: Tell Congress to Vote YES for the PRO Act

“Before this reintroduction, the Machinists Union worked tirelessly to mobilize the labor movement to meet this moment. The rights our parents and grandparents fought for have been chipped away over time by the same anti-worker forces who will oppose this bill. The PRO Act would reverse decades-long attacks on working people and strengthen federal worker protections.

“The IAM thanks the cosponsors of this bill.  We will continue publicly making a case for the PRO Act to their constituents and do everything we can to see its passage. We also want to make it clear this bill is a necessity.

“We must seize this moment and pass the PRO Act. We intend to organize and mobilize the thousands of workers in this country who have signed on to our campaign to demand that Congress pass this bill.”

MACHINISTS UNION APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BIDEN’S NOMINATION OF JULIE SU AS U.S. LABOR SECRETARY: Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement regarding President Biden’s nomination of Julie Su to serve as U.S. Labor Secretary.

“President Biden has again selected a champion of working people to lead the U.S. Labor Department. Julie Su’s experience as an attorney, then by leading labor agencies in California, and now serving as the No. 2 official in the Labor Department, has prepared her to fight for working people nationally.

“Julie Su has been a critical advocate for working families as the Biden administration and the Labor Department under Secretary Walsh has put unions and working people at the center of its policy-making decisions. She understands that unions help create family-sustaining jobs that treat workers with respect and dignity. 

“The labor movement is at a pivotal point in history. To match our growth with the favorable opinion of labor, we must have an agency focused on protecting and safeguarding our nation’s workforce. Now is not the time to turn back the wheels of progress.

“We know that as Secretary, Julie Su will continue to champion unions as the answer to historically high inequality and aggressively take on employers that trample on the rights of workers. The Machinists Union urges the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Julie Su as the next Secretary of Labor.” 

IAM CALLS FOR TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EXTENSION: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent a letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh urging the department to extend the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program and allow it to start receiving applications.

“Thousands of hard-working people are counting on this benefit, which provides crucial assistance such as training and employment services,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. in the letter. “TAA has been an extremely useful benefit helping workers rebound from losing a job to trade.”

The letter came as a result of reports that tens of thousands of workers affected by unfair trade practices are currently awaiting the determination of their petition for TAA support.

The $494 million for the U.S. Department of Labor program was included as part of the omnibus funding bill passed by Congress.

“The IAM and the entire labor movement hope these dollars will be put to work by the DOL as soon as possible to accept new TAA applications,” said Martinez.

Click here to read the complete letter.

IAM, CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS SHARE WORKER-CENTERED PRIORITIES FOR PROPOSED INDO_PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK: On March 1, the IAM and more than 400 organizations and labor groups sent a letter to the Biden Administration calling for strong labor rights commitments and other critical priorities for the proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

The letter outlines measures needed for the IPEF, including swift and enforceable labor standards, climate provisions focusing on environmental justice in the participating partners, and digital trade terms that don’t favor Big Tech corporations over working people. 

“The IPEF agreement must include provisions that are worker-centered and meet important objectives that include labor rights enforcement,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It’s imperative for the Administration to uphold the interests and rights of workers during the negotiating process of this trade deal to prevent mistakes from the past and set the foundation for fair models for trade.”

The IAM has been actively engaged in the development of the IPEF trade agreement to make sure it includes policies with strong and enforceable labor standards and delivers real benefits to working families in the U.S.

U.S. trade negotiators will begin the second negotiating round of the IPEF from March 13-19 in Bali.

Read the full letter here.

NFFE-IAM President Erwin: Congress Must Pass the PRO Act to Protect Workers’ Rights: Washington, D.C. – National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) calls on Congress to pass H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which strengthens workers’ rights to unionize and collectively bargain over workplace policies.

“Working families in this country have been under attack for decades, leading to stagnated wages and the weakening of rights for the American worker” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “However, workers across the nation have seen that joining a union delivers higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces. It is no secret why union approval is rapidly increasing among the American public.”

The PRO Act will address multiple issues by expanding the enforcement powers of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in addition to reinforcing protections for workers that engage in collective action. In addition to imposing fines on employers and management offices who violate the law, the bill would also give workers the opportunity to bring their case to federal court. The PRO Act would override state “right to work” laws, which are designed to give more power to management at the expense of workers, and have had the effect of lowering wages and eroding pensions and health care coverage in states where they have been adopted.

“All working people need and deserve the collective power of a union,” continued Erwin. “This is the first step in guaranteeing basic respect and dignity while on the job. Congress must pass the PRO Act and replace severely outdated labor laws that provide little protections for the rights of workers. This bill not only safeguards worker organizing and collective bargaining, it also strengthens the very roots of democracy in America.” 

Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), issued the following statement on U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh’s new role as Executive Director of the NHL Players’ Association:

“I want to congratulate Secretary Walsh on his new role with the NHL Players’ Association. Secretary Walsh has been a fierce ally for years. Whether it was helping us fight back against the privatization of more than 400 IAM Local 264 bus mechanic jobs at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority or helping our Union get through the most difficult economic period since the Great Depression. Secretary Walsh has been a true champion for working people. The National Hockey Players Association is getting a true fighter and we look forward to watching his next chapter in standing up for workers.” 

MACHINISTS, LABOR ALLIES, TELL RIGHT WING TO KEEP HANDS OFF INVESTMENT DECISIONS: The IAM is joining the AFL-CIO and other allies in labor to oppose draconian investment restrictions that some congressional Republicans are seeking to place on workers’ retirement plans.

A recent U.S. Department of Labor rule clarifies that private sector retirement plan fiduciaries may consider environmental, social and governance factors when making plan investments or voting proxies. The proposed Republican rule, on the contrary, ties their hands and forces investment managers to follow an extreme conservative ideology when investing—even if they know it is a bad, risky investment.

“The rule must remain in place to help ensure workers’ money is invested in ways that safeguard their retirement savings from risks, increase their investment choices to a full suite of ERISA-suitable products, and remove costly barriers to the exercise of their shareholder rights,” wrote the IAM and other unions to congressional leadership. “Calls to nullify the rule are part of a broader, unpopular effort to curtail progress on investment and corporate risk management, transparency, and accountability. This ill-advised effort jeopardizes workers’ hard-earned retirement savings.”

The U.S. House and Senate recently passed the extremist measure. President Biden has said he will veto the bill.

NFFE President Erwin Attends Sec. of Labor Nomination at White House, Speaks with President Biden: Last week in Washington, DC, NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin attended a ceremony at the White House where President Joe Biden officially nominated Julie Su to be the next Secretary of Labor. Following the announcement Erwin spoke briefly with Biden about federal employees and the pro-union agenda of the White House.

Su’s nomination came on the heels of Marty Walsh’s announcement that he would be stepping down as Secretary of Labor to run the National Hockey League Players Association. However, Su will surely step up to meet the challenge of leading the Labor Department and continuing to advance the Biden Administration’s pro-union and pro-labor policies.

Julie Su has spent her entire career advocating for workers, and currently holds the position of the Deputy Secretary of Labor. Prior to joining the Labor Department, Su was the Labor Secretary for the State of California and she began her life in government service as the California Labor Commissioner. Su spent 17 years as a civil rights attorney representing workers. Her work as representing trafficked Thai garment workers earned her a MacArthur “genius” award. A daughter of immigrants, Su is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School.

“It was an honor to attend this important ceremony as a guest of President Biden,” said President Erwin. “I had the opportunity to thank him for nominating such a qualified and accomplished candidate in Julie Su as the next Secretary of Labor. In my conversation with the President, I offered my appreciation for the work his administration has done to empower and show respect for federal employees, and to ensure all workers have the opportunity to join a union.”

WASHINGTON STATE MACHINISTS COUNCIL MEETS IN OLYMPIA: Delegates to the Washington State Machinists Council came together for their state council meeting in Olympia. The Washington State Machinists Council serves as the voice of working families across the state to help push worker-friendly legislation and to help elect candidates who will fight for issues important to the IAM.

The Washington State Machinists Council came together to discuss a variety of legislative actions for improving the lives of workers in the state

IAM Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon gave a report detailing the legislative and political successes of the IAM.

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Machinists Union Meets with USTR to Discuss Trade Priorities- IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee Testifies in Maryland- IAM Members Visit Florida Capitol to Discuss Sugar Industry

Mar 28, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

MACHINISTS UNION MEETS WITH USTR TO DISCUSS TRADE PRIORITIES: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai this week to discuss the Indo-Pacific Trade Framework (IPEF) and other trade priorities. The IAM also stressed the importance of having a robust, comprehensive strategy that coordinates policies in trade, combats harmful trade practices and don’t undermine the Buy American, Buy America and Buy Local provisions we support.

Martinez and the IAM delegation made clear that all potential trade frameworks should concentrate on bringing jobs back and growing jobs here at home.

“The IPEF agreement must include provisions that are worker-centered and meet important objectives that include labor rights enforcement,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It’s imperative for the Administration to uphold the interests and rights of workers during the negotiating process of this trade deal to prevent mistakes from the past and set the foundation for fair models for trade.”

In March, the IAM and more than 400 civil society groups called on the administration to make strong labor rights commitments a central part of the proposed 14-nation IPEF.

The IAM has been actively engaged in the development of the IPEF to make sure it includes policies with strong and enforceable labor standards and delivers real benefits to working families.

IAM VETERANS SERVICES STEERING COMMITTEE TESTIFIES ON VETERAN SURVIVING SPOUSE BENEFIT: IAM Veteran Services Steering Committee members recently testified before a Maryland House of Delegates committee in support of Maryland House Bill 629(HB 629) in Annapolis, MD. The legislation, HB629/SB886, allows for a surviving service member’s spouse, under certain conditions such as death, suffering a service-connected disability, being declared a prisoner of war, or missing in action, to apply for a scholarship under the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program.

The IAM helped draft the state legislation, which aligns with the union’s platform to grow efforts to assist U.S. armed forces veterans, which includes tens of thousands among the 600,000-member organization. That effort included the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee taking a break from their annual meeting at the Winpinsinger Center to make this vital trip to Annapolis in support of the legislation.

“As a proud U.S. Naval Air veteran, I know firsthand the importance our nation’s veterans have to our nation,” testified IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “We’ve sacrificed much for the freedom of this great nation, and that should be honored with strong benefits for veterans and their families. This state legislation is a great benefit for aiding family of veterans. Education is so important for the growth and prosperity of our nation.”

HB 629 was introduced by Brian Crosby (D- 29B), a veteran, and co-sponsored by Dels. Mike Rogers (D- 32) and CT Wilson (D- 28). The bill was cross-filed in the Senate by Sen. Ron Watson (D-23), who is also a veteran.

The Senate version of the bill recently passed the chamber in a 45-0 bipartisan vote and will now be considered by the House Appropriations Committee later this month.

“The mission of the Veteran Services Department and this Committee is to assist our military veterans and their families,” said Richard Evans, IAM Veterans Services Coordinator. “Our assistance doesn’t end with helping veterans file for benefits. It also includes advocating on our veteran’s behalf on legislation.”

You can read the testimony supporting this legislation from International President Martinez, Bryan Stymacks, Eastern Territory Grand Lodge Representative, and Local Lodge 4 President Jeremy Leissner.

IAM MEMBERS VISIT FLORIDA CAPITOL TO DISCUSS SUGAR INDUSTRY:  Members of the Florida State Council of Machinists recently visited legislators in Tallahassee to discuss the importance of jobs in sugarcane farming and manufacturing in Florida. In their meetings, they shared that sugarcane farming and production supports 19,201 jobs in Florida and has a $4.7 billion annual impact, including many union positions requiring skilled trades, such as machinists and welders.

Additionally, they discussed the Florida industry’s diverse workforce that reflects the citizens of the state, and the loyalty and respect among workers for the jobs – many are second or third generation in the shops and factories.

Sugarcane farming and production has offered Florida’s rural communities steady, quality jobs for more than 80 years. Even through economic downturns, agriculture has provided reliable jobs for our families and economic activity for our communities.

Some of the IAM members that travelled to Tallahassee this week included Frank Ortis, Brannan Thomas, Cornelius Fowler, Joaquin Almazan, Roger Schultz, Mike Phillips, Caroline Villanueva, Librado Lopez, Eddie Garcia, Jose Medina, and Terry Crawford.

The members met with Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book, Sen. Lori Berman, Sen. Geraldine Thompson, Sen. Jason Pizzo, Sen. Traci Davis, Rep. Christopher Benjamin, Rep. Lindsay Cross, Rep. Marie Woodson, Rep. Ashley Gantt, Rep. Joanna Lopez, Rep. Hillary Cassel, Rep. Dotie Joseph, Rep. Kim Daniels, Rep. David Silvers, Rep. Joe Casello, Rep. Anna Eskamani, Rep. Daryl Campbell, Rep. Bruce Antone, Rep. Toby Overdorf, Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, Rep. Kevin Chambliss, Rep. Dan Daley and Rep. Robin Bartleman.

IAM SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH GLOBAL SAFETY STANDARDS FOR U.S. AIRCRAFT REPAIRS TO PROTECT MAINTENANCE JOBS:  This week, U.S. Reps. Julie Brownley (D-CA) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) introduced the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 1716). The bipartisan legislation will institute a global safety standard for U.S. aircraft repairs and create measures to help prevent the offshoring of domestic aircraft maintenance jobs. 

A coalition of unions, including the IAM, sent a letter to members of Congress urging them to support H.R. 1716. 

Read the complete letter.

“The traveling public deserves to know that commercial aircraft maintenance is done under the strictest standards possible,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “As the largest air transport labor union in North America, we commend Congressman Molinaro for introducing the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act.”

This piece of legislation mirrors a similar initiative to set global safety standards passed by the U.S. House in September last year and was then submitted to the Senate for consideration.

“The IAM will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul is performed by the best aircraft mechanics in the world under a standardized set of rules for U.S. carriers,” said Johnsen.

“If enacted, this bipartisan bill will hold foreign aircraft repair and maintenance to equal standards,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM supports and urges Congress to pass this legislation swiftly to ensure we strengthen global air transportation systems and preserve American jobs.”

“The U.S. has the safest air transportation system in the world, due to our rigorous standards for safety at all levels. It is past time that we close loopholes that allow foreign repair stations to undermine our safety standards,” said Brownley. 

“The FAA has certified nearly one thousand foreign maintenance facilities that service American aircraft. These foreign based facilities, however, are held to a lower safety standard, offshoring jobs that can be done in America,” said Molinaro. “We can enhance safety and encourage quality high paying jobs here at home.”

Read the complete letter. from the coalition of Unions. 

Read U.S. Reps. Brownley and Molinaro’s release here.

IAM APPLAUDS MICHIGAN’S IMMINENT REPEAL OF RIGHT-TO-WORK-FOR-LESS: The Michigan State House and Senate have recently approved bills repealing the state’s 2012 right-to-work-for-less law for private sector workers.

The bill removes language allowing employees at unionized workplaces not to pay any fees or dues to the union, thereby weakening unions and members’ bargaining power.

“Right-to-work-for-laws sabotage workers’ rights, voice, and principles,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “IAM members have fought hard for the working people of Michigan to help create this change. I hope this victory resonates, leading to more states repealing anti-worker laws. ‘Right to Work for Less’ has no place in our society.”

“The IAM will always stand with labor to fight laws designed to weaken worker rights and unions,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Workers in states that can collectively bargain have higher wages and better benefits than those who cannot. The Machinists are always ready to lend our voice and provide resources to help eradicate any injustices affecting working people.”

The legislation is expected to be successfully reconciled this week by the House and Senate before being sent to the desk of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. When she signs the bill, Michigan will be the first state in nearly six decades to repeal a right-to-work-for-less law.

IAM SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF PHILLIP A. WASHINGTON AS FAA ADMINISTRATOR: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce Leadership urging them to advance the nomination of Phil A. Washington for Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“We strongly believe Mr. Washington has the requisite experience and skills to lead the FAA,” wrote Martinez. “We applaud President Biden for nominating Mr. Washington to this extremely important agency to our airline union membership.” 

As one of the largest airline unions in North America and proudly representing over 100,000 airline workers, the IAM expresses his support for Mr. Washington to serve in this critical role as his resume and background demonstrate a remarkable commitment for our country.

“Mr. Washington’s 24-year career in the U.S. Army should be viewed as an asset to the FAA,” wrote Martinez in the letter. “His distinguished military service brings added value to the FAA just as the thousands of workers in the airline industry with similar backgrounds.”

“Mr. Washington’s experiences demonstrate his commitment to public service and ability to manage large complex organizations, which are instrumental qualities to lead the FAA,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Our nation’s aviation safety agency needs stable leadership and Mr. Washington’s career has proven he’s the right fit for the job.”

Read full letter of support here.

SENIORS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE SAVING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN HEALTH CARE COSTS BECAUSE OF PRESIDENT BIDEN’S PRESCRIPTION DRUG LAW: The Biden-Harris Administration released new data showing how President Biden’s prescription drug law is lowering health care costs and prescription drug prices for seniors across the country. Americans pay two to three times more for prescription drugs than citizens in other countries and the President and Congressional Democrats took on special interests to finally lower prices for Americans. Last August, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, which for the first time allows Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors, caps the cost of insulin at $35, makes recommended vaccines free for Medicare beneficiaries, and requires prescription drug companies to pay rebates to Medicare if they raise their prices faster than inflation.

Already, millions of seniors are saving hundreds of dollars each per year because of the Biden Administration’s actions, and President Biden is fighting to expand these cost savings to all Americans. Last week, he released his FY2024 budget which proposes expanding Medicare’s negotiation authority to increase the number of drugs selected for negotiation sooner after they launch, making manufacturers pay rebates if they raise drug prices faster than inflation in the commercial market, and capping the price of insulin at $35 per month for everyone– not just seniors. Already, two of the three largest producers of insulin in the country – Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk – announced they’re meeting President Biden’s call and lowering insulin costs.

New data and actions released today show that the Administration is delivering on its promise to lower health care costs for the American people:

KENTUCKY TENNESSEE JOINT MACHINISTS COUNCIL MEETS IN GATLINBURG: Delegates to the Kentucky Tennessee Joint Machinists Council recently came together for their state council meeting in Gatlinburg. The Kentucky and Tennessee Machinists Councils recently joined together to serve IAM working families in the Kentucky Tennessee region. This meeting focused on strategies to beat back anti-union legislation that continues to move through both states. 

IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace fired up the delegates with a passionate speech about the future and growth of the IAM. The meeting also included Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, who summarized recent legislative and political victories across the nation. 

INDIANA STATE MACHINISTS COUNCIL MEETS: Delegates to the Indiana State Machinists Council recently came together for their state council meeting. The Indiana State Machinists Council serves as the voice of working families across the state to help push worker-friendly legislation and to help elect candidates who will fight for issues important to the IAM.

The Indiana State Machinists Council came together to discuss a variety of legislative actions for improving the lives of workers in the state

IAM Legislative and Political Assistant Director Loren Almeroth gave a report detailing the legislative and political successes of the IAM.

The post Machinists Union Meets with USTR to Discuss Trade Priorities- IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee Testifies in Maryland- IAM Members Visit Florida Capitol to Discuss Sugar Industry appeared first on IAMAW.

Fighting to Save Union Jobs at Boston Ship Repair – Maryland Library Workers Testify – Fighting for a Federal Pay Raise

Feb 25, 2023 | Machinists On The Hill

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