Dec 14, 2024 | Aerospace/Defense, Politics & Legislative News
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 13, 2024 –The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union recently applauded the House and Senate defense committees’ full authorization of the 68 F-35 jets included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request. The F-35 program is a cornerstone of America’s national security, sustaining critical jobs nationwide, including thousands of IAM members employed in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This year’s final authorization is a win for our workforce and the F-35 program,” said Paul Black, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 776. “District 776 members have proudly built this cutting-edge fighter jet, and we’re pleased to see its importance to continue to be recognized by members of Congress.”
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) fully funds the 68 jets despite a $452 million reduction in procurement lines, which is not expected to impact aircraft quantities. The IAM Union appreciates the progress made after earlier budget drafts proposed a 10-aircraft decrease.
“IAM members in Fort Worth take great pride in their contribution to producing the most advanced fighter jet in the world,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “This program not only safeguards our national security but also provides high-quality jobs for workers and their communities.”
Since its inception, IAM Union members have been at the forefront of building the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the nation’s only fifth-generation stealth aircraft currently in production. Designed for three branches of the U.S. military, the F-35 also plays a vital role in the defense strategies of America’s closest allies.
“This outcome is a testament to the tireless advocacy of IAM members and our legislative department to highlight the importance of the F-35 to the future of our nation’s military,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “The F-35 is vital to our military’s strength and the economic stability of Texas and others nationwide. Production cuts would put both at risk.”
The F-35 program supports more than 254,000 direct and indirect jobs across the United States, with about 1,800 first-tier suppliers. Its supply chain generates an annual economic impact exceeding $49 billion.
“The F-35 ensures the U.S. and its allies maintain a strategic advantage in a dangerous world,” said IAM International Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “Our District 776 members are proud to play a central role in fighting for investments in defense programs that protect the country while supporting its workforce.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America. The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Dec 10, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The Washington State Council of Machinists, led by State Council President Steve Miller (District 160 President and DBR), wrapped up its fourth and final political and legislative conference of the year in Tacoma, Wash., by bringing together IAM members and elected officials from across the state. The conference featured a packed agenda of speakers from across the state, underscoring the importance of fighting for workers and their families 365 days a year.
The event recognized the changes in leadership for the IAM Western Territory. Delegates thanked retiring General Vice President Gary R. Allen, who was honored for decades of service to the IAM, particularly his steadfast support of IAM members in Washington state and his leadership in advancing workers’ rights. IAM Western Territory Chief of Staff Bobby Martinez, who will join the Executive Council as Western Territory General Vice President in January, also delivered remarks.
“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Washington State Council of Machinists throughout my career,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “This state council operates at the highest level in our union and should serve as a model for state councils throughout our great Union. I look forward to seeing what the Washington State Council will achieve over the next few years.”
The conference also featured remarks from IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon, who emphasized the importance of political engagement and mobilization throughout the year.
Other notable speakers included Port of Tacoma Commissioner Dick Marzano, State Sen. Steve Conway, Washington State Attorney General-elect Nick Brown, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck (D), Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, and newly elected U.S. Rep. Emily Randall. Each elected official highlighted their commitment to advancing policies that protect workers and strengthen unions in Washington.
Click here to view the full agenda.
“The Washington State Council will continue championing the cause of working families in Washington in the upcoming year,” said Washington State Council President Steve Miller. “It is important to bring together our allies to ensure we are putting together legislation that benefits workers in Washington state. I appreciate the support we receive from our districts and locals. Our state council appreciates General Vice President Allen’s support throughout the years, and we look forward to working with incoming General Vice President Bobby Martinez.”
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Nov 21, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), a union representing 110,000 federal employees, is sounding the alarm about what the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – an unofficial entity operating outside of the federal government – would do to our nation’s veterans if Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy achieve their stated goals of reducing the federal workforce by 75 percent and cutting federal spending by $2 trillion annually.
The federal government is the single largest employer of veterans in this country. There are currently 2.278 million civilian federal employees and nearly 30 percent of them are veterans. If DOGE follows through on proposed threats, and lays off 75 percent of the federal workforce, an estimated 481,950 veterans will be laid off.
“Every person in this country needs to know that if Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy get their way, nearly half a million veterans will go jobless,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees. “The very objective of this so-called Department of Government Efficiency is hostile to our cherished American veterans.”
The pain that DOGE would inflict on America’s veterans would not end there. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs nearly 371,000 health care professionals and support staff at VA medical facilities across the country. It is also responsible for administering benefits programs for Veterans, their families, and survivors. A 75 percent reduction in staff, about 278,000 total employees, would cripple the services currently provided to veterans in the U.S.
“If Musk and Ramaswamy execute their stated plans, the VA healthcare system as we know it will collapse,” continued Erwin. “When it does, we will be breaking the promise we make to our men and women in uniform that if they serve this country, they will be cared for afterward. This country is better than that. We simply cannot let that happen. There is a lot of talk about keeping promises these days. Keeping our promise to our veterans is the one we should be most worried about when it comes to this so-called Department of Government Efficiency.”
“It is clear that Musk and Ramaswamy simply do not understand how the federal workforce is staffed or operated,” concluded Erwin. “When they make absurd claims about government waste and bash dedicated federal employees, they conveniently leave out the fact that the civil service is the same size as it was in the 1950’s, although the size of the American population has roughly tripled. Per capita, the federal government is the smallest it has ever been in American history. In fact, many critical agencies and services are chronically understaffed. Reducing the federal workforce to a quarter of what it is now would be catastrophic to not only veterans, but the entire American public.”
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Nov 19, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), issued a statement today on the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) decision to make mandatory captive audience meetings illegal:
“This is a major victory for workers across the United States. Companies use these meetings to pressure and mislead employees about unions. Now, workers will be free to make their own choices without fear of retaliation.
“The NLRB ruling clarifies that forcing employees to attend anti-union meetings violates their rights. Employers forcing workers to sit through these captive audience meetings undermine workers’ rights to organize their workplaces through fear and intimidation.
“These meetings are always unfair and one-sided. They create an intimidating atmosphere where workers can’t speak out or ask questions. This NLRB decision levels the playing field and ensures everyone has a fair chance to hear both sides.
“The IAM has been a vocal opponent of captive audience meetings for many years. We believe this ruling will empower more workers to join together and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
“This ruling shows how vital the NLRB is for enforcing U.S. labor law and shaping the lives of working people. The IAM stands ready to assist any worker who wants to learn more about their rights and how to form a union.”
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Nov 6, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Dear IAM Family,
In our union and in our nation, the principles of democracy are placed above all else. We value every voice and every perspective. We stand for the dignity of all work and of all people.
Those principles – democracy, freedom and opportunity for all – will always guide the IAM. Nothing will change that.
We are proud of every IAM member who made their voices heard in this election. The spirit of activism and engagement is strong in our union. We must – and we will – carry that resolve forward.
And if we look at our 136-year history, the path forward is clear.
We will organize. We will join together. We will defend the rights and freedoms of all.
In solidarity,
Brian Bryant
International President
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Nov 5, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill, Politics & Legislative News
Click Here to view this edition of Machinists on the Hill.
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