Apr 9, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon is continuing his advocacy for the IAM by being appointed to serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors of Working America, the community organizing arm of the AFL-CIO.
Solomon, a renowned trade union lobbyist and the IAM’s leading voice for workers’ rights on Capitol Hill, brings 25 years of IAM experience to the Working America board.
“It’s an honor to serve the interests of our members each and every day in the halls of power of Washington, D.C.,” said Solomon. “I look forward to continuing my service to the IAM, and broadening the reach of our union and the labor movement in the concurrent role with Working America.”
Now numbering 4.3 million strong, Working America members share the concerns of union members: good family-sustaining jobs, affordable and quality health care, and safe and secure housing. Working America is building a political and economic home for millions of working-class people who are otherwise not part of the labor movement.
“There’s no stronger political and legislative voice for IAM members than Hasan Solomon,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We’re honored to have Hasan and the IAM represented at Working America, which does great work to broaden the reach of the IAM and the entire labor movement.”
Solomon was nominated for the role by AFSCME President Lee Saunders, who serves as Working America’s Board President. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler serves as the board’s Secretary Treasurer and is joined by seven other labor leaders on Working America’s Board of Directors.
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Apr 4, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
ANNAPOLIS, Md. April 4, 2024 – In a monumental stride toward enhancing workers’ rights and union representation, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the labor union representing Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) employees, applauds the Maryland Senate’s passage of the Library Workers Empowerment Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at empowering library employees across the state.
The Library Workers Empowerment Act, House Bill 609, sponsored by Delegate Jared Solomon (D-18), received bipartisan support in the Maryland House before making its way to the Senate, where it was met with overwhelming approval. The bill was cross-filed by Senator Clarence Lam (D-12) as Senate Bill 591. The Library Workers Empowerment Act paves the way for Maryland’s unorganized public library employees to form unions and collectively bargain with their employers.
The IAM has been a vocal advocate for the bill, underscoring the importance of providing library workers with the tools they need to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and a more collaborative working environment.
The passage of the Library Workers Empowerment Act marks a significant milestone in these efforts, signaling a brighter, more inclusive future for library employees throughout Maryland.
“We need to feel confident that our ideas and concerns will be heard. A union will give us that confidence and a means to negotiate our working conditions,” said Megan Baker, a Harford County Public Library (HCPL) employee working to organize with the IAM.
“We are thrilled to witness the passing of the Library Workers Empowerment Act,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This legislation is not just a win for library employees; it’s a victory for all workers seeking fair and equitable treatment in the workplace. We are grateful for the bipartisan support this bill received and look forward to seeing Governor Wes Moore’s signature making it law.”
“We need to be our own voice, to have the ability to advocate and fight for changes within the systems that are choosing to neglect us,” said Morgan Michael, a Harford County Public Library employee. “A union will give us that voice.”
The bill now returns to the House for a final review before sent to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who is expected to sign the bill into law with an effective date of July 1, 2024.
“The IAM and its members extend their deepest gratitude to the legislators who supported this piece of legislation and to the library employees who have tirelessly advocated for their rights,” said IAM Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) Local 4538 President and a Library Service Assistant Anita Bass. “This achievement is a testament to the power of solidarity and the importance of standing together for the betterment of all workers.”
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The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
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Apr 2, 2024 | Aerospace/Defense, Politics & Legislative News
The IAM joined U.S. Reps. Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Michael Turner (R-Ohio), John Larson (D-Conn.), and John Rutherford (R-Fla.) in a letter urging chairs and ranking members of the House Armed Services Committee and House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to fully invest in the IAM-built F-35 Lightning II program for Fiscal Year (FY) 25.
“The F-35 is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, and continued investment in this program is essential to our national security and ensuring the United States maintains its air dominance,” wrote the lawmakers. “In addition, the F-35 provides for tens of thousands of high-skilled, Machinists Union jobs and supports more than 218,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.”
“I appreciate Reps. Veasey, Turner, Larson, and Rutherford for fighting for investment in the F-35 program,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM will work with these lawmakers and other allies in Congress to uplift the national security and economic benefits of the F-35 program.”
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Mar 26, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
ATLANTA, March 26, 2024 – More than 19,000 Delta Air Lines ground workers in 46 U.S. cities expressed gratitude to members of Congress who support their campaign for union representation and collective bargaining rights.
Delta workers also received support from members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation.
In a letter, the workers thanked lawmakers for urging Delta CEO Ed Bastian to remain neutral in their unionization efforts. This neutrality would ensure workers can decide, without management influence, whether union representation aligns with their interests.
However, they found Bastian’s response to the congressional inquiry concerning. It lacked acknowledgment of alleged interference with their right to unionize. Instead, it focused on the perceived benefits of the current non-union environment.
“Mr. Bastian’s response makes it unmistakably clear that he does not understand our rationale and desire to unionize,” wrote the Delta workers. “Our desire to seek collective bargaining rights likely varies from employee to employee. Issues such as financial concerns, a fair grievance procedure, to improving benefits and working conditions each play a role. Regardless, organizing a union is our right protected by federal law. These important rights should not be undermined by Mr. Bastian’s never-ending campaign that we don’t need union representation because employment conditions at Delta are, in his view, just fine. It’s not his decision. It’s our decision.”
Given Bastian’s refusal to commit to neutrality, the workers request further action by Congress. They urge lawmakers to demand a clear answer: will Delta adopt a neutral stance on worker organizing?
If Bastian continues to avoid a clear answer, Delta workers urge Congress to hold hearings. These hearings would allow all parties to discuss fair conditions for union organizing, free from management interference.
“Delta actively and verifiably misinforms workers about the process and results of unionizing,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “We want workers to know that they have rights and to feel empowered. Delta’s CEO is responsible for the disrespectful stance the company takes on workers who want to exercise their federal right to unionize.”
The workers emphasize the need for accountability. They believe Bastian should be held responsible for alleged interference and his refusal to address the neutrality request. Ultimately, they seek a platform for Delta employees to organize freely, without fear of intimidation or coercion.
Read the complete letter.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
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Mar 26, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Cleveland-Cliffs in Middletown, Ohio, has received up to $500 million in federal funding for improvements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in energy-intensive industries. The company plans to create 170 permanent jobs and 1,200 temporary union construction jobs while also preserving the site’s existing 2,500 jobs, which includes 2,000 IAM Local 1943 members.
The funding, which comes as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, would provide Cleveland-Cliffs Steel, America’s largest flat-rolled steel producer, to retire a blast furnace and replace it with two electric furnaces.
IAM Local 1943 members will play a crucial role in carrying out projects that would enable the facility to use natural gas as fuel, thereby reducing the current carbon intensity of ironmaking by more than 50%. The facility could also potentially switch to a combination of natural gas and clean hydrogen, or entirely clean hydrogen, which would bring down the current carbon intensity of ironmaking by over 90%.
“The IAM applauds this historic Department of Energy grant awarded to Cleveland-Cliffs under President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The recognition is a tribute to IAM Local 1943 members’ dedication and expertise, the backbone of Cleveland Cliffs’ success. This DOE grant from the Inflation Reduction Act is a win for American manufacturing and sustainability. The IAM commends U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s commitment and the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for a stronger domestic steel industry.”
The initiative aims to support the creation of good-paying union jobs, revitalize industrial communities, and strengthen the nation’s manufacturing competitiveness.
“I applaud the members at IAM Local 1943,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This award will benefit Ohio’s working families for years to come. The IAM is proud to stand with our members as we continue strengthening the American workforce and promoting sustainability.”
The plant aims to reduce carbon emissions and become one of the world’s most advanced, lowest greenhouse gas-emitting iron and steel facilities.
“IAM Local 1943 members at Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works have fueled steel production for more than 100 years, powering essential products nationwide,” said IAM Local 1943 President and Directing Business Representative Shawn Coffey. “We are excited that this DOE grant validates our members’ hard work and commitment to driving our nation’s economy, and will help us continue making steel in Middletown, Ohio for 100 more. IAM Local Lodge 1943 would like to thank Cleveland Cliffs for their commitment to our members and the community of Middletown. I would also like to thank our elected officials, the DOE, and everyone involved for the hard work and dedication that they have put in to make this happen.”
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm visited Cleveland-Cliffs Steel in Middletown, Ohio, to make the announcement and share how this investment can help Ohio’s working families. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) had urged the U.S. Energy Department to approve the funding.
“This partnership will ensure that IAM steelworkers in Middletown remain at the forefront of the global steel industry,” said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. “This is why we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act – to ensure Ohio manufacturing continues to lead the world in the technologies that will drive our economy for decades to come. The Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works plant will support growing industries in Ohio while creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring that Ohio remains a national leader in manufacturing and innovation.”
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm Twitter
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Mar 18, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
WAUKEGAN, Ill., March 18, 2024 – Approximately 440 workers at Thermoflex in Waukeegan, Ill., who produce high-quality automobile floor and cargo mats, exterior trims and other accessories for major auto manufacturers, have filed to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The IAM filed a National Labor Relations Board petition today, Monday, March 18 to represent the workers.
U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.) is throwing his support behind the campaign, which aims to create fair wage standards and working conditions for Thermoflex workers. Company management has been accused of unjustly disciplining and firing union supporters and workers have cited allegations of wage theft and sexual harassment.
“I understand that Thermoflex employees are organizing to form a union, and I write in support of the free exercise of your legal rights to unionize,” writes Rep. Garcia in an English and Spanish letter to Thermoflex workers. “I urge you to not allow intimidation tactics to dispel your efforts to unionize and negotiate fair wages and working conditions.”
Thermoflex workers, a majority of whom are Spanish-speaking immigrants, are seeking IAM representation because many make less than $20 an hour, have no company-provided health insurance, and no retirement benefits or paid time off.
“Thermoflex workers came to the IAM because they are in dire need of a union that will enable them to bargain collectively and restore dignity in the workplace,” said IAM Grand Lodge Representative Billy Anderson, lead organizer on the campaign. “These brave workers are standing up to the company’s intense anti-union campaign that is severely infringing on their federally protected right to organize. With the collective effort of the workers and the IAM, as well as the support of the community, they will get the justice they demand and deserve at Thermoflex.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, automotive, railroad, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
Más de 400 trabajadores de accesorios automotrices de Illinois solicitan unirse al sindicato de la IAM con el respaldo del congresista Chuy García
WAUKEGAN, Illinois., 18 de marzo de 2024 – Aproximadamente 440 trabajadores de Thermoflex en Waukeegan, Illinois, quienes laboran produciendo tapetes para pisos y carga de automóviles de alta calidad, adornos exteriores y otros accesorios para los principales fabricantes de automóviles, han solicitado unirse a la Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial (IAM). La IAM presentó hoy lunes 18 de marzo una petición a la Junta Nacional de Relaciones Laborales para representar a los trabajadores.
El congresista Chuy García (Demócrata-Illinois) está brindando su apoyo a la campaña, cuyo objetivo es crear estándares salariales y condiciones laborales justas para los trabajadores de Thermoflex. La gerencia de la empresa ha sido acusada de disciplinar y despedir injustamente a simpatizantes del sindicato, y a la vez los trabajadores han citado denuncias de robo de salarios y acoso sexual.
“Entiendo que los empleados de Thermoflex se están organizando para formar un sindicato, y escribo en apoyo del libre ejercicio de sus derechos legales a sindicalizarse”, escribe el congresista García en una carta en inglés y español a los trabajadores de Thermoflex. “Les insto a que no permitan que las tácticas de intimidación malgasten sus esfuerzos por sindicalizarse y negociar salarios y condiciones de trabajo justos”.
Los trabajadores de Thermoflex, la mayoría de los cuales son inmigrantes de habla hispana, buscan representación de la IAM porque muchos ganan menos de $20 por hora, no tienen seguro médico proporcionado por la empresa, ni beneficios de jubilación ni tiempo libre remunerado.
“Los trabajadores de Thermoflex acudieron a la IAM porque necesitan urgentemente un sindicato que les permita negociar colectivamente y restaurar la dignidad en el lugar de trabajo”, dijo el representante de la Gran Logia de la IAM y principal organizador de la campaña Billy Anderson. “Estos valientes trabajadores están haciendo frente a una intensa campaña antisindical por parte de la empresa que infringe gravemente su derecho a organizarse el cual es protegido por el gobierno federal. Con el esfuerzo colectivo de los trabajadores y de la IAM, así como el apoyo de la comunidad, obtendrán la justicia que exigen y merecen en Thermoflex”.
La Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial (IAM) se encuentra entre los sindicatos industriales más grandes de América del Norte y representa a cerca de 600,000 miembros activos y jubilados en los sectores manufacturero, aeroespacial, defensa, aerolíneas, transporte, automoción, ferrocarriles, construcción naval, carpintería y atención médica y otras industrias.
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