Jul 24, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), wrote a letter urging the Senate to confirm President Biden’s re-nomination of Lauren McFerran to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Prior to her appointment to the NLRB, McFerran served as Chief Labor Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP Committee) and also previously served the Committee as Deputy Staff Director under Senator Tom Harkin.
The NLRB, a vital independent government agency responsible for enforcing U.S. labor law, plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of working people.
“McFerran has proven time and time again she works hard to ensure the NLRB protects workers through her extensive background of working for the betterment of our nation’s workforce,” wrote Bryant in a letter. “This includes several former jobs, including previously serving as Chief Labor Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP Committee).”
The Biden NLRB, unmistakably pro-union and pro-worker, has sought input on various critical matters, including:
1. Allowing unions to organize appropriate bargaining units, moving beyond the restrictive “wall-to-wall” approach
2. Expanding traditional make-whole remedies for unfair labor practices to encompass consequential damages
3. Strengthening workers’ rights to engage in concerted activities
4. Extending protections to workers through a redefinition of independent contractor status
5. And numerous other initiatives aimed at supporting workers’ rights
Read the complete letter here.
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Jul 16, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett recently testified before Democratic Members of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
The Select Committee was interested in hearing labor leaders views on the bipartisan report “Reset, Prevent, Build: A Strategy to Win America’s Economic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party.” The report, issued late last year, included nearly 150 policy recommendations for Congress.
Sullivan and Bennett were able to communicate the IAM’s most important interests and objectives.
“The IAM is ready to build and maintain our 21st century Naval and commercial fleet,” said Sullivan. “We remain steadfast in our devotion to that goal. We urge lawmakers to work with us to bolster and reinvigorate this vitally important domestic industry for the sake of long-term U.S. economic and national security.”
IAM members face issues like cyber espionage, risks to critical infrastructure, and China’s human rights abuses. This hearing focused on the most pressing job-related concerns, highlighting areas needing more action. The IAM applauded the Congressional and Biden-Harris administration efforts on CHIPS, the IRA, export controls, and other issues.
China continues to use every tool available to establish a strong aerospace industry at the expense of U.S. workers,” said Bennett. “The U.S. needs to immediately find more effective ways to stop China from using market-distorting activities – like curbing the transfer of technology and production. China’s commitments in the 2020 Phase One Agreement did not resolve many of these concerns about forced transfers and other market-distorting practices.”
The post IAM General Vice Presidents Sullivan and Bennett Testify On China’s Unfair Trade Practices appeared first on IAMAW.
Jul 16, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The Texas State Council of Machinists recently held a meeting in Austin bringing together delegates from all corners of the state creating a platform for in-depth discussions on a plethora of issues critical to the labor community. Throughout the event, the council focused on legislative and political matters, benefiting from the insights of various speakers who champion labor rights in the Lone Star State.
During the meeting, the Texas State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Congressman Colin Allred (D-Texas) for the U.S. Senate race. This decision was reached after a thorough evaluation of Allred’s record and his commitment to advancing working families.
“After careful consideration and comprehensive discussions among our members, we are proud to endorse Congressman Colin Allred for the United States Senate,” said Texas State Council of Machinists President Taylor Rehmet. “We believe that with Allred in the Senate, Texas workers will have a strong ally who will tirelessly fight for their rights, safety, and economic well-being.”
“It’s more than an endorsement; it’s a call to action for all workers to support a leader who truly has our back. With Congressman Colin Allred in the Senate, we are confident that the future of labor rights in Texas is in capable hands,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin.
“[It’s] great to be with my union brothers and sisters at the Texas State Council of Machinists Convention this weekend,” said Allred in a tweet.“When I’m in the Senate, I’ll keep working to build an economy that works for everyone.”
The endorsement underscores the importance of the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) and the critical role that voluntary contributions play a critical role in supporting pro-worker candidates. With the backing of IAM’s political and legislative department, the Texas State Council of Machinists emphasizes increasing support for the MNPL to facilitate the election of candidates who prioritize worker rights and democratic values.
Delegates heard from a diverse group of speakers, including IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, IAM Texas State Council of Machinists President Taylor Rehmet, National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, and IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Director James Little.
Other speakers included:
- Rick Levy, Texas AFL-CIO President
- Claretta Allen, AFL-CIO Chapter President of Tyler
- BO Delp, Texas Climate Jobs Project Director
- Sean Marcill, Addiction Services
- Jennifer Alexander, IAM Benefit Funds & Education Department
- Jeff Grim, Employee Benefit Systems
- Marlin Phillips, Railroad Industry, TSCMAW Vice President-at-Large
- Solomon Ortiz, Candidate for State Representative, District 34
- Tony Padilla, Texas Alliance for Retired Americans
SEE PHOTOS HERE
The post Texas State Council Continues to Build Power, Endorses Rep. Colin Allred for U.S. Senate appeared first on IAMAW.
Jul 9, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement on the IAM’s continued support of the Biden-Harris Administration:
“As the 2024 election nears, it’s crucial to reflect on the impacts of the Trump and Biden administrations on labor and working families.
“Trump broke promise after promise to our members, resulting in the closure of at least 48 IAM-represented facilities and the offshoring of many jobs. His administration failed to assist in saving thousands of U.S. jobs across various states and did not address the impact of the 2019 government shutdown on federal workers.
“Our members, utilizing a democratic process that included a general membership vote open to all U.S. members in good standing, voted overwhelmingly to endorse President Biden for a second term because they felt the need to protect our democracy and economy.
“In contrast, President Biden has been a beacon of hope for working people, partnering with organized labor to deliver good jobs, benefits, and secure retirements. His administration’s investments in infrastructure and manufacturing and adherence to Buy American requirements have created millions of jobs, including nearly 800,000 in manufacturing.
“The President’s unparalleled support for working people includes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the American Rescue Plan. He reinstated critical job security protections and was the first president to walk a picket line with striking auto workers.
“President Biden’s enforcement of Buy American provisions continues to strengthen national defense and the economy, benefiting working families.
“IAM members and their communities are benefiting from federal funding, with IAM Local 1400 members at Voith Hydro securing a $5.8 million tax credit to enhance capabilities in York, PA, and IAM Local 1943 members at Cleveland-Cliffs helping secure a $500 million grant to support jobs and modernize operations in Ohio.
“The Trump administration terminated job security for thousands of IAM members working under the Service Contract Act. The Biden Administration reversed this policy and helped increase job security and improved the well being of our members working under federal service contracts.
“For the IAM, the choice is clear: We must re-elect Joe Biden to continue building an economy that works for everyone. We stand firm in our support and urge all working families to support the only candidate who fights for us.”
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Jun 20, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The Pennsylvania State Council of Machinists recently conducted its 78th annual convention in York, Pa. Over 120 delegates, officers, guests, and politicians, including IAM International President Brian Bryant, gathered to discuss issues that concern Pennsylvania IAM members and fellow Machinist members from around the country.
Obie O’Brien, the president of the state council, was very pleased with the turnout, as this state council continues to grow bigger and larger every year due to the involvement of members who want better pro-labor representation in the halls of Harrisburg and Washington, DC.
Watch the video report here.
A highlight of the three-day conference was the presence of Pete Buttigieg, who delivered a powerful speech on behalf of the impactful Biden-Harris election campaign. His 20-minute address outlined President Biden’s pro-labor agenda and significant achievements, such as the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Buttigieg also announced the creation of nearly 15 million jobs over the past three years under the Biden Administration.
Pete Buttigieg praises Pennsylvania union members at Machinists convention Keystone Newsroom
Buttigieg meets with Pennsylvania Machinists Union Fox 43
Buttigieg brings Biden’s reelection message to union members in York WITF
As the 2024 November elections will soon be upon us, it is imperative that we educate the membership about who is supporting us on state and federal worker issues. This information on electing the pro-labor politicians will have a direct impact on our working conditions and rights that will help workers in the state.
Talking to the packed conference room, IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon addressed the delegates.
“Don’t you ever forget that the people in the statehouse in Harrisburg or Washington DC work for all of us,” said Solomon. “We can send them home if they don’t do the right thing!”
The post IP Bryant, Pete Buttigieg Fire Up Pennsylvania State Council of Machinists appeared first on IAMAW.
Jun 20, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM has officially wrapped up its 2024 Legislative Conference. Held in the nation’s capital, the conference serves as a vital platform for IAM members to strategize and amplify their voices in the halls of Congress. Throughout the three-day event, IAM members engaged in productive discussions with lawmakers, advocating for policies supporting working families nationwide.
More than 300 delegates representing diverse industries participated in legislative plenaries, equipping themselves with the necessary tools to advance a pro-labor agenda.
WATCH: National Political Leaders Praise IAM at Legislative Conference
Among the event’s highlights were the speeches a diverse group of speakers delivered. These included elected officials from various levels of government and supportive allies from the labor movement. Their messages underscored the importance of solidarity and collective action in fighting for workers’ rights and dignity.
“The IAM 2024 Legislative Conference has been a resounding success,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We have joined together to make our voices heard, to learn from each other, and to strategize on the best ways forward. We are leaving this conference more united and determined to push for policies that uplift all workers.”
WATCH: IAM International Brian Bryant, Jr. Opening 2024 IAM Legislative Conference
Delegates met with many lawmakers and urged them to address critical priorities to protect working people. These meaningful interactions not only helped to close the gap between IAM members’ realities and the policymakers responsible for meeting their needs.
During their meetings, IAM delegates emphasized vital issues critical to our members, such as:
- Right to organize through the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
- National security, job creation and defense funding
- No tax breaks for union-busting
- Restoring a union dues tax deduction
- Railway Safety Act
- Prioritize rail workers in federal appropriations and policies
- Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Reauthorization
- Fair and equal trade policy
- Support for Delta Air Lines’ workers seeking a voice on the job
- Support for protecting negotiated pensions for federal contract workers
- Protection and strengthening of a modern federal workforce
- And more.
READ: 2024 IAM Legislative Conference Begins in Nation’s Capital with a Strong Focus on Workers’ Rights
“The IAM restated its commitment to continue advocating and taking grassroots actions needed to ensure a prosperous future for the labor movement,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon.
PHOTOS: 2024 IAM Legislative Conference Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
These are some of the members of Congress and allies who provided remarks during the third day of the Legislative Conference:
- U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
- U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)
- U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)
- U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)
- Greg Regan, Transportation Trades Department President
- Carla Siegel, IAM General Counsel
- Shane Brinton, IAM Healthcare Director
- Randy Erwin, NFFE-IAM National President
- David Arouca, TCU/IAM National Legislative Director
See social media coverage below (Thread):
https://x.com/MachinistsUnion/status/1803415366099509643
The post IAM Concludes 2024 Legislative Conference with Strong Call for Pro-Labor Agenda appeared first on IAMAW.
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