May 16, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill, Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest defense union in the United States, urges Congress to support and prioritize consistent funding for two Virginia-Class submarines per year in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget and beyond.
The House Armed Services Committee has released its version of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act ahead of a markup. Thanks to the advocacy of the IAM and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), it now includes language for full funding for two Virginia-class submarines per year in the FY 2025 budget.
The IAM has been at the forefront, actively advocating to successfully secure a place for the procurement of two Virginia-class submarines per year in the final draft of the NDAA and to guarantee that Congress appropriates the necessary funds through the Defense Appropriations Bill.
“Consistent funding for two Virginia-Class submarines annually is crucial for the vitality of the industries we represent and the skilled workforce they employ,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “This program not only sustains thousands of high-quality machinist jobs but is also pivotal in maintaining our nation’s industrial and defense capabilities.”
Earlier this year, the IAM sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging for steady financial backing for this program, highlighting its significance in strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding industry and supporting a vast array of high-quality union jobs.
The IAM extends its gratitude towards Rep. Courtney for his strong commitment and efforts to ensure the inclusion of provisions for the procurement of two Virginia-Class submarines in the FY 2025 NDAA.
“Congressman Courtney’s leadership and dedication to our national defense and the American workforce has been pivotal in reaching this milestone,” said Bryant.
The U.S. defense industrial base is crucial for the country’s economic and national security. It is a major contributor to the economy, providing millions of high-skill jobs across the country in the manufacturing sector and beyond. The Virginia-Class submarine program plays a key role in supporting a strong workforce and driving economic growth.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) 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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May 15, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
The 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), North America’s largest air transport labor union, is applauding a group of 25 U.S. Senators, led by Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), for telling Delta Air Lines to remain neutral in union organizing campaigns for approximately 55,000 workers at the carrier.
The IAM is currently organizing Delta ramp, cargo, and tower workers. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) is signing up flight attendants, and the Teamsters are supporting technicians and related crafts.
Delta Air Lines management has threatened employees with termination for union activities. It hosts an anti-union website and distributes literature threatening workers seeking to organize.
“All workers should have a free and fair choice to join a union, as is required by law,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We strongly urge you to adopt a neutrality agreement with regards to any efforts by your employees to unionize and to commit to negotiating in good faith if you employees do choose to form a union.”
The U.S. Senate support follows a bipartisan group of more than 150 members of the U.S. House, led by the House Labor Caucus, who called on Delta to remain neutral toward unions.
“The IAM is eternally grateful to Sen. Butler and every U.S. Senator who are championing the rights of Delta Air Lines workers,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Delta workers are being subject to an extremely hostile work environment as they exercise their right to form and join a union. It’s past time for Ed Bastian and Delta leadership to do the right thing and allow their workers to make their own decision on unionization free from harassment and intimidation.”
Unionized Delta pilots recently endorsed the joint IAM, AFA-CWA, and Teamsters campaign to organize Delta workers.
“Delta is receiving a message loud and clear from the U.S. Senate and beyond – ‘cut out the scorched-Earth anti-union campaign now,’” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “The IAM, our labor coalition and Delta workers will continue to demand that Delta respects its own workforce by allowing them to make their own decision about joining a union.”
Delta Air Lines is the only U.S.-based mainline carrier where a union does not represent flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics – only 20% of Delta workers are unionized.
The post IAM Union Applauds U.S. Senators for Telling Delta Air Lines to Remain Neutral in Union Organizing Campaigns appeared first on IAMAW.
May 15, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
UPPER MARLBORO, Md., May 15, 2024—The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Maryland State Council of Machinists congratulates Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks on her primary victory in the Maryland U.S. Senate race and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on his win in Maryland’s Second Congressional District primary. Their steadfast commitment to working families and tireless advocacy for economic justice directly impact our members and their families.
Angela Alsobrooks’ journey, marked by her historic role as the youngest and first woman elected Prince George’s County State’s Attorney and her current position as County Executive, is a testament to her unwavering dedication to public service. Her focus on job creation, educational advancement, and community safety, along with her initiatives to raise the minimum wage and improve healthcare access, demonstrate her strong support for working-class families, inspiring the general public.
“Angela Alsobrooks’ leadership has been instrumental in driving positive change in Maryland,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Her commitment to economic empowerment and workers’ rights will make her a strong champion in the United States Senate. The IAM is committed to helping propel Angela to victory in November.”
Johnny Olszewski’s leadership as Baltimore County Executive has brought about life-changing initiatives, fostering a more equitable and progressive community. His advocacy for emergency benefits in the aftermath of the Key Bridge collapse is a clear example of his commitment to protecting workers and ensuring their well-being during crises, instilling hope and optimism in the community.
“Angela Alsobrooks is the type of elected official we need in Washington,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “She is a leader who puts the people above all else. Johnny O’s track record as County Executive of Baltimore County speaks volumes about his commitment to workers. The IAM Eastern Territory will call and knock on doors to ensure both are elected in November.”
“Johnny O’s dedication to the people of Baltimore County is evident in his relentless pursuit of solutions to complex challenges,” said Maryland State Council of Machinists President Joseph “Rick” Compher. “We have the right person to fight and protect working families’ interests in the Second Congressional District. The IAM stands firmly behind Angela Alsobrooks and Johnny Olszewski as they embark on their journeys to uplift and empower communities across the state.”
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.
The post Maryland State Council of Machinists Congratulate IAM Endorsed Candidates Angela Alsobrooks and Johnny Olszewski on Election Night Victories appeared first on IAMAW.
May 9, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Registration is now open for the 2024 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 17-19, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Attendees must make reservations by Thursday, May 9, 2024, 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 2024 IAM Legislative Conference should pre-schedule meetings with their Congressional District Representatives and Senators for Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.
By adding their voice, members can help support IAM’s work on:
- Retirement security
- Affordable healthcare
- The Rail Safety Act
- Transportation
- The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
- Organizing efforts for Delta Air Lines workers
- Defense Funding
- Fair Trade
- FAA Reauthorization Act
- And much more!
The 2024 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!
The post Register Now for the 2024 IAM Legislative Conference appeared first on IAMAW.
May 9, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Local 1400 (District 98) members at Voith Hydro recently unveiled a new multi-million dollar industrial-scale capital investment in American manufacturing with the addition of a 200-ton, 30-foot-tall PAMA Speedram 3000 horizontal boring mill (HBM) during a ribbon cutting ceremony at its York, Pa., manufacturing plant.
The 200-ton, 30-foot-tall PAMA Speedram 3000 HBM was unveiled to local, state, and federal officials, company employees, and IAM Local 1400 members. It will machine components crucial to the operations of North American hydropower facilities.
Clean energy investments driven by the IAM-championed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are increasing the demand for hydropower in the United States. The $5.8 million U.S. Energy Department investment enhances the capabilities in hydropower manufacturing and demonstrates the Biden Administration’s commitment to being part of the clean energy economy.
“Investing in the new equipment paves the path for collaboration between the IAM and Voith Hydro in discovering new opportunities for the York facility,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Through our joint efforts, the IAM advocated to the U.S. government on behalf of Voith, securing recognition for their investment in American workers and equipment under the Inflation Reduction Act. This advocacy yielded a $5.8 million tax credit, empowering us with enhanced capabilities in York.”
The tax credit is for Voith’s investment in machinery to support the production of renewable energy equipment at Voith’s existing U.S. manufacturing facility.
“Voith Hydro traces its roots in Pennsylvania and the U.S. back nearly 150 years. The York facility employs almost 350 hydropower professionals, including almost 100 skilled members of the IAM Local 1400,” said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes, Jr. “For nearly 85 years, we have worked hand in hand with Voith, and today marks another important milestone in that relationship.”
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May 7, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) released the following statement:
“The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is pleased to announce a Voluntary Recognition Agreement with Siemens Mobility to represent employees who will build state-of-the-art train sets for the Brightline West high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. The agreement between the IAM and Siemens Mobility establishes a fair and non-adversarial process for future employees to obtain relevant information about the benefits of union representation. Once the majority of employees petition for IAM representation, Siemens Mobility will voluntarily recognize the IAM and commence bargaining immediately. Thanks to the historic investments by the Biden Administration and allies in Congress, the IAM looks forward to continuing to ensure that the growing U.S. high-speed rail network is built by union workers here at home.”
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.
The post IAM Union Statement on Voluntary Recognition Agreement with Siemens Mobility appeared first on IAMAW.
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