Nov 2, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2023 – IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has sent a letter to members of Congress, urging them to sign on to a letter supporting high-quality U.S. jobs, national defense and the domestic defense industrial base. The letter, led by U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) urges the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to support efforts to bolster Buy American domestic content requirements for major defense programs through H.R. 2670 Section 869 in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“The IAM applauds Congressman Norcross for championing this important language, which passed into the House version of the FY24 NDAA with bipartisan support,” wrote Martinez in the letter. “This language would dramatically strengthen the domestic content requirement for future major defense acquisition programs and thereby create and support hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., ensure that our men and women in uniform have consistent access to the tools they need to safely complete their mission, and bolster our industrial base and domestic supply chain.”
The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States, has also voiced its support for the Buy American language. In a letter to members of Congress, the AFL-CIO emphasized that Buy American policies align with their values, ensuring that government procurement supports U.S. labor, environmental, and health and safety standards. By reinvesting taxpayer dollars in domestic products, these policies lead to family- and community-sustaining jobs in cleaner and safer American factories.
The Union Veterans Council weighed in with a letter urging members of Congress to support the Buy American language.
The IAM, AFL-CIO, and the Union Veterans’ endorsements emphasize the importance of strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting the men and women in uniform who rely on high-quality, American-made defense products.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Oct 26, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM recently endorsed the Empowering Striking Workers Act, a bill that U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), introduced to Congress this week.
The proposed law would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits two weeks after a strike begins, at the start of a lockout, or when the company hires replacement workers, whichever comes first.
“This legislation would be an enormous relief to workers who sacrifice so much to raise the standard of conditions, treatment and compensation in our workplaces,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Workers do not strike without good reason, and they risk their livelihoods and their families’ security to do it.”
Workers who become unemployed after a strike or lockout ends would also be eligible for unemployment benefits under the act.
The IAM joins a long list of organizations that have also endorsed the bill, including more than a dozen unions representing millions of workers.
“As a society, we need to be supporting workers who go on strike or get locked out, because they support the communities where we all live and work,” said Martinez. “The IAM thanks Congressman Schiff for taking this initiative and strongly encourages Congress to pass this bill.”
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Oct 2, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, October 2, 2023– Today, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Maryland State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland’s open U.S. Senate race.
“Angela Alsobrooks stands as an unwavering champion for working people and their families,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Her track record is a testament to her unyielding commitment to securing good jobs, fostering safe communities, ensuring affordable healthcare, and delivering quality education for all. We wholeheartedly and proudly endorse her for the United States Senate.”
Alsobrooks serves as the current County Executive of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and has held various roles in county government before making history as the youngest and first woman elected Prince George’s County State’s Attorney. As County Executive, Alsobrooks has focused on creating jobs, improving schools, and reducing crime. She has also strongly advocated for working families and has fought to raise the minimum wage and expand access to affordable healthcare.
“We are thrilled to endorse Angela Alsobrooks for the U.S. Senate,” said Maryland State Council of Machinists President Joseph “Rick” Compher. “She acknowledges our union’s contributions and champions the tireless dedication of IAM members who are the backbone of our state. Our union deserves nothing less than a fierce advocate in the United States Senate, and Angela Alsobrooks embodies that champion, ready to fiercely and tirelessly fight for our interests.”
IAM members will work on educating our members about what’s at stake in this election.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement and support of the Maryland/DC State Council of Machinists,” said Alsobrooks. “This organization works hard to protect workers and their families, ensuring that each of its employees has the right to earn a good salary, with benefits that support themselves and their loved ones. As U.S. Senator, I fight hard for workers’ rights and for Maryland families.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Oct 1, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2023 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement applauding the passage of a clean 45-day continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown and allow lawmakers to continue negotiating a final budget for the fiscal year:
“On behalf of the thousands of federal employees and federal contract workers that we proudly represent, we applaud the passage of a clean continuing resolution to end the political theatre and help ease the worries of millions of working families throughout our nation.
“The recent weeks of uncertainty, brinksmanship, and partisan wrangling have taken a toll on the dedicated public servants who keep our government running smoothly. Federal workers and contractors have been living in the shadow of potential furloughs, reduced paychecks, and disrupted services. This unnecessary stress and anxiety have weighed heavily on their shoulders.
“The bipartisan passage of a clean continuing resolution is a testament to the power of cooperation and a commitment to the American people. It is a responsible and necessary step forward that ensures our government can continue its vital functions without interruption.
“IAM has always stood with workers and their families during challenging times, and today, we stand together to celebrate a Congress that has put the needs of the American people first. We call on our elected officials to withstand extremist lawmakers in Congress and continue working together in the spirit of unity to address the many pressing issues facing our nation.
“We must use this moment to realize our nation’s true superpower, the strength of our democracy. When leaders push back against radical lawmakers who have no interest in compromise and prioritize the well-being of the people they serve, everybody wins. We hope this spirit of cooperation continues to guide our nation as we tackle the important challenges ahead.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Sep 25, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
Dear IAM Family,
The IAM has been closely following the increasing likelihood of a government shutdown beginning Friday, Oct. 1, 2023, which would affect tens of thousands of IAM federal employees and federal contract workers, as well as countless others. Unfortunately, a faction of right-wing extremists in Congress are again demanding draconian spending cuts and a variety of poison pill policy riders, and threatening to shut down the government if they don’t get their way.
The IAM and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) have been in consistent contact with congressional leadership urging Congress to quickly pass a Continuing Resolution to avoid a shutdown. We have been reminding them that many federal employees and federal contract workers live paycheck to paycheck and that a shutdown for any length of time is devasting to our members and their families.
TAKE ACTION: Send an online message to your lawmakers and urge them to fund the government now.
As a reminder, the IAM and NFFE-IAM worked hard to champion the successful passage of the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which ensures that all furloughed federal employees during a funding lapse receive their pay retroactively upon the government reopening. This law was a great victory, but does little to bring financial relief to workers during a shutdown.
Government shutdowns are even more destructive for our federal contract worker membership, who work alongside federal employees and perform equally essential work for our nation and often do not get any backpay at all. An IAM local lodge president recently wrote an op-ed on the profound impact that government shutdowns have on federal contract workers.
As a further reminder, the IAM worked with allies in Congress to push for the passage of the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act, which would have provided some level of lost wages to federal contract workers. Unfortunately, partisan gridlock prevented the legislation from passing. The IAM is working with allies in Congress to renew this push, should a government shutdown occur.
In addition to preparing personal finances to cover bills and other expenses during a shutdown, the IAM and NFFE-IAM recommend the following steps to stay safe at work and stay in touch if forced into a furlough:
- Report to work as usual unless your agency or employer informs you in writing that you are officially furloughed. Otherwise, you risk an unexcused absence if you are not furloughed.
- Sign up to receive emails using your personal email from the IAM here and NFFE-IAM here.
Additional resources from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Unemployment Insurance Q&A, Shutdown Guide, OPM 2019 Shutdown Guidance, Shutdown FAQ.
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Sep 21, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
Few figures in the labor movement and politics have left a lasting impression as much as William “Bill” Holayter, retired IAM Legislative and Political Director. Born in 1931 in the union stronghold of East Chicago, Ind., Holayter’s journey through life was deeply influenced by the values of hard work, solidarity and activism. As the IAM mourns his recent passing, we celebrate his remarkable life and profound impact on the IAM, the labor movement and American politics.
Growing up, he witnessed the power of organized labor firsthand. His father, a skilled carpenter, had emigrated from Hungary to the United States, seeking a better life and the promise of the American Dream. This early exposure to his father’s work ethic and immigrant background instilled in Holayter a deep respect for the values of hard work and opportunity that America represented.
At age 16, his family relocated to California due to growing environmental pollution concerns in East Chicago. This move marked a significant turning point in his life, setting the stage for his future endeavors on the West Coast.
After graduating high school, Holayter enlisted in the Navy and answered the call of duty. Following his military service, Holayter embarked on a career as a journeyman machinist. His skills and dedication quickly led him to the doors of Hiller Helicopters, where he joined the IAM. Within a year, he was elected as a shop steward, marking the beginning of his journey into union leadership.
Holayter’s commitment to the labor movement was unwavering. He later joined Westinghouse, continuing to rise through the union ranks. As an assistant chief steward, he became a shop steward and business agent, representing and fighting for workers’ rights in an increasingly challenging industrial landscape.
In 1969, Holayter made a pivotal move to Washington, D.C., to serve as the assistant political director of the IAM. In 1972, he ascended to the role of political director, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the union’s political agenda. Holayter’s tireless work extended beyond the walls of the union hall as he worked on various political campaigns, supporting candidates like Nancy Pelosi and George McGovern. He led the IAM’s endorsement of Joe Biden’s first run for United States Senate in 1972. The IAM was the first union to endorse Biden for Senate.
In 1992, he retired from his role as the IAM’s political director, but his dedication to the cause didn’t waver. He remained active with the Machinists’ Retiree Program, advocating for the rights and well-being of retired union members.
“In the history of the labor movement, Bill’s contribution was marked by strong dedication, relentless effort, and a strong commitment to justice,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “His memory lights the way for future generations of union members and political supporters. As we grieve his loss, we honor the lasting impact he had on the IAM, the labor movement, and American politics.”“Bill Hoylater was a giant in the labor movement,” said IAM Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon. “He was a powerful voice for the Machinists Union and working families for many years on Capital Hill. It’s because of the relationships that he built and doors of power that he opened that to this day we have a seat at the table.”
Bill’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of union members and political advocates, reminding us of the power of dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of justice.
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