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.
May 6, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
In March, Georgia State Council of Machinists (GSCM) President James Clements (IAM Local 2699) joined U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su for an event in Atlanta to highlight the strengths of a diverse workforce and the importance of unions to advance working families.
Su has been touring several states to promote President Biden’s agenda and establish partnerships with unions.
“It’s a privilege to stand alongside Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and an esteemed group of community and labor leaders,” said GSCM President James Clements. “This event is not just a gathering but a strong statement of our collective commitment to equity and our dedication to building a stronger, more resilient labor movement.”
Secretary Su held a Q&A session, addressing different topics critical to working Georgians, including wages, worker classification, and legislation passed by the Biden Administration, such as the infrastructure bill, the Inflation Reduction Act, and more.
The event was attended by leaders from various community and labor organizations, including the IAM, IBEW, Teamsters, AFGE, and others.
The Georgia State Council of Machinists has been at the forefront of supporting workers’ rights and has played a crucial role in the ongoing organizing campaign for Delta Air Lines ramp workers. During the event, GSCM was able to ask her to support the organizing efforts as she continues to travel the country.
5 March 2024 – Atlanta, GA – Acting US Secretary of Labor Julie Su attends a Labor Leaders meeting at the IBEW.
Photo Credit: Department of Labor
Alyson Fligg
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Apr 30, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Maryland State Council of Machinists has endorsed Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski for the United States Senate and State Sen. Clarence Lam (D-12) for Congress. The state council had already endorsed Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
What they’re saying: “Our union supports any candidate that fights for workers and our members,” said Maryland State Council of Machinists President Rick Compher. “This council is excited that these candidates will fight for workers when elected.”
- Olszewski, who serves as Baltimore County Executive, has been fighting to secure emergency benefits for workers impacted by the recent collapse of the Key Bridge, which is part of his county.
- Lam, a Maryland State Senator, is a physician and advocate for preventive medicine and healthcare modernization.
- He co-sponsored the IAM-championed Library Workers Empowerment Act that passed in the Maryland Legislature this year to expand the right to collectively bargain for public library workers throughout Maryland.
- The IAM represents library staff in Baltimore County.
Speakers included: Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division; Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff, IAM Air Transport Territory; Chuck Herod, Chief of Staff, IAM Eastern Territory.
The post DC & Maryland Machinists Back Working People Candidates appeared first on IAMAW.
Apr 25, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM International President Brian Bryant just sent a strong letter to U.S. Senators urging them to sign on to Sen. Laphonza Butler’s letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian calling for the company’s neutrality toward workers’ union organizing efforts.
Ask your senators to send a strong message of support to workers at Delta by signing on to Sen. Butler’s letter.
Sen. Butler’s letter asks Delta’s CEO to respect the voices of its employees by pledging not to interfere in any union organizing activities by adopting a neutrality agreement.
A neutrality agreement consists of an employer agreeing not to engage in pre-election activities that influence workers’ freedom to form a union, and the letter emphasizes that a neutrality agreement is the bare minimum that Delta should meet to respect the rights of its employees.
Please join the IAM in asking your senators to support workers and urge Delta to stay neutral in the workers’ union organizing campaign.
Delta has a history of utilizing anti-union tactics and is again facing allegations of union-busting in response to this current organizing campaign.
The House Labor Caucus recently sent a similar letter to Delta Airlines that garnered over 150 members of Congress.
All workers deserve to freely join a union without harassment and intimidation by their employer.
Tell your senators now by sending a prewritten email.
The post Tell the Senate to Support Workers, Pressure Delta for Neutrality appeared first on IAMAW.
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.
The post IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon Appointed to Serve on AFL-CIO’s Working America Board appeared first on IAMAW.
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