Mar 15, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, March 15, 2024 – Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has successfully secured $850,000 in funding for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Mechanics Union Local 701 apprenticeship facility in Aurora, Ill., as part of the recent bipartisan government funding package.
The allocation will support the development and expansion of the Local 701 apprenticeship facility in Aurora. Opened in July 2023, the new facility opened with its inaugural cohort comprising 94 automotive and diesel mechanic apprentices.
Due to the hard work of the IAM Local 701 staff, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi secured funding for the training facility. Staff and members attended community meetings, office visits, and congressional events to advocate for additional funding for the facility. This funding was granted because of IAM Local 701’s outstanding track record in creating highly skilled technicians and their commitment to advancing technicians’ education.
“This program is a tremendous success, and we appreciate Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s belief in this program,” said Mark Grasseschi, IAM Directing Business Representative and Chairman of the Local 701 Training Fund. “This facility empowers our students with vital trades education, securing debt-free graduation and union employment. By meeting industry needs, we’re fostering highly skilled technicians. With this funding, we can further expand our facilities and elevate our training to another level.”
IAM Local 701’s apprenticeship program uniquely integrates hands-on experience with theoretical learning, dedicating one day per week to training while working full-time under IAM-represented employers. This approach equips apprentices with essential skills and allows them to earn a livelihood, access health insurance, and contribute to a pension plan.
IAM Local 701 actively engages with federal, state, and local legislators to secure additional grant opportunities to support students’ education. Notably, the organization recently secured a significant grant of one million dollars from the state of Illinois, thanks to the efforts of Illinois State Sen. Karina Villa.
The roots of IAM Local 701’s apprenticeship program trace back to the 1990s when its founder, Sam Cicinelli, current IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, initiated efforts to garner support from the Local 701 members before bargaining contributions from the represented employers with whom Local 701 holds contracts with. Over the years, the program has evolved, culminating in partnerships with approximately 496 shops, including 200 auto dealerships. These partnerships span various sectors, including automotive, trucking, forklift, auto/body repair, trailer, marine, heavy equipment, and public transit.
“Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s advocacy and support for IAM Mechanics’ Local 701 underscore a commitment to investing in workforce development initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities,” said Cicinelli. “I want to thank our IAM Political and Legislative Department for their hard work and dedication to ensure this funding was included in the budget. This funding will help create highly-skilled technicians and help fill the high-demand jobs in the auto, trucking and other highly-skilled industries we represent.”
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 Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Secures $850K in Funding for IAM Local 701’s Apprenticeship Facility appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 8, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address:
“President Biden continues to show us why he is the most pro-labor, pro-worker president in the history of the United States. IAM members have twice voted overwhelmingly to endorse the President, and the IAM looks forward to continuing to work with the Biden-Harris administration to grow the power of working families.”
“Under President Biden’s leadership, our members are getting raises instead of pink slips. We have created 800,000 manufacturing jobs—the strongest manufacturing recovery since World War II—thanks to record investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Sciences Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan.
“We are building things in America again after the President’s strengthening of Buy American rules. And our members have the peace of mind that their pensions are secure, thanks to President Biden’s championing of the Butch Lewis Act.
“This is a president who champions workers’ rights. He walks picket lines with striking workers and has given us a pro-worker majority on the National Labor Relations Board.
“Above all, President Biden puts working families first in every decision he makes. He is a champion for democracy, women’s reproductive rights and unions that make life better for working people. He has our back – and we have his.”
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
The post IAM: The State of the Union is Strong Under President Biden appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 2, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
ATLANTA, March 2, 2024 – U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) has voiced her staunch support for the ongoing organizing efforts of the Delta Air Lines union coalition. As the representative of the “Fighting Fifth” Congressional District, she represents both the international headquarters of Delta Air Lines and thousands of Delta employees.
In a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Willams underscores the significance of supporting workers’ rights and the broader Atlanta community.
Her Georgia colleagues, U.S. Reps. David Scott, Sanford Bishop and Hank Johnson have also called on Delta Air Lines and CEO Ed Bastian to create a pathway to ensure Delta workers are free to join the union without fear or interference.
The support from members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation comes after a Congressional Labor Caucus letter that garnered 146 members of Congress to sign on, including Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.). Five other Republican members of Congress also penned a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
Williams, a union member, recently participated at the U.S. House of Representatives’ Labor Caucus workers’ roundtable to hear about Delta Air Lines workers’ organizing and collective bargaining efforts.
The worker roundtable discussion was hosted by the Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.).
“I have recently heard from the various unions about their organizing efforts and want to make clear my support for workers – many of whom are myconstituents – to be free to make their own decisions regarding unionization without fear of retaliation or intimidation from either management or their peers,” wrote Williams in her letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “I urge you to continue to adhere to the non-interference requirements of the Railway Labor Act and to take any allegations of interference seriously.”
“We are grateful for Rep. Williams’ solidarity with Delta workers,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Her commitment to ensuring workers’ voices are heard and respected is crucial in our fight for fairness and dignity in the workplace. Her constituents at Delta Air Lines deserve a fair shake at improving their lives.”
Upwards of 55,000 Delta employees are currently engaged in a campaign to join unions. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (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.
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 percent of Delta workers are unionized.
Unionized Delta pilots recently endorsed the joint IAM, AFA-CWA, and Teamsters campaign to organize Delta workers.
Read the complete letter here.
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.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
The post Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams Stands in Support of Delta Air Lines Union Coalition’s Organizing Campaign appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 1, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson Comes Out in Support of Delta Workers
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) became the third member of Congress in Georgia to call for Delta Air Lines to create a pathway to ensure workers are free to join the union without fear or interference. Rep. Johnson urged Delta to remain a good-faith partner as these discussions continue and respect the decisions of its employees, regardless of the outcome.
U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) joined the growing call for Delta Air Lines to create a pathway to ensure workers are free to join the union without fear or interference. U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) also wrote a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian calling on Delta Air Lines to uphold its reputation for excellence and fairness by respecting the rights of its employees to decide on unionization without interference.
“I strongly support all workers’ right to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions and to enjoy the well-earned fruits of their labor,” wrote Johnson in the letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “They deserve to feel seen and heard, and that includes the ability to make a well-informed decision regarding collective bargaining, without fear of retaliation from their employer. I urge Delta to remain a good faith partner as these discussions continue and respect the decision of its employees, regardless of the outcome.
“Congressman Johnson is a champion for working families; his support means a lot to Delta workers living in his district,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “I applaud him for speaking up for what is right and giving his constituents a voice. We hope Delta management listens to Congressman Johnson and other elected officials in their call for neutrality in this campaign.”
Upwards of 55,000 Delta employees are currently engaged in a campaign to join unions. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (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.
This third letter from a sitting member of the Georgia Congressional Delegation comes after five more Republican members of Congress penned a letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian. The Congressional Labor Caucus letter garnered 146 members of Congress to sign on, including Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.).
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.
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 percent of Delta workers are unionized.
Unionized Delta pilots recently endorsed the joint IAM, AFA-CWA, and Teamsters campaign to organize Delta workers.
Read the complete letter here.
The post Third Georgia Congressman Urges Delta Air Lines to Remain Neutral in Union Organizing Campaign appeared first on IAMAW.
Feb 29, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) wrote a letter to members of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee to swiftly advance Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su’s nomination to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.
Read the complete letter.
In her current capacity as acting secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL), Julie Su has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and an unyielding commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of our nation’s diverse workforce.
“Julie has a long record of commitment to protecting working Americans and ensuring that workplace laws and regulations are enforced accordingly,” reads the letter from IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Her work as the deputy DOL secretary, working collectively with former DOL Secretary Marty Walsh to ensure this very important federal agency promoted workforce development programs, helped promote good-paying jobs that lead to the Middle Class, and held bad-faith employers accountable.”
The IAM stands firmly alongside allies who share our dedication to safeguarding workers’ rights, and Julie Su epitomizes this alliance. Throughout her career, Su has been dedicated to protecting American workers and ensuring that labor laws are enforced equitably and justly.
During her tenure as deputy DOL secretary, Julie Su worked tirelessly alongside former Secretary Marty Walsh to spearhead initiatives that fostered workforce development, facilitated the creation of well-paying jobs crucial for bolstering the middle class, and held accountable those employers who engaged in bad-faith practices.
The IAM stands ready to advance the interests of America’s workers and will continue our outreach to help advance her nomination for a full Senate floor vote, where we are confident she will receive the overwhelming support needed for confirmation.
Read the complete letter.
The post IAM Calls For Senate Confirmation of Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su appeared first on IAMAW.
Feb 29, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM International President Brian Bryant, Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin and Chief of Staff Vinny Addeo joined IAM Florida State Council President Mike Phillips and members from across Florida at the state’s council.
Other featured speakers included former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried, Florida AFL-CIO President Dan Renolds, Florida State Rep. Tom Keen (D-District 33) and Florida State Rep. Victor Torres (D-District 25).
The Council discussed pending anti-worker legislation moving through the Republican super majority in the state, including:
-
Funding the Florida’s Unemployment Insurance Program with internet sales tax funds instead of employer contributions
-
Modifying state child labor laws to allow 16 and 17 year olds to work until midnight on school nights
-
Require every voter in Florida to re-enroll to vote by mail each election cycle.
A rally was held to support the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Florida Voters Right Act (S.B. 1522/ H.B. 1035). The bill aims to counter actions to restrict voting in the state, and improve upon the provisions of the 1965 Voters Rights Act that were recently gutted by the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court.
The post Florida State Council Fights Back Against Anti-Worker Legislation appeared first on IAMAW.
Recent Comments