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.
The post A Message to IAM Federal Employees and Federal Contract Workers Regarding a Possible Government Shutdown appeared first on IAMAW.
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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Aug 29, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Legislative and Political Department helped the AFL-CIO kick off their inaugural Labor Day event featuring the State of the Unions address.
The theme for this Labor Day is “why it’s better in a union.” This event began the campaign to remind workers everywhere about the power of unions.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond delivered an inaugural State of the Unions address where they released new polling which underscores the American people’s support of unions—especially that of young workers—and their view of unions as critical to growing the middle class and providing opportunities for working people to thrive. Additionally, both officers stressed that with this unprecedented level of support, working people in unions are prepared to organize like never before, hold big corporations accountable and restore America’s promise for all.
“The idea of a union may sound complicated, but in reality, unions are just a group of people coming together. They are about each of us becoming the most powerful version of ourselves that we possibly can,” said Shuler. “And there is nothing better than finding that power alongside the people we work with and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. That’s all a union is. It’s that simple. People in this country have been searching for their power for a long time now, young people especially.”
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Aug 8, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
Five IAM members recently had the chance to meet President Biden during his visit to Maine. The president was in Auburn, Maine, to deliver economic remarks and sign an “Invent in Here, Make it Here” executive order on federal research and development supporting domestic manufacturing.
Maine State Council of Machinists President Mark Vigliotta was among the IAM members present.
“It was exciting, and I really appreciate the opportunity,” said Vigliotta, who said the president thanked the IAM for its continued support. “Thank you so much to Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon for giving me the opportunity to meet President Biden.”
Vigliotta was able to alert President Biden to issues faced by IAM Local 207 lobstermen, including misguided attempts to restrict lobstering with offshore wind development based on faulty science regarding right whales.
First Lady Jill Biden had previously spoken with IAM Local 207 members about lobstering issues during a visit in 2020.
“President Biden’s ‘Invent in Here, Make it Here’ executive order is a significant step forward in ensuring that the United States remains a leader in innovation and manufacturing,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This will help to create the conditions necessary for American workers to continue to invent and innovate. It will also help ensure American workers make these cutting-edge products in America.”
Joining Vigliotta in the IAM’s contingent was Local 207 Organizer Virginia Olsen, Local S7 Vice President Anthony Leeman, Local S6 Communicator Devin Ragnar, and Local S6 Legislative Committee Member Scott McDonald.
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Jul 18, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM, the largest U.S. aerospace and defense union, is again sounding the alarm to increase the domestic production of major defense programs.
As consideration of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) continues, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. is calling for Senators to support a bipartisan amendment that would gradually raise Buy American requirements on major defense programs from 55% to 75% by 2029.
“For far too long we have neglected to properly consider the impact of defense procurement policy on our domestic industrial base and, consequently, on the U.S. economy,” wrote Martinez in a letter to U.S. Senators. “We must understand that the foundation of our industrial base lies with the skills and abilities of the American worker.”
Earlier this year, the increased Buy American language passed in the House FY 2024 NDAA after again being championed by U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.). U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) is leading the charge to pass the bipartisan amendment in the Senate.
“This sorely needed language would help create countless high-quality defense manufacturing jobs across the United States, dramatically strengthen our domestic industrial base and ensure that our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to effectively complete their mission,” wrote Martinez.
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Jul 13, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2023– The IAM’s Eastern States Conference of Machinists has unanimously endorsed U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) for U.S. Senate.
Blunt Rochester has been a consistent champion for Machinists Union members, securing a 100% voting record in the IAM’s legislative scorecard.
The fourth-term congresswoman is a co-sponsor of the pro-labor Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and has supported critical legislation for the IAM and working people, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the American Rescue Plan.
“Rep. Blunt Rochester is a strong advocate for working families and the middle class,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “She has a proven track record of fighting for good-paying jobs, affordable healthcare, and defense programs that help keep our nation safe. “She is a proven leader who will fight for the issues that matter to our members. We are proud to endorse her for U.S. Senate and know she will be a champion for the people of Delaware.”
Rep. Blunt Rochester is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. She is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
“Rep. Blunt Rochester is a proven champion for workers in the manufacturing industry,” said Eastern States Conference of Machinists President E. Michael Vartabedian. “She has a track record of fighting for fair wages, a voice in the workplace, and quality healthcare. We are confident that she will be a strong voice for the people of Delaware in the U.S. Senate.”
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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