Feb 2, 2022 | Politics & Legislative News
Starting in early 2021, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) made it clear that it intends to ramp up its ability to protect all workers and their rights. But this latest wave of outreach specifically includes Spanish-speaking workers—a large group of U.S. workers who have been excluded from such efforts in the past.
In March 2021, the NLRB launched a Spanish website with information about the Board and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Last month, the NLRB launched a Spanish language e-filing service on its website for users to file unfair labor practice charges and petitions for union elections. And the NLRB has created Spanish Twitter accounts for the NLRB and the NLRB General Counsel, along with posting its news releases in Spanish as well.
Why is the NLRB engaging in this Spanish-language outreach? Within the United States, over 41 million people age five or older speak Spanish at home, making it the second-most spoken language in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census. As the U.S. labor force has grown more ethnically diverse, the number of workers who are not native English speakers has increased, with more than 20 percent of the US population overall speaking another language at home (QuickFacts). Workers who do not speak English, or do not speak it as fluently as other languages, are less likely to know their rights at work, and are therefore more likely to be exploited.
“It is vital that our members can learn about their legal rights in ways that are accessible to them, including in their native languages, so we can better inspire effective and meaningful activism among our members,” said IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel. “We commend the NLRB and the Biden administration for taking this much-needed step to reach workers in more ways.”
To address these disparities, the new appointees at the NLRB have undertaken an unprecedented level of outreach to Spanish-speaking workers.
“By allowing workers, employers, and unions to file an unfair labor practice charge or union petition in Spanish, we’re going to reach a portion of the public that we may have previously been unable to engage with as effectively,” said NLRB Chair Lauren McFerran.
This is also why the IAM has created Spanish Leadership courses, available at the Winpisinger Center each year. This three-course series brings the Leadership I, II and III courses to IAM Spanish speakers, and allows participants to develop skills necessary to be a good Local Lodge officer and/or active member in their native language. The IAM wants all of its members to get access to the information needed to be good unionists on the job, and the Leadership program is an excellent start in Spanish or English.
“One of our top priorities is to train and motivate our next generation of IAM leaders in ways that reflect the changing labor movement and the evolving demographics of our country, in Spanish and English,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM continues to show its commitment to developing future officers, activists, organizers and leaders from all backgrounds to represent and add future members to the IAM.”
The IAM Spanish language program description can be found here, and District Lodge leadership can provide you with more information if you want to participate.
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Feb 2, 2022 | Politics & Legislative News
A principios de 2021, la Junta Nacional de Relaciones Laborales (NLRB, por sus siglas en inglés) dejó en claro que tiene la intención de aumentar su capacidad para proteger a todos los trabajadores y sus derechos. Pero esta última ola de alcance incluye específicamente a los trabajadores hispanohablantes, un grupo numeroso de trabajadores estadounidenses que han sido excluidos de tales esfuerzos en el pasado.
En marzo de 2021, la NLRB lanzó un sitio web en español con información sobre la Junta y la Ley Nacional de Relaciones Laborales (NLRA). El mes pasado, la NLRB lanzó un servicio de presentación electrónica en español en su sitio web para que los usuarios presenten cargos por prácticas laborales injustas y peticiones para elecciones sindicales. Y la NLRB ha creado cuentas de Twitter en español para la NLRB y la Asesora General de la NLRB, además de publicar sus comunicados de prensa también en español.
¿Por qué la NLRB hace este alcance en español? Dentro de los Estados Unidos, más de 41 millones de personas de cinco años o más hablan español en el hogar, lo que lo convierte en el segundo idioma más hablado en los Estados Unidos, según el Censo de los EE. UU. A medida que la fuerza laboral de EE. UU. se ha vuelto más diversa étnicamente, la cantidad de trabajadores que no son hablantes nativos de inglés ha aumentado, con más del 20 por ciento de la población general de EE. UU. hablando otro idioma en casa (QuickFacts). Los trabajadores que no hablan inglés, o que no lo hablan con tanta fluidez como otros idiomas, tienen menos probabilidades de saber sus derechos en el trabajo y, por lo tanto, tienen más probabilidades de ser explotados.
“Es vital que nuestros miembros puedan aprender sobre sus derechos legales de manera que sea accesibles para ellos, incluso en sus idiomas nativos, para que podamos inspirar mejor un activismo efectivo y significativo entre nuestros miembros,” dijo la Asesora General de la IAM, Carla Siegel. “Felicitamos a la NLRB y a la administración de Biden por dar este paso tan necesario para llegar a los trabajadores de más maneras.”
Para abordar estas disparidades, las personas nuevas nombrados a la NLRB han emprendido un nivel sin precedentes de alcance a los trabajadores de habla hispana.
“Al permitir que los trabajadores, empleadores y uniones presenten cargos de prácticas ilícitas del trabajo o una petición sindical en español, vamos a llegar a una parte del público con la que quizás no hayamos podido interactuar con tanta eficacia anteriormente,” dijo Presidente de la NLRB Lauren McFerran.
Por eso también la IAM ha creado clases de Liderazgo en español, disponibles en el Centro Winpisinger cada año. Esta serie de tres clases trae a Liderazgo I, II y III a los hispanohablantes de la IAM y permite a los participantes desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para ser un buen oficial de su Logia Local y/o miembro activo en su idioma nativo. La IAM quiere que todos sus miembros tengan acceso a la información necesaria para ser buenos unionados en el trabajo, y el programa de Liderazgo es un excelente comienzo en español o inglés.
“Una de nuestras principales prioridades es capacitar y motivar a nuestra próxima generación de líderes de IAM de manera que refleje el movimiento laboral cambiante y la evolución demográfica de nuestro país, en español e inglés,” dijo el Presidente de IAM International, Robert Martinez Jr. “La IAM continúa mostrando su dedicación con el desarrollo de futuros funcionarios, activistas, organizadores y líderes de todos los orígenes para representar y agregar futuros miembros a la IAM”.
La descripción del programa en español de IAM se puede encontrar aquí, y el liderazgo de su Logia de Distrito puede brindarle más información si desea participar.
The post La NLRB emprende una nueva iniciativa para informar a los trabajadores hispanohablantes sobre sus derechos appeared first on IAMAW.
Feb 2, 2022 | Aerospace/Defense, Politics & Legislative News
Qatar Airways announced this week that they would purchase 34 new Boeing 777X freighters and a surprise purchase of Boeing 737 MAX, both of which are built by IAM members. These orders will significantly impact IAM members at Boeing in the Pacific Northwest and IAM aerospace members throughout the nation.
The deal’s announcement occurred at a White House signing ceremony attended by IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden.
“The IAM represents tens of thousands of members in the aerospace industry who welcome this long-term investment,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This investment, championed by the administration, signals an understanding of the impact of one of our nation’s most vital manufacturing sectors. IAM District 751 members are some of the most dedicated and skilled workers in the world, thanks in large part to being part of a union that gives them a voice in strengthening the aerospace industry. Today’s announcement gives hope to so many communities that will benefit from the good union jobs this investment will create.”
“Today’s investment recognizes the partnerships that helped make Washington state the hub for the Aerospace industry,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “The IAM has trained aerospace workers since 1935, and it was made possible through collaboration. We help provide pathways into aerospace jobs in our communities through aerospace training and state-registered apprenticeship programs. The Puget Sound community will benefit from the good-paying family-wage jobs. On behalf of IAM District 751, I want to thank all parties for not only the future investment in our community but in our nation.”
“The world is beginning to see what we’ve always known – that Ohio workers are the best at what they do, and that the future of advanced manufacturing is in our state,” said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). “GE Aviation has been driving that innovation and growth for years, building on Ohio’s rich aviation heritage. They’re such an asset to Ohio, and this deal is a huge win for the Ohio workers who are part of GE.”
READ: Qatar seals Boeing freighter deal with surprise 737 order Reuters
“I along with our Brothers and Sisters in the Puget Sound and the entire aerospace industry welcome the great news on the new orders,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “The aerospace industry is one of the best sectors in the Western Territory that provides good-paying jobs. Jobs that help build strong communities throughout the West including the Puget Sound area.”
“Another boost to our members working in the aerospace industry,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “Once again, this proves how much our members’ skillsets are valued in the industry. We continue to build the best products in the world, and this investment is proof.”
“I am proud of the role our members throughout the nation play in making this type of investment possible,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “The impact will be felt not only in the Puget Sound but also in IAM stronghold states such as Kansas, Connecticut, and Ohio.”
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Jan 25, 2022 | Politics & Legislative News
The recently unsuccessful opportunity for the U.S. Congress to thwart the rising attacks on our nation’s voting rights is unfortunate, but that will not stop the Machinists Union from continuing to advocate for means to restore the voting rights to protect the democracy of this great nation.
Despite aggressive advocating from the IAM and scores of other labor unions, the Senate recently failed to get enough votes to pause the filibuster rule, which is the 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation. The action failed in a 48-52 vote with Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) joining all Senate Republicans in the opposition of the rules change.
That essentially halted the advancement of the House-passed Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, two pieces of legislation that would restore and strengthen parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
That includes:
- Require early voting in all fifty states
- Create a national standard for mail voting
- Give Americans a public holiday to vote
- Establish clear federal redistricting standards to stop gerrymandered districts
- Create automatic voter registrations
The right to vote for whom we want to represent us is the foundational cornerstone of our democracy. Our ability to cast our ballot each Election Day is fundamental to our system of government. Yet, in 2021, at least 19 states passed 34 laws restricting access to voting. American democracy is under attack.
“Despite the disappointing vote in the Senate, our only recourse is to keep battling and organizing to protect our basic democratic right, the freedom to vote,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., who previously wrote a letter to U.S. Senators. “This fight is far from over. The Machinists will continue to lobby for this vital legislation because our democracy is too important for us ever to relent.”
Also, IAM members contacted their Senators, asking them to end the filibuster procedure and support the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
The post IAM Vows to Keep Fighting to Protect Voting Rights appeared first on IAMAW.
Jan 25, 2022 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
At a moment’s notice, a flight attendant may have to address a hazardous safety or security situation in the air. They are the first responders inside the aircraft cabin. Implementing a mandatory 10-hour rest period between shifts for this group of workers is something the Machinists Union has been fighting for decades.
Today, the IAM stands in solidarity with some of the largest airline unions in the world in a letter urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to make this a reality, as soon as possible. Although the regulation was initially passed in 2018 as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act, delayed adoption of the law’s requirements have created loopholes that some airline companies are taking advantage of, and therefore putting flight attendants in unsafe or even perilous situations having to work without the proper rest.
Read the full letter here.
In a joint letter submitted to the FAA and the DOT by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division (IBT), Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), and the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), the group stresses the importance of adopting this law as quickly as possible.
“In a time of chronic understaffing, economic cutbacks, and egregious customer behavior in many cases, it is now more important than ever that our first responders in the air get the rest they need and deserve,” said Richard Johnsen, Chief of Staff to the International President. “This is an issue that has been in the halls of Congress for decades. It’s time for our federal government to act now and ensure the highest level of safety for the airline workers of the skies and the passengers they serve and protect.”
Right now, because there is no regulation that requires it, various airline companies have found ways around the rule, especially during labor contract negotiations or during peak operations times. Passage of this act would make the 10-hour rest period mandatory, taking away the ability for any group or company to reduce the amount of rest time. Ultimately, this will keep workers, and the flying public safeguarded from unnecessary risks.
The post Machinists Union Stands By 10-Hour Rest Rule for Flight Attendants appeared first on IAMAW.
Jan 20, 2022 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh seeking his immediate assistance to obtain actual enforcement on the use of Canadian loggers under the I-l2A immigration system.
The letter details how the IAM has been working with Maine’s hard-working and highly-skilled loggers for years to help them bargain collectively and stop depressing wages in the industry. The situation is so dire that it has forced U.S. workers to give up altogether and leave the logging industry in the region.
“When we started this campaign three years ago, we were faced with a large group of workers that had been turned into independent contractors while still being completely directed at every step of the day by landowners,” wrote Martinez. “Since that time, we have moved on to another concern; one that I thought would be very easy to accomplish but has proven to be a much more difficult task: the illegal use of H2A drivers in the logging industry. As you know, H2A workers are only supposed to be utilized if they do not affect the wages or working conditions of U.S. workers. Our national union representatives and Maine Senate President Troy Jackson have met with hundreds of workers and have been out in the harvesting areas of northern Maine to witness firsthand the abuse of these workers. All of this is the result of violations of federal cabotage laws or point-to-point hauling in the United States.”
“The IAM urges the Department of Labor to enforce the law and protect the U.S. workers in Maine’s logging industry,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “The IAM Eastern Territory remains committed to providing every resource possible to protect Maine loggers. We hope this matter is reviewed swiftly and puts the proper enforcement in place. The IAM will fight to ensure justice is served.”
Read the full letter here.
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