Nov 21, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), a union representing 110,000 federal employees, is sounding the alarm about what the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – an unofficial entity operating outside of the federal government – would do to our nation’s veterans if Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy achieve their stated goals of reducing the federal workforce by 75 percent and cutting federal spending by $2 trillion annually.
The federal government is the single largest employer of veterans in this country. There are currently 2.278 million civilian federal employees and nearly 30 percent of them are veterans. If DOGE follows through on proposed threats, and lays off 75 percent of the federal workforce, an estimated 481,950 veterans will be laid off.
“Every person in this country needs to know that if Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy get their way, nearly half a million veterans will go jobless,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees. “The very objective of this so-called Department of Government Efficiency is hostile to our cherished American veterans.”
The pain that DOGE would inflict on America’s veterans would not end there. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs nearly 371,000 health care professionals and support staff at VA medical facilities across the country. It is also responsible for administering benefits programs for Veterans, their families, and survivors. A 75 percent reduction in staff, about 278,000 total employees, would cripple the services currently provided to veterans in the U.S.
“If Musk and Ramaswamy execute their stated plans, the VA healthcare system as we know it will collapse,” continued Erwin. “When it does, we will be breaking the promise we make to our men and women in uniform that if they serve this country, they will be cared for afterward. This country is better than that. We simply cannot let that happen. There is a lot of talk about keeping promises these days. Keeping our promise to our veterans is the one we should be most worried about when it comes to this so-called Department of Government Efficiency.”
“It is clear that Musk and Ramaswamy simply do not understand how the federal workforce is staffed or operated,” concluded Erwin. “When they make absurd claims about government waste and bash dedicated federal employees, they conveniently leave out the fact that the civil service is the same size as it was in the 1950’s, although the size of the American population has roughly tripled. Per capita, the federal government is the smallest it has ever been in American history. In fact, many critical agencies and services are chronically understaffed. Reducing the federal workforce to a quarter of what it is now would be catastrophic to not only veterans, but the entire American public.”
The post So-called Department of Government Efficiency Would be Responsible for Nearly 500,000 Veteran Layoffs if Musk and Ramaswamy Execute Stated Plans appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 19, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), issued a statement today on the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) decision to make mandatory captive audience meetings illegal:
“This is a major victory for workers across the United States. Companies use these meetings to pressure and mislead employees about unions. Now, workers will be free to make their own choices without fear of retaliation.
“The NLRB ruling clarifies that forcing employees to attend anti-union meetings violates their rights. Employers forcing workers to sit through these captive audience meetings undermine workers’ rights to organize their workplaces through fear and intimidation.
“These meetings are always unfair and one-sided. They create an intimidating atmosphere where workers can’t speak out or ask questions. This NLRB decision levels the playing field and ensures everyone has a fair chance to hear both sides.
“The IAM has been a vocal opponent of captive audience meetings for many years. We believe this ruling will empower more workers to join together and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
“This ruling shows how vital the NLRB is for enforcing U.S. labor law and shaping the lives of working people. The IAM stands ready to assist any worker who wants to learn more about their rights and how to form a union.”
The post NLRB Ruling Making Captive Audience Meetings Illegal is a Win for Workers’ Rights appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 6, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Dear IAM Family,
In our union and in our nation, the principles of democracy are placed above all else. We value every voice and every perspective. We stand for the dignity of all work and of all people.
Those principles – democracy, freedom and opportunity for all – will always guide the IAM. Nothing will change that.
We are proud of every IAM member who made their voices heard in this election. The spirit of activism and engagement is strong in our union. We must – and we will – carry that resolve forward.
And if we look at our 136-year history, the path forward is clear.
We will organize. We will join together. We will defend the rights and freedoms of all.
In solidarity,
Brian Bryant
International President
The post We Will Always Stand United appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 5, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill, Politics & Legislative News
Click Here to view this edition of Machinists on the Hill.
The post 🗳️ Machinists on the Hill: Battleground States Final Blitz appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 5, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
In Charlotte, N.C., hundreds of union members from various unions gathered at the American Postal Workers 375 Union Hall for a labor-focused get-out-the-vote effort, coordinated by the North Carolina AFL-CIO. This Saturday event organized volunteers to canvas the city, distributing materials to union members’ homes to help them make informed choices in this year’s presidential election.
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond kicked off the event, expressing gratitude to the volunteers for their dedication in educating fellow union members. He emphasized the importance of knocking on union households’ doors and engaging in meaningful conversations to empower communities and amplify workers’ voices.
“This gathering is a testament to your commitment to labor values and dedication to the movement. You could be home today, but you know this election is too important,” said Redmond. “You understand what’s at stake, and that the work we do leading up to election day will shape the future of the United States for generations.”
The two presidential tickets stand in stark contrast on labor and workers’ rights. Trump and Vance oppose key labor rights by supporting practices like firing striking workers and withholding overtime pay, even crossing picket lines themselves. In contrast, IAM-endorsed candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have shown their solidarity by joining picket lines and supporting the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
This election is pivotal, giving us a chance to elect leaders who respect workers’ rights and the freedom to unionize, like Braxton Winston (IATSE), who is running to become the first hourly worker and union member elected as North Carolina’s Labor Commissioner.
The post Union Members Mobilize in Charlotte for Critical Get-Out-the-Vote Effort appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 4, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Dear IAM Family,
In our democracy, just like in the IAM Union, we have the power to determine our future.
Most of us believe in an America where everyone has the freedom to thrive. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, we will decide whether we’ll have a future where we decide for ourselves or one where the wealthy few try to control our lives.
Our vote is our voice and we’re turning out to vote to have a say in the decisions that impact our lives: from how we grow, support, and care for our families to making sure our children are safe and free to learn and thrive.
So, if you haven’t already, make a plan to vote at IWillVote.com.
Vote like our future depends on it – because it does.
In solidarity,
Brian Bryant
IAM International President
The post Let’s Vote, IAM Union! appeared first on IAMAW.
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