New York Yoga Instructors Seeking IAM Representation

New York Yoga Instructors Seeking IAM Representation

Yoga teachers at Yoga Works in New York City are seeking to join together with the Machinists Union. The IAM recently filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to hold union representation elections. YogaWorks, Inc. is one of the largest providers of high-quality yoga instruction in the U.S.

Teachers are organizing around making yoga instruction a sustainable profession, with industry standards that provide for an ethical practice that also balances the needs of profit with the core tenets of Yoga. Traditionally, the Yoga/Fitness industry was dominated by small “mom and pop” studios. Over the last decade, larger companies, with the backing of venture capitalist funds, have been buying up the smaller studios and consolidating their market share.

READ: Yoga Teachers Are Unionizing to Heal the Wellness Industry The Cut

             The Yoga Instructors vs. the Private Equity Firm New York Times 

Please follow the campaign on Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter. 

The post New York Yoga Instructors Seeking IAM Representation appeared first on IAMAW.

Another Organizing Victory in Healthcare

On Monday, September 9, 2019, 55 Military and Family Life Counselors or (MFLCs), at Ft. Bragg North Carolina, overwhelmingly voted to join the IAM. These Healthcare Professionals provide critical counseling to active military personnel and their families. The victory marks the fifth in a row.

The Western Territory in conjunction with The IAM Healthcare department have to date organized 215 MFLCs. General Vice President Gary R. Allen said, “We are honored to help the MFLCs win justice, respect and dignity on the job. The work they do is invaluable to our military.  I congratulate all involved including Grand Lodge Representative Mark Ward, and Associate Organizers Randa Ruge and Jason Roe.”

Healthcare Director Marti Garza said, “The Company ran an anti-union website and held meetings to dissuade the workers from voting for the union, but the workers’ solidarity prevailed and now they are on the path to gain job securities.” 

Ft. Bragg MFLCs have endured understaffing, decreased benefits, no tuition reimbursement, and a $12,000 a year pay cut. Despite the hardships, they show up to the world’s largest military installation every day and provide the highest level of care to their patients.

“I voted YES for the Union because I feel that it is important to have a voice,” said Ft. Bragg MFLC Patricia Dennis. “Being part of a Union is the best way to ensure quality pay standards and workplace protections. Union membership gives me a seat at a table,” said Jovan McLeod, a CYB MFLC at Fort Bragg.

As the newest members of the IAM prepare to engage in collective bargaining and win a strong first contract, they give hope to unorganized workers across our country. Their steadfast example in the face of the company’s anti-union campaign is an inspiration to future healthcare campaigns. The Western Territory and the IAM Health Care Department are excited about the future of unionizing Healthcare Workers across the country.

The post Another Organizing Victory in Healthcare appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM Western Territory Raffle Raises Over $100K for Convention

Nearly $125,000 was raised in support of the IAM 2020 Grand Lodge Convention through the 2020 Grand Lodge Convention gold raffle and the MAK Grill raffle. Winners were drawn last week at the IAM Staff Conference in San Diego.

“Congratulations to the winners. I thank all who participated in the raffles, and those that purchased clothing,” said Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “It was an outstanding and impressive effort to ensure a great convention. We encourage all to participate in the forthcoming Gator raffle. Again on behalf of the Western Territory staff we thank you all for your continued generosity.”

John Stebbins of Carnation, WA won the grand prize of American Eagle gold coins valued at $20,000. Joseph Fancella of Arlington, WA won the second prize of American Eagle silver coins valued at $1,000 and Dennis Ingram of San Diego, CA won the third prize of a $500.

IAM Local 2949 in Tucson, AZ was the winner of the MAK Grill with a retail value over $2,800.

Fundraising is an essential part of preparing for the 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention to help offset the cost of the convention and ensure delegates have a welcoming experience.

You can help by entering the next raffle, which will be for a union-made John Deere Gator. Details will be posted on IAMGLC2020.com as soon as they are available.

The post IAM Western Territory Raffle Raises Over $100K for Convention appeared first on IAMAW.

Sign Up for the Advanced Communicators Class

The IAM Communications Department will be conducting its Advanced Communicators Class December 8 – 13, 2019 at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD.

This advanced course is offered for district and local lodge communicators who have previously completed the department’s Basic Communicator Class. Additionally, participants must be the communicator for their local or district lodge and have personal or lodge access to the internet and email capability.

The official call for the Advanced Communicator Class has more information and registration forms, and is available in English and French. Registration forms must be received by the IAM Communications Department by October 4, 2019.

This valuable course will give communicators tools to take their lodge communications to the next level by providing detailed instruction in writing, photography and video for social media, marketing, graphics and desktop publishing.

The post Sign Up for the Advanced Communicators Class appeared first on IAMAW.

Activate L!VE: IAM President Martinez and Preparations for 2020 Convention

This week on Activate L!VE IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. joined the show from the International Staff Conference to bring us up to date on preparations for the 40th Grand Lodge Convention to take place in San Diego in September 2020.

In case you missed this, or any other episode of Activate L!VE, they are available 24 hours a day on:

Facebook
YouTube
Twitter

Activate L!VE webcasts live each Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST.

The post Activate L!VE: IAM President Martinez and Preparations for 2020 Convention appeared first on IAMAW.