The 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention will be held in San Diego in September 2020. An important part of the Convention will be the 2020 IAM Commemorative Convention Book, and a popular feature of the book will be ads from our own Local and District Lodges. Proceeds from the ads will help offset the cost of the Convention.
Therefore, we are asking each IAM Lodge to consider purchasing an ad. Our Convention’s theme is “IAM Forging the Future,” as it accurately describes our union’s proud heritage and hopes for tomorrow.
You can design your own ad, or select one of the ready-made options from templates, which can be personalized by submitting print quality photos of your lodge members.
For an order form and detailed information on ad choices, pricing, specifications and sizes, please contact Communications Department Office Assistant Terri Crutchfield at 301-967-4520 or tcrutchfield@iamaw.org.
Ads and payment must be received by the IAM Communications Department on or before May 1, 2020.
Seventy-seven members of IAM Local 2704, employed by Velan Valve in Williston, Vermont, returned to work Monday after a weeklong strike. The highly skilled machinists manufacture high precision valves for customers such as the U.S. Navy and nuclear facilities.
The members previously rejected the company’s offer over proposed changes to the temporary employee’s language and healthcare coverage. Negotiators returned to the table and were able to reach a new deal to present to the membership, who ratified the agreement the next day.
The new two-year deal features wage increases of 2 percent each year and increased pension contributions, while holding the line on healthcare coverage and costs. Negotiators were able to have the temporary employee proposal returned to the existing language.
“Congratulations to the members, and families of Local 2704,” said District 4 Directing Business Representative Rick Compher. “My thanks to BR’s Dan Loudermilk, and Jay Wadleigh, the Negotiating Committee members, Local President David Littlefield, Vice President Gordon Davis and the Recording Secretary Mark Thompson.”
The members of the Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN) held a rally in front of Velan Valve HQ in Montreal, and shared photos with Negotiators.
“Solidarity made the difference here,” said District 4 Business Representative Dan Loudermilk. “The membership stood strong behind the Negotiating Committee, the community support was tremendous, and the solidarity rally held by our Canadian counterparts was a tremendous shot in the arm for these members.”
“Congratulations to these Brothers and Sisters,” said Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro Sr. “The support these members received from their community and other unions was crucial to the outcome, and it demonstrates why we actively support others where they work and live.”
The annual Bob Martinez Golf Tournament, hosted by District 776 in Fort Worth, TX, is an event everyone looks forward to attending.
One reason is that this is the home district of the IAM’s International President and the members here are extremely proud to call him brother. But the other motivation is that no matter the situation, when the pups at the Guide Dogs of America (GDA) need the Machinists, we happily comply.
“It’s always special to be a part of a great cause like helping raise funds for Guide Dogs of America,” said Martinez. “This year District 776 held another great event that will help GDA fulfill their missing of giving the gift of sight free of charge. I want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s tournament, especially Brother Eloy Rodriguez and all the volunteers who made it possible.”
This year, GDA will receive more than $43,000 from the event to help ensure that that any blind or visually impaired person who needs a guide dog can and will get one, free of charge.
“Every member of our union family knows how important it is to raise money for the Guide Dogs of America. We barely need to ask for donations before our brothers and sisters and reaching into their wallets to give all they can. Throw in a round of golf at a beautiful course like Squaw Creek Golf Course in Willow Park, TX and everyone wins,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace.
In its seventh year, 118 people on 30 teams competed for prizes and of course, bragging rights. Not just for who had the best score on the green, but rather who raised the most green for the pups.
Tom Olzak and his guide dog, Goliath, said he was privileged to attend and share his story of how his life has changed because of GDA.
“Being around so many passionate and committed people tells me that the act of giving is not lost,” said Olzak. “While I was there I began thinking about how my life would be different if Guide Dogs of America did not exist. The ongoing relationship between the IAM and GDA means we will continue to provide the blind and visually impaired with guide dogs and allow them to travel independently and safely.”
