Mar 24, 2020 | iMail
In response to the decreased demand for rail services due to COVID-19, U.S. rail systems are considering severe measures to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. rail systems face sharp declines in revenue due to a drastic decrease in demand for rail services caused by COVID-19.
IAM and TCU-IAM members proudly work in the commercial and freight rail industries to transport goods and people every day.
Please join us in asking Congress to provide financial assistance to protect thousands of jobs in one of America’s most vital industries. The financial losses for the rail industry are projected to be in the billions and the impact will be felt for months if not years. Our industry will play a crucial role in our nation’s recovery process.
Here’s how you can take action now:
1) Call your members of Congress at 202-224-3121 and tell them to take any action necessary to save our rail industry jobs.
2) Click here to send a message to your members of Congress.
All IAM members must act today and call on their elected officials to help save hundreds of thousands of U.S. rail industry jobs.
The post Tell Congress to Save Railroad Jobs appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 24, 2020 | iMail
Please urge members of Congress to help save the U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry and the millions of jobs it supports as part of the urgent relief package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently sent a letter to members of Congress urging support for hundreds of thousands of aerospace workers affected by the coronavirus crisis.
“As the largest aerospace manufacturing union in North America, the IAM and its members know well the importance of this vital industry,” said Martinez. “The industry provides for nearly 900,000 direct jobs and accounts for more than 2.5 million direct, indirect and induced jobs. Many of these jobs are high-skilled, union jobs and are proven gateways to the middle class.”
Read the full letter here.
Hundreds of thousands of aerospace workers need financial relief immediately.
Here’s how you can take action now:
1) Call your members of Congress at 1-866-829-3298 and tell them to take any action necessary to save the U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry.
2) Click here to send a message to your members of Congress.
Please call on your elected officials to help save over 500,000 U.S. aerospace manufacturing jobs.
The post Tell Congress to Save the U.S. Aerospace Manufacturing Industry appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 23, 2020 | iMail
Listed below is information about Unemployment Insurance access and any special provisions some states have undertaken in this extraordinary emergency.
United States
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced new guidance outlining flexibilities that states have in administering their unemployment insurance (UI) programs to assist Americans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Under the guidance, federal law permits significant flexibility for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits in multiple scenarios related to COVID-19. For example, federal law allows states to pay benefits where:
- An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work;
- An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and
- An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member.
In addition, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.
Many states are waiving waiting periods for unemployment benefits.
Canada
Workers — including the self-employed — who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 can apply, as can those staying home to take care of a family member with COVID-19 who doesn’t qualify. Parents staying home to care for children because of school closures are also covered, and can apply whether or not they qualify for EI.
To apply for EI benefits, you can visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/apply.html. Afterwards, you can apply to have the one-week waiting period waived by calling the government’s toll-free number at 1-833-381-2725, or teletypewriter at 1-800-529-3742.
U.S. Resources by State/Territory
Alabama – https://labor.alabama.gov/unemployment.aspx
Alaska – https://labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/COVID-19.htm
Arizona – https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual
Arkansas – https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/unemployment/how-to-file-a-ui-claim/
- Waiting period and work-search waived
- Apply on-line or by telephone
California – https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/
- waived the one-week unpaid waiting period
- unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member
- partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced
Colorado – https://www.colorado.gov/cdle
- reduced your hours to help stop the spread of COVID-19 you may file a claim
Connecticut – https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
Delaware – https://ui.delawareworks.com/
- waived the one-week unpaid waiting period
- unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member
- unable to work because you are caring for child
District of Columbia – https://does.dc.gov/
- waived the one-week unpaid waiting period
- waived job search requirement
Florida – https://www.stateofflorida.com/
- waived job search requirement
Guam – dol.guam.gov
Georgia – https://dol.georgia.gov/
- employers mandated to electronically file partial claims on behalf of their employees
- Employees for whom a partial claim is filed are not required to report to a GDOL career center, register for employment services, or seek other work.
Hawaii – https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/
Idaho – https://labor.idaho.gov/dnn
Illinois – https://www2.illinois.gov/
- unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member
- unable to work because you are caring for child
Indiana – https://www.in.gov/dwd/3474.htm
- Benefits will be paid to individuals who file their initial unemployment claims late
- Workers for whom tips make up a significant portion of their income will be allowed to include tips when the unemployment benefits are calculated.
- exempt from visiting WorkOne for the next four weeks or through the week of April 17.
Iowa – https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/
- Work search requirements will be waived.
- self-isolate, care for family members or due to illness related to COVID-19, you can receive unemployment benefits
Kansas – https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx
- short-term assistance program to help those whose employment has been adversely impacted by COVID-19.
Kentucky – https://kcc.ky.gov/
- waived the seven-day waiting period to apply
- waived the work search requirements to renew benefits
Louisiana – http://www.louisianaworks.net/hire
- Work search requirements are waived
- Week of waiting is waived
Maine – https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/
- Work search requirements are waived
- waiting period is waived
Maryland – http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment
- Work search requirements are waived for temporary lay offs
Massachusetts – www.mass.gov
- requirements regarding attending seminars at the MassHire career centers have been suspended.
- Deadlines missed by employers and claimants due to effects of COVID-19 may be excused under DUA’s good cause provision.
- “Worksearch” requirements will be interpreted to appropriately permit claimants affected by COVID-19 to collect benefits.
- DUA may pay unemployment benefits if a worker is quarantined due to an order by a civil authority or medical professional, or leaves employment due to reasonable risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member.
- waived the 1 week waiting period for unemployment benefits.
Michigan – https://fileunemployment.org/michigan/
- benefits extended to 26 weeks
- application period extended to 28 days
- work search requirements suspended
Minnesota – https://www.uimn.org/
- Work search requirements are waived
- waiting period is waived
Mississippi – https://mdes.ms.gov/
Missouri – https://labor.mo.gov
- Weekly work search requirements are not required when there is a recall date within eight weeks of the temporary lay-off.
Montana – http://www.montanaworks.gov/
- Worker is caring for a family member impacted by COVID 19
Nebraska – https://dol.nebraska.gov/uibenefits
- The waiting week for benefits has been waived
- Benefits will begin immediately and not with the usual first week unpaid
- The work search requirements will be waived
- Individuals will not have to apply to jobs in order to receive benefits
Nevada – http://ui.nv.gov/home.htm
New Hampshire – https://www.nhes.nh.gov
- Individuals who are unable to work or who have reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have immediate access to unemployment benefits
- eligible if your employer temporarily closes due to COVID-19;
- Individuals that need to self-quarantine or are directed to quarantine at the instruction of a health care provider, employer or government official are eligible
- Individuals that need to care for a family member that has COVID-19 or is under quarantine are eligible
- Individuals that need to care for a dependent because of school closures, child care facility closures or other similar types of care programs are eligible
New Jersey – myunemployment.nj.gov
New Mexico – www.jobs.state.nm.us
- work search requirement for affected workers has been waived for up to four weeks
- self-isolate or caring for an immediate family member that is self-isolated will be eligible
New York – https://applications.labor.ny.gov/
- NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period
North Carolina – https://des.nc.gov/
- Waived work search requirement
North Dakota – https://www.jobsnd.com/unemployment-individuals/file-claim
Ohio – https://unemployment.ohio.gov/PublicSelfServiceChoice.html
- exempt from requirements to actively seek work.
- extended benefits to workers whose employers have temporarily shut down
- waiving the 1-week delay for benefits
Oklahoma – https://unemployment.state.ok.us/
Oregon – https://www.oregon.gov/employ/unemployment
- waived work search requirement
- temporary lay-offs eligible
Pennsylvania – https://www.uc.pa.gov
- waived work search requirement
- Waiting Week is suspended
Puerto Rico – https://www.unemploymentofficelocations.net/puerto-rico-unemployment-department-ud52
Rhode Island – http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ui/
- Waived 7 day waiting period
South Carolina – https://scuihub.dew.sc.gov
- Temporary lay-off and reduced hours eligible for 6 weeks
South Dakota – http://raclaims.sd.gov/
- Waived employment search requirement for 10 weeks
Tennessee – https://www.jobs4tn.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx
- Waived job search requirement
- Temporary lay-off and quarantined workers are eligible
Texas – https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services
- Waiving job search requirement
- Waiving waiting period
U.S. Virgin Islands – https://www.vidol.gov/
Utah – https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/home/
- Work search deferral on case by case basis
Vermont – https://uipublic.labor.vermont.gov/
Virginia – http://www.vec.virginia.gov/
- Waiting period waived
- Job search requirement waived
Washington – https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment
- Up to 12 weeks of “standby” temporary unemployment-no job search required
- Waiting period waived
West Virginia – workforcewv.org
- Waiting period waived
- Able and available work requirement waived
- Work search requirement waived
Wisconsin – www.dwd.wisconsin.gov
Wyoming – www.wyomingworkforce.org
- Work search waived for temporary layoffs up to 12 weeks
The post U.S. and Canadian Unemployment Resources appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 19, 2020 | iMail
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I am writing to you in an environment of fear and uncertainty. Many of our members in the U.S. and Canada have already been impacted by the fallout from the coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic. Undoubtedly, more effects will be felt by our membership, by our two countries and globally as this crisis unfolds.
I want to first assure you that the IAM—at every level—is fighting to ensure that employers respond to this pandemic in a way that provides for the safety and health of their employees and the communities in which our members live and work.
I also recognize that the pandemic poses a significant threat to our economy and to the economic security and livelihood of our membership. On this front we are working with employers to ensure that they are not using this national emergency to advance their economic interests. I am pleased to report that, at least anecdotally, many employers are responding in a reasonable and thoughtful matter.
We are also working on Capitol Hill and on Parliament Hill to ensure that all economic relief packages afford appropriate protections for our members who actually do the work. We are closely monitoring legislative activity in Washington, DC and in Ottawa to ensure that working people are protected both financially as well as with appropriate safety and health provisions.
I am also writing to you as a husband, father and grandfather. I share the deep concern you have for your families. In this time of uncertainty, taking care of our loved ones is of the utmost importance. I encourage you to follow guidelines and recommendations from public health officials at the federal, state, provincial and local levels. We can, by our collective actions, reduce the risk of transmission and infection of the coronavirus.
Listed below are science-based resources from public health officials:
– World Health Organization COVID-19 Situation Reports
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Situation Summary
– U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 Overview
– Canada Public Health Coronavirus Disease Resources
I also recognize that this current emergency is a source of additional stress for our members and their families. Fortunately, we have within the IAM our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Addiction Services Programs ready to assist and support members and their families struggling to cope with this situation. I encourage you to utilize these resources should you experience stress that is overwhelming or paralyzing.
In closing, I want to reiterate that the IAM is working very hard every day to address the economic, financial and public health impacts of this crisis. We are listening to you and will be providing updates and resources on a daily basis until we are through this pandemic. There has and will be changes to the way our union operates as we move forward, and we pledge to keep you informed throughout this entire process.
Please check the IAM Coronavirus Resource Center frequently for updates and announcements. Members should also subscribe to our email newsletter, iMail, and follow the Machinists Union on Facebook and Twitter for continuous information.
Our two countries, our union and our families have confronted and overcome many difficult and challenging times. I am confident that we will get through the challenge that is now before us. I would ask that you take care of yourself, your coworkers, your family, and your community. Together, in solidarity, we shall overcome.
Fraternally,
Robert Martinez Jr.
IAM International President
The post A Message from IP Martinez on the Coronavirus Crisis appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 19, 2020 | iMail
Because the developing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been declared a national emergency and is certain to affect every IAM-represented workplace, the Machinists Union has issued an important memorandum for bargaining with employers.
READ: Guidelines for bargaining with employers regarding COVID-19
Employers are required to bargain with unions over this matter, and it is essential for IAM leaders to ensure they are developing appropriate plans to respond to this crisis. The IAM has both the legal right to be involved in these plans. We have the responsibility to do so, in order to protect the health of the employees we represent, their families and the communities in which they live.
Because of the importance and urgency of this crisis, every IAM affiliate should follow the following steps outlined in the memorandum for each employer with which it has a collective-bargaining relationship.
Every employer with whom the IAM has a collective-bargaining relationship should be developing plans in cooperation with the union to respond to the crisis, to protect the health and safety of all employees, as well as the general public.
The post IAM Issues Guidelines for Bargaining with Employers Regarding COVID-19 appeared first on IAMAW.
