Mar 19, 2020 | iMail
The IAM recently helped secure bipartisan congressional support for continued investment in the F-35 program. The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2021 defense authorization and appropriations bills. The Defense Department’s budget request had called for less investment in the F-35 program.
The bipartisan letter, led by U.S. Reps. John Larson (D-CT), Martha Roby (R-AL), Michael Turner (R-OH) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) was sent to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Armed Services Committee and the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. The letter received more than 130 bipartisan signatures.
“The F-35 is the most advanced fighter in the world and is exceeding operational expectations,” reads the letter. “The three U.S. services and our allies are now flying more than 500 aircraft at 23 locations around the world. The program is beginning to show maturity and warrants continued support.”
The full letter can be read here.
“I am proud of the lobbying efforts of our IAM Legislative Department and IAM members who work on the F-35 program,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This program results in an annual economic impact on the U.S. of over $49 billion supporting more than 254,000 direct and indirect American jobs at approximately 1,800 suppliers across the nation.”
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Mar 19, 2020 | iMail
The IAM is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation calling for the funding of a second Virginia-class submarine in fiscal 2021 defense spending legislation.
The Defense Department’s 2021 budget request calls for purchasing only one Virginia-class submarine.
U.S. Reps. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) recently wrote a letter to the House Defense Appropriations panel requesting funding for a second Virginia-class submarine. 112 lawmakers signed on to the letter.
According to National Defense Magazine, Rep. Courtney, the chairman of the subcommittee, said the move was at odds with the Navy’s priorities.
“Year after year, Congress has heard from Navy leaders, combatant commanders and experts about the growing demand for submarine capabilities as countries like China and Russia step up their undersea activity,” said Courtney. “They have urgently warned us that we need more submarine construction, not less, in order to mitigate the nearly 20 percent reduction in the fleet we presently face within this decade.”
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Mar 19, 2020 | iMail
As the world collectively battles the Coronavirus pandemic, Union Plus is focusing on providing resources to support IAM families who participate in Union Plus programs.
If you are a participant in our Union Plus mortgage, credit card, personal loan or supplemental insurance programs, you may be eligible for additional hardship or layoff assistance.
Please see the Union Plus Hardship Help section for eligibility requirements.
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Mar 19, 2020 | iMail
In the best interest and safety of the membership during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the IAM has decided to cancel the IAM Legislative Conference, scheduled to be held May 4-6, 2020, as well as the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference, scheduled to be held May 7-9, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Washington Hotel located in Washington, DC.
The IAM hopes to reschedule both conferences at a later date. Once further information is available, the IAM will follow up with any details. Registered attendees should cancel all hotel and travel arrangements they have made for the Legislative and MNPL Conferences at their earliest convenience.
Please contact Metropolitan Travel Services at 703-245-4033 or email them at iamlegislative@mtsunion.com to cancel your hotel and travel arrangements.
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Mar 18, 2020 | iMail
The IAM recognizes this is a stressful time for many IAM members, staff and family members due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The IAM Employee Assistance and Addiction Services Program stands ready to assist members, staff and their families during this tough period.
As with any large scale event such as this we face many challenges. In conjunction with this occurrence we face the familiar list of continuing problems associated with, but not limited to; substance abuse and addictions, mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, financial hardship and socioeconomic issues. All of these are serious matters that can cause problems by worsening the situation and negatively impacting the quality of life for many of our members.
IAM EAP Services can be accessed by emailing iameap@iamaw.org or by calling 301-335-0735.
IAM Addiction Services can be reached by calling 1-888-250-4IAM (4426).
Your IAM EAP and Addiction Services program provides confidential assistance services to IAM members, staff and family members. We stand ready to assist with prevention, intervention, assessment, directed care and follow-up services so our members can resume and maintain their quality of life and work.
We recommend making sure you are paying attention to your eight dimensions of wellness, as provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Please take care of yourself, family, sisters, brothers and friends during this difficult time and remember, the IAM EAP and Retirees Department stands ready to help.
Visit the IAM Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center for continuing updates.
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