Mar 17, 2020 | iMail
The IAM sent a letter urging members of the U.S. Senate to swiftly pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201, to protect our members working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation is an urgent first step in getting necessary assistance to working people and their families as we all work to quell this crisis.
“It is vitally important in this time of emergency that people are provided the tools needed to keep themselves and their communities healthy and safe,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Currently, many Americans do not have the necessary sick leave to stay home and avoid risk to others in the event of an illness. Rightly, this legislation would mandate that workers who are sick or affected by quarantine orders receive up to 14 paid sick days followed by up to 12 weeks of paid leave for a COVID related illness. The bill would also encourage people to seek testing for the virus if needed by making testing free of charge to most people with employer-based health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.”
Here’s how you can take action now:
1) Call your U.S. Senators at 202-224-3121 and tell them to swiftly pass H.R. 6201 and protect our members working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2) Send a message to your U.S. Senators telling them to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Read the full letter here.
The post Machinists Urge U.S. Senate to Pass Coronavirus Response Bill appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 17, 2020 | iMail
In response to the unprecedented destruction of demand for air travel due to COVID-19, US airlines are considering draconian measures to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic. US airlines have slashed capacity by up to 65 percent worldwide due to a drastic decrease in demand for air travel caused by COVID-19 and are mulling a complete shutdown.
US airlines have seen sharp declines in revenue caused by decreased demand. Carriers are bleeding and US airlines could be out of cash by the end May!
“US carriers are contemplating further capacity cuts or shutting down operations altogether, which only a month ago was unimaginable,” said IAM General Vice President Sito Pantoja. “I call on Congress to act now and help the US airline industry and its employees survive this crisis. We need every airline worker to contact their elected officials today and demand the same.”
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 airline jobs.
2) Click here to send a message to your members of Congress.
“This is the worst crisis ever seen in the airline industry, by far,” continued Pantoja. “We need immediate action. Hundreds of thousands of good middle-class jobs are at risk, as are our nation’s airlines through no fault of their making. Every airline industry job is in imminent jeopardy. Do not wait. Contact your representatives immediately to save our industry and our jobs.”
All IAM members must act today and call their elected representatives and demand action be taken to save hundreds of thousands of US airline jobs.
The post Urgent: Tell Congress to Save Airline Jobs appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 17, 2020 | iMail
Based on updated guidance concerning social distancing to slow and limit the rate of infection of COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, the IAM is temporarily suspending programming at the Winpisinger Education and Technology Center for five weeks, through April 17, 2020.
The decision was made after reviewing updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and state and local health agencies.
IAM and W3 officials are closely monitoring the situation and will extend the programming suspension if necessary.
The IAM’s paramount concern is that members and staff who attend W3 Center programs can learn, study and work in a safe and healthy environment. The decision was not made lightly, since education is critical to the IAM’s future as a powerful labor organization.
Participants in affected programs have been contacted directly. Any updates to the status of the W3 Center’s operations will be communicated on goIAM.org and winpisinger.iamaw.org.
All IAM members and staff are encouraged to heed advice of public health officials.
Please visit the IAM’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center frequently for updates.
The post Update: IAM Temporarily Suspends Winpisinger Center Programming through April 17 appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 17, 2020 | iMail
With dining options halted, you can still eat like a king and support our very own IAM lobstermen. Many Americans are staying in and having their food delivered. Why not fly in some Maine lobster?
Lobster 207 is having a huge sale this week and all union members will receive an additional $20 off their order.
Social distance while supporting IAM Maine Lobstering Union Local 207. Have fresh union-caught lobster delivered right to your doorstep.
Use the coupon code “Supportmaine” and you will receive $20 off your order of live lobster.
The post IAM Lobster 207 Has a Deal for You appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 17, 2020 | iMail
The IAM would like to get the word out about the amazing things our members are doing to get us all through this unprecedented time.
Without fanfare, IAM locals, districts and members are stepping up to find ways to assist members and their communities as we all cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
Email us with your IAM hero story at commdept@iamaw.org or tag us @MachinistsUnion on Facebook or Twitter.
Our members in the transportation, healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing and other industries are on the front lines of this crisis on a daily basis. Let us know about how you and your Brothers and Sisters are helping us all carry on.
If you know of an IAM hero making a difference during this trying time, we would like to hear from you. Email us at commdept@iamaw.org or tag us on social media.
Your stories will let our union sisters and brothers in on some new ways they can help make a difference. Let’s lift our spirits together and celebrate our hard-working members.
The post We Want to Hear About Our IAM Heroes appeared first on IAMAW.
