The Machinists Union played a major part in the May 17 successful launch of the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket carrying the U.S. Space Force X-37B autonomous spacecraft to orbit.
The launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida was the successful start of USSF-7, which is the seventh flight of the Atlas V. ULA teamed with Boeing for the mission. Both aerospace companies employ IAM members who build rockets, work on launch teams and maintain facilities.
The classified mission was dedicated to health care workers, first responders and anyone else who has been affected by COVID-19.
“We owe so much to the men and women of the Machinist Union who have made the space industry what it is today,” said Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “Day in and day out, IAM members working on the space coast put this country’s economy a step ahead by producing and maintaining some of the most sophisticated technology known to man. I am proud that the expertise of our dedicated membership continues to be an integral part of space exploration.”
Congratulations to our many IAM members who played a key part in Sunday’s successful launch of @ulalaunch#AtlasV rocket carrying the US Space Force X-37B autonomous spacecraft to orbit https://t.co/ABMyFflXhR
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) May 18, 2020
The U.S. Space Force is a new service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Pentagon officials recently raised serious concerns over disrupted supply chains located in Mexico due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IAM has been warning about offshoring components and parts for years.
“Bringing supply chains home from Mexico and China will take more than tweets, press releases and op-eds by the Administration,” writes IAM Chief of Staff and Director of Trade and Globalization Owen Herrnstadt in an article posted by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).
“Returning jobs to America requires a robust, comprehensive strategy that coordinates policies in trade, currency valuation, investment, financing, energy, technology, tax, education, training, government procurement, and labor,” said Herrnstadt.
In the EPI article, Herrnstadt elaborated on six key elements to implementing an effective strategy. Among them are creating a U.S. Manufacturing Investment Bank that directly supports jobs here at home and strengthening Buy American laws. It also addresses currency misalignment and eliminating tax incentives that encourage corporations to outsource production.
“With over 38 million people out of work and an unemployment rate which has reached Depression-era levels, Americans are in desperate need of a well-coordinated, comprehensive policy to stop the erosion of our nation’s industrial base,” said Herrnstadt.
Your generosity will go twice as far when you donate to Guide Dogs of America this week. Every dollar donated will be matched, now through Memorial Day, May 25, 2020.
GDA received a match sponsor for every dollar raised this week, up to $6,500. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to double your donation.
Every dollar will go twice as far in bringing confidence, independence, and mobility to those who need it most.
The IAM and the Alliance for Retired Americans staunchly stand against the Trump administration’s proposal to allow Americans to cut their future Social Security benefits for some quick cash today.
The administration wants people to “borrow” money from their own future Social Security benefits and then pay interest on it every year until they retire, according to a report from the Washington Post.
The Trump administration’s new scheme is to offer working people cash payments of $5,000 or $10,000 in exchange for cuts or delays to earned Social Security benefits.
Millions of working Americans are struggling financially because of the coronavirus. They deserve real help, not a bad payday loan disguised as economic aid.
“We cannot allow this crisis to be used as an excuse to gut the retirements of millions of working Americans,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM and our allies in the labor movement will stand strong, as we always have, to protect the retirements we have earned.”
Instead of trying to steal the earned benefits of families struggling to make ends meet, the government should be expanding Social Security for all current and future beneficiaries while increasing direct cash payments to all U.S. households.
Local Lodge S6 has been exploring various options regarding the upcoming expiration of our collective bargaining agreement since COVID-19 entered our lives. As the Governor of Maine issued and extended the state of civil emergency along with other executive orders which effect gatherings of more than 50 people and with CDC guidelines of social distancing.
It has become apparent that holding our Contract Ratification vote at the Augusta Civic Center or anywhere else is just not an option. The best option presented to us has been Ballotpoint; an online or by phone electronic voting system used by Unions, Associations, and Government agencies for contract ratification votes, elections, and Convention voting. Ballotpoint has 20+ years of experience and is used by Unions across the country. This is a Union company that performs votes like this all the time including a 17,000-bargaining unit in the airline industry.
-We need your correct address at the Union Hall (ASAP). We will have information being sent to your home by USPS mail for voting instructions and access code for casting your vote. (please make sure you have the correct address on file at the Union Hall 207-442-2063).
-We need addresses updated no later than 5/21 in order for you to receive your voter information package without delay.
-In the coming weeks look for mail coming from Ballotpoint/LOCAL S6.
-Contract Negotiations start on Tuesday 5/26.
-Negotiations will wrap up.
-You will get a contract in hand.
-We will have a platform to read all changes and answer questions before voting opens.
-The Contract ratification vote will OPEN at 12:01 AM on 6/19 and CLOSE on 6/21 at 12/noon.
-Voting can be done by phone or online.
-50 percent of the membership plus 1 yes vote is needed for acceptance and ratification of the contract.
-Failure to obtain a ⅔ vote to authorize a strike will result in acceptance and ratification of the contract.
MORE INFORMATION TO COME
Watch for mail, Check the Union boards throughout the shipyard facilities, Local S6 on Facebook, and iams6.org.
to our many IAM members who played a key part in Sunday’s successful launch of @ulalaunch #AtlasV rocket carrying the US Space Force X-37B autonomous spacecraft to orbit https://t.co/ABMyFflXhR
(@MachinistsUnion)