IAM Local S6 Shipbuilders Fighting for Respect on Job

Jun 16, 2020 | iMail

More than 4,300 IAM Local S6 members in Bath, ME could be forced to strike Monday following a vote this weekend on the “last, best and final” offer from Bath Iron Works. A major point of contention is BIW’s intention to bring in out-of-state subcontractors to perform IAM members’ core shipbuilding work.

International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently sent a letter to Bath Iron Works President Dirk Lesko, encouraging the company to negotiate a contract the members deserve.

“Now is the time to reward dedicated workers who have risked their health to maintain production,” said Martinez. “Sadly, it appears that BIW has chosen to take another path, as evidenced by the current negotiations. Your current actions jeopardize the government’s trust in you to fulfill our obligation to produce the finest warships in the world.” 

“The men and women at BIW have the full support of the territory, and our staff,” said Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro Sr. “Their fight to stand against the outsourcing of their work to the lowest bidders is a noble and just cause. Their work must be defended.”

In addition to contracting out, the negotiating committee says the offer is subpar in wage increases, healthcare costs and attacks seniority. The current contract expires Sunday, June 21 and the negotiating committee recommends rejection.

The post IAM Local S6 Shipbuilders Fighting for Respect on Job appeared first on IAMAW.

Machinists Applaud Supreme Court LGBTQ Workplace Rights Ruling

Jun 16, 2020 | iMail

The IAM is lauding a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision extending civil rights protections to gay, lesbian and transgender people in the workplace. The high court ruled in a 6-3 vote that firing someone for being LGBTQ is a violation of the sex discrimination prohibition of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

“This long overdue decision says what our union and our allies have always said—that no one should be fired for who they are,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “While we celebrate the significance of this moment, we also recommit ourselves to fighting for dignity and justice on the job for every worker.”

The ruling sets a national standard for LBTGQ workplace rights. Prior to the ruling, it was legal to fire workers based on sexual orientation or gender identity in 27 of the nation’s 50 states.

The IAM joins many other labor unions and employee rights advocates to applaud the Supreme Court’s ruling. That includes Pride at Work, an AFL-CIO constituency group that advocates for LGBTQ employment rights.

“Today, the Court recognized that discrimination based on someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity is rooted in sex discrimination,” the association’s executive director Jerame Davis said in a June 15 statement. “The approximately 11.5 million LGBTQ people and 1.5 million transgender people in the United States are now protected from discrimination in workplaces across the country. While many lower courts already have recognized that, we now have clarity from the highest court in the land.”

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) touted the Supreme Court’s decision as “long overdue” and a potential springboard for more law changes.

“This ruling was long overdue, and it is my hope that this outcome will also have an impact on other laws, thus eradicating discrimination on the basis of sex, from our nation’s education system, housing programs, as well as allowing for equal pay opportunities, and access to healthcare,” said Yanira Merino, LCLAA National President.

 

The post Machinists Applaud Supreme Court LGBTQ Workplace Rights Ruling appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM Family Members Awarded 2020 Union Plus Scholarships

Jun 16, 2020 | iMail

The Union Plus Scholarship Program announced its 2020 winners, including members of two IAM families who were recognized for their academic achievement and exhibition of union values.

Jake Church of Kanab, UT, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Jake’s mother, Lisa Church, is a member of NFFE-IAM Local 2152.

Jake plans to attend Southwest Technical College in Cedar City, Utah, as an automotive technology and welding double major. He hopes to work in the automotive production field, with the long-term goal of owning a repair and welding shop. Jake has gained industry experience at a local automotive repair shop through a Kanab High School work-based learning program.

Macy O’Neill of Hickory, KY has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Macy’s father, Clarence O’Neill, is a member of IAM Local 1969.

Macy will be attending West Kentucky Community and Technical College this fall as a nursing major. She plans to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees with the goal to become a nurse practitioner. Macy completed dual-credit and AP courses at Grove County High School and was an honors graduate.

This year the Union Plus Scholarship Program awarded at total of $300,000 in scholarships to 215 students from 43 unions. It is now in its 29th year and awards scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need and commitment to the values of organized labor. The program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation.

The post IAM Family Members Awarded 2020 Union Plus Scholarships appeared first on IAMAW.