IAM Local 1260 in New Holstein, WI honored union retirees at a banquet commemorating their 50 years of membership in the Machinists Union. Thirty-two members were recognized for their service and nine attended the event.
The annual banquet was hosted by Machinists Union Local 1260 President Bonnie Polster. Honorees, who primarily worked in the local manufacturing sector, became members in 1969. Each was awarded a certificate, pin and gold card.
Award recipients in attendance were David Duchow, Delton Duchow, John Fischer, Richard Franz, Carol Gierke, Dennis Schaefer, Peter Tuma, Owen De Long and Theresa Rozman.
“Thank you to the men and women of IAM Local 1260 celebrating 50 years of IAM trade unionism,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Your dedication to your union has been immeasurable. And for that – we honor you. May your devotion and service continue to inspire generations to come.”
Power in numbers means collective strength, whether we’re negotiating together for a fair return on our work or doing what it takes to service the communities we live in. The same can be said for the AFL-CIO’s constituency groups, which address challenges that workers from underrepresented groups face.
The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) represents two millions Latino workers, organizing people to protect the rights and expand the influence of Latinos. LCLAA is part of a Facebook Live Town Hall Series that takes place August 20. Join LCLAA.
Pride At Work represents LGBTQ union members and their allies, by organizing mutual support between the labor movement and the LGBTQ community to further social and economic justice. The group has state and local chapters. Join P@W.
The A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) is an alliance of the labor and civil rights movements, fighting for racial equality and economic justice. It was founded by A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, who thought workers’ rights and civil rights were inseparable.
The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) is the nation’s first national organization of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) workers and focuses on advancing worker, immigrant and civil rights. The group also has emerging leaders training and leadership development. Join APALA.
The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) unifies union women to face shared concerns, focusing on action on issues important to women workers. The coalition will have its town hall August 6, where you can learn more. Join CLUW
The full list of constituency groups with contact information is here.
Pandemic or not, Guide Dogs of America (GDA) needs your help. That’s why 37-year IAM member John Gehringer chose this year to donate $5,000 to GDA in honor of his late mother Lucille.
“My mom passed away in May. She was adamant about making sure that money was donated in different places,” said IAM Local 297 President John Gehringer. “She said we didn’t need the money that she wanted it donated in different places.”
Especially during tough economic times, organizations like GDA need to remain funded. That’s why Gehringer is asking friends and family to follow his lead.
“I challenge them to give a little more money than they usually do. Give it in memory of somebody,” said Gehringer.
GDA provides so much more than guide dogs to the blind and visually impaired. Today, they provide programs for a wide variety of people with special needs.
“This organization has grown immensely since last year. We’re supporting veterans, children with autism and so much more,” said Gehringer.
For Gehringer, this organization is near and dear to his heart. His mother served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant in the 1950s, until she became pregnant with John and had to resign her commission.
“This donation is the very essence of the Fighting Machinists,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “The willingness to help others is what makes our movement endure. Thanks to Brother Gehringer along with his late mother for their selfless donation.”
These furry friends are more than trusted companions, they are heroes that make a difference in people’s lives every single day. So what are you waiting for? Take the challenge and join John! Donate today!
Pressure mounted on Bath Iron Works management at a rally Saturday as 4,300 IAM Local S6 shipbuilders are six weeks into a strike to protect good Maine jobs from being outsourced.
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. addressed hundreds of Local S6 members, saying that Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, “is showing that nation what corporate greed looks like.”
“This company is taking our Maine jobs and subcontracting them to outside contractors who take their paychecks back to Alabama, Mississippi and other places outside our state,” said Martinez. “I think we need to stand up and question [BIW President] Dirk Lesko on this $45 million tax break.”
Martinez, a U.S. Navy veteran, was joined by IAM General Vice President Brian Bryant, a former president of IAM Local S6 and District 4, and current S6 President Chris Wiers. Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon and State Senator Eloise Vitelli also spoke in support of Local S6 members at the rally.
“I know all the pride you have and it’s shameful, very shameful that management at this company would do this to you,” said Bryant.
Gideon and State Senator Eloise Vitelli also spoke to Local S6 members and gave their strong support. U.S. Reps. Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree issued letters of support for the membership at the rally. IAM State Senate President Troy Jackson, Gideon and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins visited the strike line on Friday, July 24.
The IAM has questioned BIW’s claim that the U.S. Navy is endorsing subcontracting at the shipyard, and asked Congress and President Trump to intervene to get Bath Iron Works back to the negotiating table. Golden and Pingree on July 27 also sent a letter to the Navy asking for clarification on their stance on subcontracting at the shipyard.
IAM members began the strike on June 22 after overwhelmingly turning down a contract that would have allowed the company to greatly expand its use of out-of-state contractors, without any recourse for the union. The expired shipyard contract allowed for subcontracting after a joint review period by the union and company. BIW is now seeking a blank check to subcontract additional work with no input from union workers.
BIW has refused to return to the bargaining table with the IAM, despite being six months behind its delivery of destroyers to the U.S. Navy.
“I think it is disgraceful that this company would twist the words of the U.S. Navy so they can outsource our work,” said Martinez. “These are the best ships in the world and they are built right here by our members.”
Members of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) are working hard to make trains safe for passengers across the United States, by sanitizing stations, deep-cleaning bathrooms and providing masks when necessary.
A recently-released video highlights the work of these essential members and the dedication they have to the railroad industry. TCU/IAM represents workers on passenger railroads such as Amtrak, Long Island Railroad and Metro North in New York; Metra in Chicago, and Metro in Los Angeles.
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