Brothers and Sisters,
Please find the recent correspondence sent to the US Navy asking for their stance on subcontracting at BIW.
Additionally, we will be in talks with the Federal Mediator tomorrow. More updates to follow.
In Solidarity, Local Lodge S6 Leadership
The U.S. Air Force is turning to the skilled workforce at IAM District 837 in St. Louis to build F-15EX fighter jets.
The $1.2 billion contracts is the result of the IAM’s congressional advocacy for Machinists Union members to build the fighter jet for the Air Force.
“The proud members of IAM District 837 are a perfect match to build this new aircraft for our servicemen and women,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The talent and dedication of our membership, along with the great work of the IAM’s Legislative Department, made this victory possible for our union, this community, and our nation.”
The first batch of eight F-15EX’s, which will replace the Air Force’s F-15C/D fleet, is already in production. Two are scheduled to be ready for delivery early next year, with the remaining six slated to be finished in 2023.
“Congratulations and thank you to the men and women of IAM District 837 for their hard work and dedication to supplying our nation’s armed forces,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “And thank you to the IAM Legislative Department for their hard work in always ensuring IAM members’ talent and quality of work receive the recognition it so rightfully deserves. IAM members are what keeps this country strong and secure.”
The Air Force has already increased its Fiscal Year 2021 request to 12 F-15EX’s.
“When it comes to supporting our nation’s military, the members of IAM District 837 are second to none,” said IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Earl Schuessler. “Thank you to all who worked hard in helping secure this contract. We look forward to continuing to produce the nation’s finest in U.S. fighter jets.”
In addition to District 837 members, the F-15 program supports 55,000 direct and indirect jobs, working with more than 500 suppliers across 42 states.
The post St. Louis District 837 Members to Build F-15EX Fighter Jets for Air Force appeared first on IAMAW.
The IAM is asking for help from elected officials to save nearly 80 New York IAM Local 2495 (District 65) jobs at Jamestown Metal Products.
Management at the Jamestown, NY plant announced that the factory would permanently close its doors by early September and move work to Tennessee. The company has cited supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason to close the plant.
“We are asking for your help in reaching out to Jamestown Metal Products and have them reconsider its decision to close its facility in Jamestown,” wrote IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. in letters to U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and U.S. Rep. Tom Reed. “The company is open to working with the local community to find a solution that would keep the work in New York if it made financial sense. The workers at Jamestown Metal Products deserve better than being thrown out on the street. Our nation deserves better.”
Local 2495 members at Jamestown Metal Products have manufactured commercial stainless steel cabinets, casework, fume hoods, and other metal products at the plant since 1943.
“My thanks go out to Directing Business Representative Ron Warner and his staff,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro Sr. “I’d also like to extend those thanks to the Local 2495 Negotiating Committee and Business Representative Ryan Sweeney for their work and dedication to the members during this difficult time.”
International Casework, Inc. acquired Jamestown Metal Products in 2009.
“Jamestown Metals built this company off the backs of the community,” said District 65 Directing Business Representative Ron Warner. “For nearly 80 years the working families of Jamestown and the surrounding communities have dedicated their lives to this company only to have it stolen. Having another manufacturing facility in western New York, and the good jobs, decent benefits sold to the lowest bidder isn’t good business—it is nothing more than a race to the bottom.”
The post Machinists Call for Assistance Saving District 65 Jamestown Metal Products Plant appeared first on IAMAW.
In August 2019, Grand Lodge Representative Jay Jaramillo and Local 794 President and Directing Business Representative Sean Burkland organized a unit of Simulator Techs at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, NM. This campaign was significant because it marked an ongoing strategic plan to ensure the IAM unionize all workers at Cannon AFB. The win is another example in a series of others at Cannon AFB by the IAM that we all live better when we fight hard for our members.
“During the organizing campaign, throughout bargaining and all the way up to ratification, Vector CSP did everything they could to stop the unionizing effort,” said Jaramillo. “Three times they took us to hearings in front of the Labor Board with outlandish charges and every time the board ruled in our favor.”
During the negotiations, which began in March 2020, the company’s anti-union intentions were on full display. As negotiations slowly continued through spring, Vector presented its last, best, and final offer in June. The final offer was a disgrace and was something that the IAM’s negotiating team could not recommend to the membership for ratification.
“After receiving the last, best, and final offer, we reviewed the proposal with the new unit and took the ratification vote and then the strike vote,” said Jaramillo. “Both of these votes equated to 100 percent of those voting to turn down the contract proposal and to strike, if needed. This group was all in from the beginning, very strong union people. Their solidarity never wavered; this was one of the strongest units I have seen.”
“The professional excellence of GLR Jaramillo and PDBR Burkland, coupled with the ‘never surrender’ mentality of the workers, won the day,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “After the strike vote, the company capitulated and came to the terms of the Fighting Machinists. The first year of the new CBA afforded these new IAM members a 15 percent pay increase among many other fine benefits that the IAM routinely wins for its members. Congratulations to Jay Jaramillo and Sean Burkland. I would also like to congratulate all of our new members and the entire bargaining committee, especially Ellisa Lockwood who showed excellent leadership in this battle for justice!”
The post Local 794 Solidarity in New Mexico Wins Outstanding First Contract appeared first on IAMAW.
Wednesday’s special edition of Activate L!VE featured Owen Herrnstadt, IAM Chief of Staff and Director of Trade and Globalization, who broke down the main points of Joe Biden’s recently unveiled manufacturing plan. Herrnstadt called the plan comprehensive and a great initiative that addresses critical areas needed to rebuild and strengthen manufacturing in the United States.
Biden is the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. The Machinists Union streams Activate L!VE for important events and issues. This week’s show is available on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
The post ICYMI: Breaking Down Biden’s Manufacturing Plan appeared first on IAMAW.