In case you’ve been living under a rock and think BIW values any of us, the proof lies in this recent post from CTS on Facebook.
(see below)
For all those who attended Christenings’, remember when BIW, State/Federal Legislators, and representatives from the US Navy would take turns speaking to us from a microphone behind a podium. They would echo one another on the value of BIW’s manufacturing employees and how through the hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice, all the men and women contributed to BIW in building the most sophisticated warships in the Naval fleet.
The praises of honor and legacy that are synonymous with Local S6 built ships are a testament to our history and more importantly our future.
It is apparent that all those speeches were for not. We are clearly not valued or appreciated and are just a number on a faceless badge. BIW management will certainly go down in the history books for providing the playbook on how to destroy one of the fundamental foundation blocks of Naval defense in the United States.
Crippling shockwaves of economic downfall will certainly plague the State of Maine for decades to come.
For more than nine (9) months, Local S6 has been working diligently with State and Federal representatives and the IAM National in DC to provide reasonable options on how to manage our shipyard successfully with no acceptance from BIW. BIW was persistent in its need for scabs.
It’s obviously BIW’s playbook and strategic plan that will be the inevitable demise of our shipyard if they’re not corrected with a common-sense change of course.
We have a saying in the shipyard, HERO TO ZERO. That’s exactly what we are in BIW’s eyes. From essential employees with a critical mission during COVID-19, to now greedy shipbuilders on the picket line as BIW continues scab our work.
Over the last four months, we have experienced the devastating effects of COVID-19. Many of us have lost family and friends, and just about all of us know someone whose life was cut short due to this vicious virus. In addition to the human suffering we have witnessed, we have also experienced the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, which has disproportionately impacted the global airline industry with record low air travel demand.
Although passenger counts have increased since the lows in April, the industry as a whole is only moving approximately 25 percent of the amount of passengers who were flying one year ago. And while there was some optimism in June that increased bookings would continue to rise, that does not appear to be the case due to some states issuing quarantine orders and halting re-opening plans as a result of increased rates of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Sisters and brothers, we are facing unprecedented layoffs in October, which could put hundreds of thousands of airline workers on the unemployment line literally overnight.
On October 1, 2020, the Payroll Support Program (PSP) component of the CARES Act expires and airlines that participated in the PSP will be permitted to furlough workers. Led by the IAM, along with our sister airline unions, we have proposed a “clean extension” of the PSP, which would provide additional funding to airlines to keep workers employed through March 31, 2021.
In late June, airline labor sent a letter to congressional leaders to request that Congress pass the PSP extension. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for every single IAM member to contact their elected officials and demand that the PSP be extended through March, 31, 2021. Please ask your family members to have their voices heard, as well.
The airline industry was set for a record year of air travel in 2020. The industry produces about $1.7 trillion in economic activity and drives approximately 10 million jobs. We cannot cut the cord on this most critical industry and allow it to implode. We must act to save our jobs and to ensure that when air travel rebounds, and it will, that we are there to facilitate a seamless transition, which will be beneficial for our industry and the economy as a whole.
Over the last four months I have never been so proud of being a representative of the Machinists Union. Under unbelievably difficult circumstances, you have courageously answered the bell and facilitated the transportation of essential goods and services to a nation in need, and you continue to do so day in and day out. You exemplify the best of our nation and you are truly the backbone of this country.
We will only be successful if ALL of our voices are heard. Our representatives need to hear from us and they need to listen to us. While we are certainly going to have to navigate some turbulent times in the near term, we WILL get through this crisis as we have others. That’s exactly what the Fighting Machinists do.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Sito Pantoja
General Vice President IAM Transportation Department
Motorcycle riders from across the IAM rode 1,700 miles down the Pacific coast to raise more than $50,000 for the union’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America.
The Kourpias K-9 Classic honored the legacy of the late George Kourpias, a labor legend who served as IAM International President from 1989 to 1997. Kourpias passed away in December 2019 at the age of 87.
The ride was supposed to start in Canada on June 6, but instead began in Mukilteo, WA due to Canada’s COVID-19 border closing. The route continued south to the Los Angeles area, where motorcycling Machinists arrived five days later at Guide Dogs of America’s headquarters in Sylmar, CA.
IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes and Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin were among nine motorcyclists who rode a scenic route that included Interstate 5 and several stops in Oregon and northern California.
“During these extraordinary times in our country with the COVID 19 pandemic, we cannot forget the visually impaired individuals in need of these remarkable guide dogs that will bring them a sense of comfort, normalcy and independence to their lives,” said Cervantes. “I was extremely humbled to be part of this ride with my Brothers and Sisters, knowing that we are, and will continue to provide assistance to those in need, especially now when we feel times are so uncertain.”
“Former International President George Kourpias would be very proud to have his name associated with this event, as he was an avid supporter of GDA,” said Blondin. “GDA President Russ Gittlen, the IAM Executive Council, and all the riders and volunteers are extremely grateful for the contributions to GDA and to the Kourpias K-9 Classic. As one of the only fundraisers this year, the money is sorely needed at GDA.”
On June 10, motorcyclists gathered at IAM Local 946 in Rancho Cordova, CA, where IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen, organized a celebration for what would’ve been Kourpias’ 88th birthday.
The inaugural event was sponsored by IAM District 751, Locals 63 and 946, and corporate partners such as Clackamas, OR-based Scott Wealth Management.
Since its founding through donations by the IAM in 1948, Guide Dogs of America has helped blind men and women recover their ability to move freely and regain independence through partnership with these remarkable animals.
At the start of week 4 of LS6’s strike against BIW’s last, best, and final, there are several things to keep in mind. We are all sacrificing and standing arm and arm with our fellow brothers and sisters on the picket line. There isn’t any progress without struggle. It is important to know that Union brothers and sisters from all over the state and many from other states have made the trip to stand with us whether they agree or not, it’s what we do. This strike is being watched and more importantly, supported by, Union and Non-Union alike across the country. BIW’s offer was clear to everyone who read it and what their intentions were. That’s why we have incredible backing from so many far and wide. We continue to ask for a fair contract by commonsense standards, not corporate greed standards. An example of this would be that General Dynamics has ridden high on the hog. As IAMAW International President Robert Martinez, Jr wrote in a letter to President Trump, “the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduced the company’s effective tax rate from 28.6% in 2017 down to 17.8 percent in 2018. With this windfall, General Dynamics greatly increased stock buybacks and dividend payments, giving nearly $2.9 billion to their stockholders in 2018 alone.” This comes on top of a $45 million state of Maine tax break, money better well spent in the state of Maine to aid in our economy, not put in GD’s pocket for profit. We are committed to fighting as long as it takes. #DITCHDIRK #ONEDAYLONGERONEDAYSTRONGER
“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” (Frederick Douglass)
* Please note, we have not heard back from the Federal Meditator as of today- 7/13/20. We will be following up with the Federal Mediator this week. *
Despite COVID-19 and logistics associated with the pandemic, the IAM Organizing Department has won a campaign for 47 medical professionals at the Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Monroe, LA.
The group includes doctors, nurses, dentists, podiatrists, physical therapists, lab technicians, social workers, and dieticians, who now look forward to the benefits and security of a union contract. They help to serve veterans in 15 Louisiana parishes.
“I want to welcome our new Sisters and Brothers to the IAM and let them know how proud we are that they are members of our union family,” said IAM General Vice President Brian Bryant. “Our union has a long history of supporting our servicemen and women, especially at VA facilities across the country.”
The campaign relied on a mostly virtual strategy that included a mail-ballot election. Grand Lodge Representative Juan Eldridge led the effort, with help from Apprentice Organizer Chris Casteel.
“I am incredibly proud of this group of new members and our team in the Organizing Department who made this happen,” said IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo. “They overcame great odds during a difficult time to bring a voice on the job to these deserving men and women at the Monroe VA.”
The outpatient clinic is the second of a three-part organizing strategy of the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, which serves more than 37,000 veterans per year.
