Virtual Town Hall: IAM Puerto Rico Leader to Discuss Island’s Challenges, Union Solidarity

Sep 1, 2020 | iMail

José “Lole” Rodríguez-Báez, an IAM Business Representative in Puerto Rico, will join a virtual panel discussing the island’s challenges posed by a series of natural disasters, the coronavirus pandemic and an economic crisis.

The panel, hosted by the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), will be streamed live on Facebook on Wednesday, September 2 at 5 p.m. ET.

Experts will shed light on the current situation that Puerto Rico is going through. From the impact of the economic crisis that began in 2014; the devastation left behind by Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017; the decimation caused by a series of earthquakes that have shaken the island since late 2019; to the health, social and financial crisis that COVID-19 has unleashed upon working families across Puerto Rico.

Click here to register for the discussion in advance.

The panel will also include AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, retired AFSCME Area Regional Director Edgar DeJesus, AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, LCLAA National President Yanira Merino, and LCLAA Collaborator and Puerto Rico Report Co-author Iram Ramirez.

Read an IAM Journal story featuring Rodríguez Báez and the Machinists Union’s efforts to help members in Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

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IAM’s Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Holding Virtual BBQ Competition Fundraiser for GDA

Sep 1, 2020 | iMail

Fire up your grill or smoker and help the Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council (MWPPC) raise some money for Guide Dogs of America in their first ever virtual barbeque competition. The First Annual Virtual Chllin’ & Grillin Heifers & Hogs BBQ Contest for Guide Dogs of America will be held October 3, 2020.

Register today then head on over to the Machinists Wood Pulp and Paper Council Facebook page and let everyone know you’re their competition.

Participants can compete in two different meat categories or can barbeque both brisket and ribs in an attempt to be crowned Grand Champion. Registration deadline is Friday, October 2, 2020 at 9 p.m. EDT.

If you’re not a grill master and would still like to support GDA, you can sponsor the competition or make a donation.

Guide Dogs of America is the IAM’s favorite charity. At the beginning of this year GDA completed a merger, and now provides hardworking service dogs for people who are blind/ visually impaired, veterans, individuals with autism and facilities to become trusted companions that bring confidence, independence and mobility. Their services are provided free of charge to residents in the U.S. and Canada.

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