Jan 23, 2021 | iMail
Airline workers are grateful for the extension of a relief program that brought thousands of frontline aviation workers back on the job, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. said on a virtual call with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). The IAM is North America’s largest airline union.
Martinez led the call of IAM airline workers with Schumer, along with Transportation General Vice President Sito Pantoja and District 141 President and Directing Chair Mike Klemm.
“Without this much needed relief, our airline membership faced dire economic consequences,” said Martinez. “Many didn’t know how they were going to pay their mortgage or rent and put food on the table.”
The airline Payroll Support Program (PSP) expired in September 2020, but was extended in December through March 31, 2021. The relief program is keeping hundreds of thousands of frontline airline workers on the job as the industry reeled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My family was nowhere and got places because of the union movement,” said Schumer. “Here’s an example of why people need unions. If there was no Machinists Union, we wouldn’t have had this bill.”
At the IAM’s urging, and with the support of Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the relief program went directly to workers, not airline CEOs and executives.
“Although the four month extension of the PSP is not enough, it will still keep us from total disaster until a real recovery plan can be put in place,” said Martinez. “You have my word, the Machinists Union is totally committed to fighting for a recovery package that will lift up all workers and meet the demand of a vaccine distribution and full economic recovery.”
The post IP Martinez Leads Airline Worker Relief Call with Leader Schumer appeared first on IAMAW.
Jan 21, 2021 | iMail
IAM Headquarters this week is officially launching the Organizer’s Toolkit, a library of both customizable and static materials designed specifically for organizing campaigns. The toolkit, which is being run by the Organizing and Communications Departments, will include access to a customizable campaign website, organizing meeting presentations, handbills, banners, social media graphics and more.
“Growing our membership continues to be priority No. 1 for our Union,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “That means giving our organizers every resource possible to encourage them to become more aggressively involved in organizing and to help them win campaigns.”
Organizers have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, including multi-million dollar anti-union campaigns, the most hostile labor board in modern history and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. The Organizing Toolkit is designed to help organizers address these challenges.
“Organizing is and always has been one of the most difficult tasks facing the labor movement,” said IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo. “Our aim is to help organizers by providing them campaign-proven, professional materials to help them navigate their way through their organizing campaigns. Not to mention open them up to focus more on the ground portion of their campaign, as well as perform servicing and other union-related tasks.”
For access to the Organizer’s Toolkit, please contact your Territorial Organizing Lead.
The post IAM Launches Valuable New Resource for Organizers appeared first on IAMAW.
Jan 19, 2021 | iMail
Newly-elected district officers of IAM District 751 were sworn in by International President Robert Martinez Jr this week during their district council meeting. Martinez joined the meeting via video chat.
President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden and 16 District 751 Business Representatives also took their oath of office that evening for their four year terms that begin on February 1, 2021. The contract with District 751’s largest employer, Boeing, expires in 2024.
Following the swearing in ceremony, Martinez and Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen addressed the officers, delegates and alternates.
“Myself, GVP Allen and our entire union are incredibly proud of the resilience the leadership of District 751 has shown during this pandemic,” said Martinez. “In addition to the COVID-19 crisis, we have also had to deal with the grounding of the 737 MAX. You can be assured that we are doing everything in our power to get our members back on the job and doing everything possible, including securing swift TAA help, for those who remain on layoff. District 751 and our union are going to make it through this crisis stronger than ever.”
Martinez also congratulated retiring District 751 Secretary-Treasurer Sue Palmer on a historic career and welcomed incoming Secretary-Treasurer Richard Jackson in his new role.
“This is a significant chapter in the history of District Lodge 751,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Brothers Jon Holden and Richard Jackson have always displayed great leadership and sincere dedication to the membership of the district. I congratulate them both as well as those with the wisdom to elect these two dynamic leaders. I wish the very best to Sister Sue Palmer in her well-deserved retirement and sincerely thank her for her commitment and leadership in her service to our members. Negotiations with Boeing in 2024 will be here before you know it and the entire district will be ready.”
“It is an honor to be sworn in by International President Bob Martinez and to continue working on behalf of the strong and proud membership of District 751,” said District 751 President Jon Holden. “We have much work to do and we will succeed together.”
District 751 didn’t let the COVID-19 pandemic keep them from organizing and giving other working people the opportunity to have a voice in their workplace. In December, more than 150 Registered Nurses, Master Social Workers and Bereavement Counselors from the CHI Franciscan Hospice Care Center in University Way, WA voted for IAM representation.
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Jan 19, 2021 | iMail
The Machinists Union was recognized Saturday by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) during its programing America United: An Inauguration Welcome Event Celebrating America’s Changemakers. The video congratulates the incoming administration and pays tribute to IAM essential workers who have been on the frontlines during the pandemic.
The PIC hosted a welcome event to celebrate America, reflect and honor its history, and highlight the incredible diversity of the nation. It featured musical performances, celebrity appearances and remarks from some of the most popular leaders from across the country. The event kicked off five days of programming leading into Wednesday’s inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Watch the entire program.
The post Machinists Union Recognized During Inauguration Welcome Ceremony appeared first on IAMAW.
Jan 15, 2021 | iMail
Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the IAM,
This is normally a time when our union assembles for marches and community activities to recognize and celebrate the life and beliefs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., social justice and labor rights champion. These times, however, are far from normal.
While our country is unable to gather to show our gratitude and respect for Dr. King, we are still able to honor his legacy by practicing what he preached. King knew that any inequality and injustice were dangers to our democracy. He dedicated his life to fighting for economic and social justice, no matter your race, gender, religion, or ethnicity.
The recent political violence and hateful rhetoric show that our country still has a lot to learn from his teachings. Our union and the labor movement will always stand for the union principles of democracy, unity, and peaceful dialogue. Hatred and violence have no place in civil society.
The Machinists Union is proud to carry on Dr. King’s fight for those who are vulnerable and need a collective voice. Together, we will make Dr. King’s dream for equality on the job and respect for all working people a reality.
In solidarity,
Robert Martinez Jr.
International President
The post Dr. King’s Beliefs Must Resonate Now More Than Ever appeared first on IAMAW.
