IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. recently sent a letter to White House advisors Steve Ricchetti, Senior Advisor to President Biden, and Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, bolstering support for the F-35 Lightning II Program. Media outlets have recently reported that the Department of Defense may cut back on the number of aircraft for the U.S. Armed Services.
“The F-35 program strengthens national security, enhances global partnerships, and powers economic growth,” said Martinez. “We are proud to represent workers across the country who produce, deliver, maintain and support this critical defense program. From production workers in Ft. Worth to suppliers in nearly every state, to maintenance depot from coast to coast; the F-35 program creates high-quality, Machinists Union jobs.”
The IAM is urging the Senate to vote “YES” on the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. This legislation will protect workers’ right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages and better benefits.
The PRO Act has passed in the House and is expected to be voted on shortly in the Senate. Please act now to implore your Senators to vote “YES” on the Pro Act.
“The IAM membership celebrates the passage of the PRO Act in the House,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This historic legislation will provide workplace freedom and level the playing field. We must not let this pro-worker legislation whither on the vine. The IAM is calling on the Senate to put working families ahead of the corporate CEOs and wealthy corporations. The Senate should immediately take up and pass this reform legislation that reflects our American values such as freedom, equality, and fairness in the workplace.
“Our members in the aerospace, defense, airline, manufacturing, automotive, transit, and healthcare industries continue to help our nation push through the COVID-19 pandemic. The PRO Act will keep our workers safe and give them the workplace rights guaranteed in this legislation. The PRO Act strengthens protections for workers and offers workers improved legal protections on the job.”
The PRO Act would:
Empower workers to exercise the freedom to organize and bargain.
Repeal “right to work” laws.
Ensure that workers can reach a first contract quickly after a union is recognized.
End employers’ practice of punishing striking workers by hiring permanent replacements. Speaking up for labor rights is within every worker’s rights—and workers shouldn’t lose our jobs for it.
Hold corporations accountable by strengthening the National Labor Relations Board and allowing it to penalize employers who retaliate against working people in support of the union or collective bargaining.
Create pathways for workers to form unions, without fear, in newer industries like Big Tech.
A severe accident at Bath Iron Works in Bath, ME on January 23, 2021 left IAM Local S-6 member Garrett Bailey critically injured with a traumatic life-threatening head and facial trauma. The accident shook the more than 7,000 employees at BIW to their very core. If it hadn’t been for the incredible and immediate response from coworkers, BIW EMTs (IAFF Local 5257), BIW Management and Safety and the City of Bath Rescue (IAFF Local 1611), the scenario would have been much worse.
Local S-6 members sprung to action to support their injured brother. Local leadership coordinated multiple relief efforts including the IAM’s Critical Incident Response Team. EAP Department Assistant Director Vincent Ceraso was brought in to provide crisis intervention for both Local S6 members and BIW management.
Additionally, Local S6 started a Go Fund Me page and lined up a gate collection at all facilities and shifts at BIW to raise as much money as possible for financial assistance. With the extent of his injuries, Bailey will need this support in the times to come. The unwavering commitment to come to the aid of a Union brother was shown by the immeasurable generosity of all who donated. Through collaborative efforts, we were able to raise a total of $61,280.00 for Garrett Bailey and his family.
“Local Lodge S6 would like to personally thank everyone involved, and those who will continue to be involved, as Garrett’s recovery efforts will be immense,” said Local S-6 President Chris Wiers. “We were able to raise a lot of money, and as incredibly impressive this is, it still feels as though it’s not enough. We are committed to continuing to support Garrett in his recovery efforts.”
“Time and time again, Local S-6 steps up and takes care of each other,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro Sr.” “They continue to stand out and impress with their display of solidarity and compassion for their fellow brothers and sisters.”
The IAM is urging the House of Representatives to vote “YES” on a much-needed relief package that would help IAM members and all working people recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The American Rescue Plan has passed in the Senate is expected to be voted on this week in the House. Please act now to implore your Representative to vote “YES” on the American Rescue Plan and oppose any amendments to weaken this well-constructed recovery package.
“The American Rescue Plan contains a number of key recovery provisions that the Machinists Union has supported since the outbreak of the deadly virus to help struggling workers nationwide,” IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. wrote in a letter to House Representatives. “The recovery package also includes vitally important aid to struggling industries which will allow employers to avoid furloughs and call back workers who have already been laid off”
The package includes the following relief measures, fought for by the IAM:
$1,400 emergency checks for individuals making less than $75,000 and couples making less than $150,000. A family of four could receive up to $5,600 in direct economic assistance.
$15 billion to extend the airline worker Payroll Support Program (PSP) and protect the jobs of thousands of airline workers
$3 billion to support aviation manufacturing supply chain workers
$30 billion for public transit
$1.5 billion to recall furloughed Amtrak workers and prevent further layoffs
Increases the federal unemployment benefit to $400 per week for an additional six months
Butch Lewis pension legislation to provide retirement security
Provides COBRA subsidies to help laid-off workers remain on their employer-sponsored health insurance plans
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent a letter to members of Congress urging support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) in the House and Senator Patty Murray in the Senate (D-WA), is the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression.
It’s the bravest person in the room who speaks up and says ‘We need a union.’ We stand by those who put everything on the line to create a better life for everyone in their community. That’s why Machinists support the #ProAct. https://t.co/hiAL9c6q4G
“The PRO Act strengthens protections for employees that engage in collective action and levels the playing field by prohibiting employers from requiring their employees to attend “captive audience” meetings whose sole purpose is to convince workers to vote against the union,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “In addition to imposing financial penalties on employers and individual corporate offices who violate the law, the bill would give workers the option of bringing their case to federal court.
‘Finally, the PRO Act would override state “right to work” laws. These laws are simply designed to give more power to corporations at the expense of workers, and have had the effect of lowering wages and eroding pensions and health care coverage in states where they have been adopted.”
IAM members must act now to tell your Senators and Representative to pass this legislation, which will protect workers’ right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages and better benefits.
Call your Representative at 202-224-3121 to urge them to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, allowing workers the right to freely form a union without the threat of company intimidation or interference.
(@MachinistsUnion) March 11, 2021
(@MachinistsUnion)