Forty-five IAM members from M7 Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America, who provide Life Cycle Contractor Support (LCCS) services for the C-26 and UC-35 aircraft including aircraft modifications and upgrades, site and depot-level maintenance and material management, last week unanimously voted to ratify a four-year master agreement.
The contract provides many improvements including wage, shift pay, IAM Pension, lead pay and health and welfare payment increases, less medical insurance cost share for all tiers except employee and job protection language if one of the sites is moved.
“These negotiations were a little unique due to the pandemic, but we prepared for a couple of months via email, surveys and video conference calls to make sure we were ready to go,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Tony Wirth. “I want to thank IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin, Aerospace Chief of Staff Jody Bennett, Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen, Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro Sr. and Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace for their support throughout the process. I congratulate our negotiating committee and members for achieving a great contract as evidenced by its unanimous approval.”
IAM members employed at M7 Aerospace, covering a total of six sites nationwide, had to overcome COVID-19 restrictions to ratify the agreement. The negotiating committee was split, with half holding in person talks with the company while the other half joined simultaneously via video conference.
After months of negotiations, two groups of IAM members from Local Lodge 2771 at Sheppard Air Force base recently ratified new three-year contracts for 647 members.
STM Negotiating group consisting of Bud Dulworth (Business Representative), James Jarrett (Negotiator and Steward), Hearn Conley (Local 2771 President and Chief Steward) and Jody Bennett (COS Aerospace).
The two groups consist of 547 IAM members from M1 Sheppard Air Force Base Maintenance (SAM) and 100 members from M1 Sheppard Trainer Maintenance (STM). The SAM group maintains T6 and T38 aircraft for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) while the STM group manages all aircraft used in the training of active-duty Air Force members interested in becoming maintainers on Air Force fleet aircraft.
The new accords provide many gains including wage, overtime and shift differential increases, stronger healthcare options and vision and dental plans, enhanced 401k, improved vacation (less time to move from tier to tier), additional paid bereavement time, better weather language and more classifications that will receive HAZMAT pay.
“I want to thank the members for their continued solidarity and Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin for providing leadership and support throughout negotiations,” said Aerospace Chief of Staff Jody Bennett, the lead negotiator. “I’d also like to thank Aerospace Coordinator Robert Barnwell for his assistance and knowledge of HAZMAT testing, which was a key resource in negotiations. His expertise along with Strategic Resources Director David White’s knowledge of insurance paid huge dividends for our members. I’d also like to congratulate Business Representative Bud Dulworth and all who were a part of the negotiating committees. Your collective knowledge allowed us to achieve a great contract for our members.”
SAM Negotiating group consisting of David White (Director Strategic Resources), Bud Dulworth (Business Representative), Cory Bennett (Negotiator/Chief Steward) Jody Bennett (COS AEROSPACE), Robert Barnwell (Aerospace Coordinator) Bob Hall (Negotiator), Gary Houston (Negotiator) and Mark Hibbs (Negotiator/Steward).
“It was an unbelievable experience to work with such an experienced committee,” said Shop Chief Steward and Negotiator Cory Bennett. “We not only got a fully recommended three-year deal to offer our membership, but a contract that will set an incredible standard of life for over 600 members and their families within this community. We have set a standard in pay, insurance and retirement. On behalf of the entire committee, I would like to thank Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin for assigning Chief of Staff Jody Bennett, Aerospace Coordinator Robert Barnwell, and Strategic Resources Director David White as their knowledge is unmatched at the negotiating table. Further, I would like to thank the membership for believing in this committee. Without your solidarity, this would not be possible.”
Although this Sheppard Aircraft Maintenance (SAM) group is on the right-to-work side of the air force base, traditionally 98 percent of the employees are part of the IAM union family. This high union density has been the main factor in achieving successful contracts for over four decades.
Grab your hat and cowboy boots and join Guide Dogs of America (GDA) for the 40th annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet on Saturday, November 20, 2021. This year’s theme will be “Rodeo,” and GDA is premiering a new and exciting off-road experience as one of their events.
GDA and their staff are working hand in hand with Las Vegas event staff to ensure that the events meet stringent health and safety standards. There are still many details to be ironed out, so they appreciate your patience through these ever-changing times.
In the meantime, GDA is extremely proud to announce this year’s “Gift of Sight” honorees, who have contributed so much to Guide Dogs of America:
Paul A. Duff, Trustee, IAM Local 743, Connecticut
Stan Pickthall, IAMAW, GVP, Canada
United Airlines
While 2020 was a challenging year, GDA stayed focused on their mission of transforming lives through partnerships with service dogs. GDA sends a heartfelt thank you for all the support. The IAM is an essential part of the GDA family, and they send all their best to you and your loved ones for good health.
Guide Dogs of America is the IAM’s favorite charity. In 2020, GDA completed a merger with Tender Loving Canines, and now provides hardworking service dogs for people who are blind/visually impaired, veterans, children 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.
All adult Americans, regardless of age or health conditions, are expected to be eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccination by Monday, April 19, 2021. But for many, finding a vaccine has been a daunting task.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can help with its VaccineFinder tool. All you need is a zip code to locate an appointment. The website also offers information about what to expect before, during and after you receive the vaccine.
From hospitals to grocery stores, the vaccine is being offered at a variety of locations, most of which will require an appointment. The White House expects that nearly 90 percent of Americans will be able to secure a vaccine appointment within five miles of their home address.
But until everyone is vaccinated, it is still important to wear a mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing whenever possible.
Today is the labor movement’s National Day of Action for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. It’s a day for labor and its allies to let the U.S. Senate know that it’s time to support the hardworking men and women of this country by supporting the PRO Act.
The PRO Act puts workers first and strengthens the rights of workers to join and participate in a labor union. The bill (H.B. 842) passed the House in early March and is expected to be before the U.S. Senate soon.
The Machinist Union has compiled a list of ways you can help pass the PRO Act:
The PRO Act is the most comprehensive piece of labor legislation introduced since the Great Depression. At its core, it protects the rights of people who want to be part of a labor union and repeals laws that hurt workers.
The PRO Act will:
Create pathways for workers to form unions, without fear or retribution
Repeal anti-worker “right-to-work” laws across the country
Hold corporations accountable by strengthening the National Labor Relations Board
Empower workers to exercise the freedom to organize and bargain
Ensure that workers can reach a first contract quickly after recognition
Today, @MachinistsUnion members and workers across the U.S. are calling on their Senators to stand up for working families and support the #PROAct.
We have a chance to make generational change for workers. Let’s get it done.
