The IAM’s commitment to military veterans was on full display at the 2021 IAM International President’s Capital Classic Golf Tournament.
More than 130 golfers and 50 sponsors joined together on Monday, May 3 at Breton Bay Golf and Country Club in Leonardtown, MD. The tournament to raised approximately $100,000 for capital improvement projects for U.S. military veterans at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Southern Maryland.
“The Machinists Union has a special bond with the military and the men and women who serve in our armed forces,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., a U.S. Navy veteran. “Many of our members are veterans themselves and help support the mission of service men and women every day. This is just one more way we can give back to our community here in Maryland and to our nation’s heroes.”
IAM Local 4 (District 4) is proud to represent caregivers at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, which has been proudly “serving those who served” since 1985. Its mission is to continually develop and deliver a safe, dignified and compassionate health care system; and provide a nurturing and engaging home environment for Maryland’s veterans and eligible spouses.
“I’d like to especially thank all the players, sponsors and volunteers who made the 2nd annual International President’s Capital Classic possible,” said Martinez. “It means so much to be able to give back here in the backyard of IAM Headquarters and the Winpisinger Center.”
The IAM represents 600,000 active and retired members across North America, many of whom are U.S. military veterans who work in the defense, aerospace and federal sectors, supporting the mission of our service members every day.
On May 5th 1888, Thomas W. Talbot organized what we now call the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). On that day, 19 railroad workers in a locomotive pit, tired of poor employment conditions, founded a union that would eventually boost pay and quality of life for millions of future IAM members.
A year later, Talbot would preside over the union’s first convention, which took place inside the Georgia State Senate Chambers in Atlanta. On the evening of May 6, 1889, Talbot would make a speech that laid the foundation for one of the most powerful labor unions in North America.
“Ladies and gentlemen. I thank you for your kind attention,” said Talbot, whose original title wasn’t president, but grand master machinist. “I extend to you a hearty welcome and cordial greeting.”
Back then the IAM, which was initially named the United Machinists and Mechanical Engineers of America, had grown from 19 members to more than 1,500 in the first year alone. Talbot’s initial vision was for the union to establish a fair and safe work environment in a dangerous railroad industry that was ripe with greed.
Talbot described the state of the trade as: “greatly impaired and abused by incompetent workmen–men who had served no apprenticeship–and who knew little or nothing about the trade. They would be given exceedingly low wages, and knowing their worthlessness, would accept the same.”
During that speech, Talbot urged delegates to build a union of well-paid, highly skilled workers with a stellar reputation that could transcend the rail industry.
“We propose, by our united efforts along these lines, to devise plans by which we can find immediate and profitable employment for worthy members, and to increase their daily wages to a more liberal basis,” said Talbot. “We desire, by the exchange of ideas and practical experience, to establish the means by which those in our trade may be so educated and elevated that they may be worthy of the vocation to which they have been called.”
At one point in the 1880s, at least one in 35 railway workers were severely injured annually. Risk of injury was so common that many rail companies employed private surgeons. During his speech, Talbot envisioned a union that could care for those who had suffered.
“We propose to create a fund for the relief of our sick and disabled members, and a life endowment for the families of our deceased brethren,” said Talbot.
Talbot was a respected leader who would guide the union for its first two years. Michael J. Griffin, who would join the union in 1890 at age 20, personally knew Talbot. In 1947, he discussed Talbot’s legacy with the Machinists’ News and considered him a bold and courageous trade unionist.
“I tell those young machinists that Tom was a great man,” said Griffin. “They owe him a lot of debt of thanks for the fine splendid organization he started for them.”
Almost three years after speaking at that first convention, a then 42-year-old Talbot died suddenly in 1892 in his home state of South Carolina. But his legacy and vision came to fruition as the popularity of the IAM grew. Membership increased from 19 in 1888 to 69,000 in 1907. By 1950, the IAM had more than 600,000 dues payers and at least 1,800 lodges.
At a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise in the United States, solidarity can literally mean the difference between life and death. More than half of Jewish Americans experienced anti-Semitism during the last five years, according to a survey by the Anti-Defamation League. Nine percent of responders stated they had been physically attacked because they were Jewish.
Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes the achievements and contributions of Jewish people to American culture and history, a time to raise awareness and our voices when it comes to our fellow Jewish union members, coworkers, neighbors and relatives. May is also Canadian Jewish Heritage Month and Labor History Month.
“I am proud of the historic role of the Jewish community in the promotion and defense of labour rights and social justice,” said Lou Pagrach, a Grand Lodge Representative in the IAM’s Canadian Territory.
“Many Jewish Canadians have served in our national politics,” Pagrach said. “Unfortunately racism, anti-Semitism and far-right groups are on the rise again. Even the labour movement is not immune.” He hopes union members can come together to educate others about the importance of unity and respect on and off the job.
Just as most IAM locals are part of local central labor councils, there are similar Jewish community relations councils across the U.S. and Canada. The Jewish Labor Committee is available to help locals connect with their nearest organized local Jewish communities.
The recent webinar Jewish Women in the Labor Movement is an educational resource that focuses on the struggles of sweatshop workers and union organizers to improve working conditions in the early 20th century, especially in the garment industry.
Today, the Jewish community has a long history of activism in the civil rights and social justice movements, working with other underrepresented groups, regardless of race, ethnicity or national origin. A Congressional Caucus on Black Jewish Relations takes place May 10 and will be streamed on the National Museum of American Jewish History’s website and Facebook page. A new Black-Jewish Entertainment Alliance has been launched, as an act of solidarity and mutual aid.
For more information on the Jewish voice in the labor movement and labor’s voice in the Jewish community, visit the Jewish Labor Committee website. JLC is an independent secular 501(c)3 organization with a wealth of historical information and resources.
While the Guide Dogs of America (GDA) campus in Sylmar, CA is currently closed to the public due to COVID restrictions, they have compiled a series of videos to provide a virtual tour about their state-of-the-art campus. The video package will give a look into their programs and services, as well as their beautiful facility that brings their mission to life.
For more than 70 years, GDA has been transforming lives through partnerships with service dogs. They breed, raise, and train guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired and service dogs for veterans and children who have autism. They also place facility dogs with professionals in hospitals, schools, and courtrooms. Their highly skilled canines become trusted companions that increase people’s confidence, mobility, and independence.
All programs and services, including transportation, personalized training, room and board, and postgraduate support, are provided at no cost to the recipient.
IAM members continually donate their time and money to help support the IAM’s favorite charity.
