Sep 2, 2021 | iMail
American Airlines Mechanic and Related workers will continue to be represented by the strength of the IAM-TWU Association. A rogue, divisive attempt by an outsider union to trigger a raid election has been denied, the National Mediation Board announced Thursday.
“I want every American Airlines mechanic to know that the IAM is more committed than ever to provide you the strongest and most comprehensive representation in the airline industry,” said Richard Johnsen, Chief of Staff to the International President. “During this process, we had so many good conversations with members about making improvements in the lives of American Airlines mechanics. I am so grateful for our strong supporters and the IAM Local, District and Grand Lodge Representatives who made all the difference in this campaign.”
The IAM-TWU Association has negotiated top-of-the-industry wages and cash compensation for American Airlines mechanics, as well as industry-leading benefits, retirement plans and job protections.
“The IAM has shown time after time that we are the most powerful voice for North American airline workers,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our Transportation Department is going to continue to build strength, taking on and winning the biggest fights on behalf of our members. I am incredibly thankful for everyone who made this victory possible for our members.”
The IAM was a leading voice to secure unpreceded direct payments to airline workers, known as the airline Payroll Support Program, which kept hundreds of thousands of airline workers on the job during the pandemic.
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Sep 2, 2021 | iMail
Hurricane Ida’s strength of historical proportion struck relentlessly and left a path of destruction that impacted the lives of many, including IAM members.
Please consider donating to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund.
The storm has passed, and the time is now to help Machinists Union members that were caught in the wrath of Ida. The IAM is doing everything possible to assist our members recovering from this catastrophic event. Every dollar donated to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund goes directly to IAM members and their families in need.
Part of being a union member is knowing that your union family, your Sisters and Brothers, are here for you when you need us most. If you have been affected by Hurricane Ida and need financial assistance, click here for information on how to apply for help from the IAM.
In addition to Disaster Relief assistance, your IAM EAP and Addiction Services program’s remain ready to be called upon 24/7.
If you are struggling with issues affecting mental health, such as but not limited to; addiction, stress, depression, divorce or financial hardship, please know that *confidential assistance is available.
We’re Here!
– IAM EAP Helpline 301-335-0735 or emailing iameap@iamaw.org
– IAM Addiction Services 888-240-4IAM (4426)
*These are confidential services made possible by IAM members assisting IAM members.
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UNION PLUS ASSISTANCE
If you participate in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by Hurricane Ida, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program. Visit the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.
The post Recovering from Ida: Call to Help IAM Members by Donating to Our Disaster Relief Fund appeared first on IAMAW.
Sep 2, 2021 | iMail
In less than six months, employees from the City of Blue Springs Public Works in Missouri went from voting to join the Machinists Union to enjoying the benefits of union representation with a first contract. Workers from the water department, fleet services and sewer maintenance fields demonstrated hard work and solidarity during negotiations, bringing home a strong contract and a win for all in the Blue Springs community.
“The negotiating committee did an outstanding job obtaining a first contract,” said IAM Local 778 Business Representative Scott Brown. “Their knowledge and experience with the work they provide to the City of Blue Springs was a great asset at the bargaining table. We’re all looking forward to working with this group for many years to come.”
Among other items, the three-year contract offers wage increases of more than 2.5% per year, with top scale workers earning a higher percentage yearly, protected holidays, defined seniority rules and the addition of a safety and a labor/management committee to help the employees and the city work together. Language surrounding steward policies and union leave were also added, as well as the addition of a fair grievance procedure.
“These negotiations were a little unique due to the pandemic, but the team prepared for months via email and surveys and in a safe manner, worked with the committee members in-person when it was needed,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Joe Capra. “I want to thank the committee and Scott Brown for their preparation, dedication and long hours which paid off in for a contract deserving of the workers they serve.”
“This is how the system should work,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “In less than six months from the time these members voted overwhelmingly to join the IAM, they were able to negotiate a strong IAM contract that will benefit all working families in Blue Springs. I applaud their steadfast diligence and solidarity at the negotiating table and I welcome another strong IAM contract into the legacy of the Machinists Union.”
The post A Strong First Contract for Missouri Local 778 Public Works Employees appeared first on IAMAW.
Sep 2, 2021 | iMail
IAM Local 2003 joined thousands of union members rallying in support of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Local 2245, who have been engaged in a long, bitter strike at Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood, AL since April 1, 2021.
Local 2003 members brought truckloads of goods for the UMWA members and their families, along with a cash donation to go towards the UMWA Local 2245 food and necessities funds.
“You were there for us during our strike in 2014,” said IAM Local 2003 President Anthony Holton during the UMAW Local 2245 rally. “We are here for you. Be strong and keep fighting.”
UMWA Local 2245 members have sacrificed a lot over the years, including massive pay cuts, insurance premium increases and more, to save a company that was supposedly on a rapid financial decline. When they got to the table this year, instead of rewarding the sacrifices and work of the miners, Warrior Met is seeking even further sacrifices from them.
“Our members are the reason Warrior Met even exists today,” said UMWA President Cecil E. Roberts. “They made the sacrifices to bring this company out of the bankruptcy of Walter Energy in 2016. These productive, professional miners at Warrior Met mined the coal that meant the company could become successful again, and Warrior Met has capitalized on their hard work, earning tens of millions in profits for their Wall Street owners.”
“My thanks go out to all the volunteers who donated goods, money and their time,” said IAM District 75 Directing Business Representative Steve Jordan. “Our members answered the call to support our UMWA brothers and sisters on the picket line at Warrior Met, and they delivered.”
“I am proud of these members,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “They’re helping to hold the line for workers demanding respect on the job, which includes fair wages and benefits. My thanks go out to all involved in this show of solidarity.”
READ: Warrior Met Coal’s strike practices could bring National Labor Relations Board complaint AL.com
The post Alabama Local 2003 Supports Striking United Mine Workers appeared first on IAMAW.
Sep 2, 2021 | iMail
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Brothers Brandon Hemming and Byron Williams as Special Representatives assigned to the Western Territory.
Brother Hemming grew up in an IAM home with his father being a 32-year member of District 751 employed at Boeing. Hemming began his own experience with the Machinists Union as a Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanic with First Transit and initiated into Local 130 in March 2006.
Hemming was elected Shop Steward and Secretary Treasurer of Local 130 in 2010. He held that position while also serving as a delegate to the Washington State Council of Machinists, a delegate to the District Council, as well as a preforming the duties of a District Auditor. In 2012, Hemming was elected President of Local 130 and held the position until he became a full time Business Representative for District 160 in May 2013.
As a Business Representative, Hemming worked to establish District 160’s Young Machinists Committee and sat as a board member for the Snohomish County United Way. He also served as a Trustee on the Western Employee Benefit 401(k) Trust, the Western Metals Industry Pension Trust, the Automotive Machinists Pension Trust and the Northwest IAM Benefit Trust.
Brandon was given the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Directing Business Representative in 2018 and he continued in that position until this most recent appointment as Special Representative.
“I am very excited about the appointments of Brother Hemming and Brother Williams,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Both Brandon and Byron bring a wealth of knowledge and unique experiences and perspectives to the Territory. I appreciate their service and commitment to our union and the labor movement and look forward to what they will help us accomplish together in the future.”
Brother Williams also grew up in an IAM home, with his father being a 47-year member of IAM Local Lodge 15 employed at Wyman-Gordon Forgings, Inc. Hailing from Houston, Brother Williams serves as the first African-American President and Directing Business Representative for the Southern Territory’s District 37.
Williams initiated into IAM Local 15 when he was hired at Wyman-Gordon Forgings, Inc. in 1996. Having completed an inspector apprenticeship program in 2000, Williams became the Lead Quality Control and Dimensional Inspector for the Houston location.
As an active member of IAM Local 15, Williams served as Sub-Committeeman, Vice President and President prior to being appointed President and Directing Business Representative of District 37 in 2011. Williams is very skilled in negotiations, arbitrations, organizing drives, strike preparations and National Labor Relations Board processes.
Elected in 2016, Williams is also the first African-American to serve as President of the Texas State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, having previously served as Vice President for Region 6. Williams is also a member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, and is a Trustee and Executive Board Member to the Texas American Federation of Labor, where he is an inaugural member of the Racial Justice Advisory Task Force and Climate Change Advisory Board.
Additionally, Williams supports other union coalitions as an Executive Board Member including the A. Philip Randolph Institute/Houston-Tidelands Chapter, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists/Region 8, Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, Texas City Metal Trades Council, Texas Alliance for Retired Americans, Southern States Conference of Machinists, and the Texas Labor Management Conference.
Both appointments are effective September 1, 2021
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