Feb 24, 2022 | iMail
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has announced the appointment of Julie Frietchen, formerly an Education Representative at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, as the IAM’s new Women’s and Human Rights Director. The appointment is effective March 1, 2022.
Frietchen, a more than 30-year IAM member, has served as an instructor at the Winpisinger Center since 2009. She began her career as a Continental Airlines Flight Attendant in Cleveland.
Women’s initiatives are growing to new heights in the IAM, thanks to a new program known as the Leadership Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS). The LEADS program, initiated by the IAM Executive Council, the Women’s and Human Rights Department, and the Winpisinger Center, is training women from every IAM Territory to take leadership roles in Districts and Locals.
“Julie is ready to take on the vitally important role of continuing to grow opportunities for IAM Sisters and strengthening our commitment to fighting for human rights,” said Martinez. “She has served as a mentor to so many members, especially IAM women, during her career at the Winpisinger Center. I look forward to Julie continuing the great progress we’ve made for our Sisters.”
During her time in IAM Local 2339, Frietchen served as Cleveland Base Chairperson, Vice President, President and Transportation Organizer. She also served on several committees, including the Women’s Committee and the Legislative Committee. In 2000, she became a General Chairperson for IAM District 142 and has extensive experience in contract negotiations and administration.
Frietchen holds a bachelor’s degree in labor studies from the National Labor College and a master’s degree in work and labor policy with an advanced certificate in women’s and gender studies from SUNY Empire State College.
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Feb 24, 2022 | iMail
This year, for Black History Month, the IAM is highlighting some of our current history makers within the organization. All this month, we will be running stories on current Black activists in the IAM.
Katrina Coleman started her union journey when she was hired as a clerk for Amtrak in Philadelphia in 1986. In 2014, she was elected to serve as Local Chairperson of Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) Local 1351, a role she maintains today. She was also appointed to serve as an Assistant National Representative for TCU/IAM Unit 86 in 2016.
Coleman works in a male-dominated industry and has experienced many obstacles along her journey.
“I have found it hard to be respected and treated in the same manner as my male counterparts,” said Coleman. “I was fortunate to have a mentor who fostered my growth and development in the labor movement.”
Coleman credits retired TCU/IAM Assistant Legislative Director Mark Taylor for helping her remain focused and remembering why she was there—“to serve our members.” She was proud to see another Black member in a leadership role, and it made her “proud to be a union leader.”
“Katrina is the embodiment of what a TCU/IAM representative—of what any union representative—should be,” says TCU/IAM National President Arthur Maratea. “She is deeply invested in the wellbeing of our members, evident by the tireless work she does on their behalf every day. The heartbeat of our membership runs through her. She has the respect of leaders within our organization, as well as across the table. I am proud to have Katrina as a part of my team.”
Her hopes and dreams for herself are to one day sit on the stage as a National Officer.
“I want to have a real seat at the table to be an example and inspiration to all people of color that there is no glass ceiling,” said Coleman. “That Black workers throughout North America one day will not have to fight for diversity and inclusion. The wisdom, experience and insights we have should be welcomed on every team.”
Coleman says she is empowered by civil rights activist Al Sharpton’s fight for racial justice for all. She also admires the women of the WNBA, who are more recent champions of justice.
“They did what I strive for daily, to choose courage over comfort and stand up for social change,” said Coleman.
Coleman’s advice for other union members is “get involved, speak up, and ask questions” and to learn more about their role in the labor movement and understand what it means to be a union member.
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Feb 22, 2022 | iMail
More than 400 Machinists Union Local 388 and Machinists Union Local 1191 (District 6) members who work at Eaton Mission Systems Division of Davenport are on strike for retirement security and fair health care benefits and wages. The strike began at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 18. Members are currently on the picket line.
Machinists Union members at Eaton Mission Systems Division of Davenport voted almost unanimously to strike after management made a contract offer with sub-standard wages, reduced health care benefits and decreased 401(k) retirement matching contributions.
READ: Strike of Iowa aerospace defense supplier will last at least through the week, union says Des Moines Register
“We refuse to accept sub-standard wages or the erosion of our health care and retirement benefits,” said IAM District 6 Directing Business Representative John Herrig. “IAM Local 388 and IAM Local 1191 members are fighting for a contract that will make life better for themselves and their families. The past two years have been tough during the pandemic, especially as essential manufacturing workers. All we are asking for is a fair share produced from the blood, sweat and tears of work that makes Eaton Mission Systems Division of Davenport successful. We hope that the company will hear our call for respect and dignity from the picket line.”
“IAM members at Local 388 and Local 1191 deserve a contract that improves their lives and not one that makes it worse,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “The IAM will utilize all of our resources to ensure our members at Eaton Mission Systems Division of Davenport receive a contract that is worthy of their hard work and allows them at the end of each workday to hold their heads up high.”
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Feb 22, 2022 | iMail
Approximately 5,000 members of IAM District 776 in Fort Worth, TX opened contract negotiations on Tuesday with Lockheed Martin. The IAM negotiating team vowed to pursue a fair and equitable contract that treats the highly-skilled and dedicated members with the respect they have earned.
The IAM District 776 negotiating committee will meet with the company over the coming weeks. The current contract is set to expire on Sunday, April 24, 2022.
IAM members at the facility build the F-35, the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter. Negotiations are pivotal not only for IAM District 776 families, but for the Dallas-Fort Worth community, the state of Texas and the aerospace industry. The F-35 supply chain supports over 254,000 jobs with 1,800 suppliers spanning 48 states and Puerto Rico.
“IAM members demand and have earned their fair share of the success they have created for Lockheed Martin,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., who began his IAM career at the Fort Worth facility. “Our members have worked through a pandemic. They are the single greatest reason for this company’s success. Now, it’s time to work together to make a fair and equitable contract happen for our membership.”
The IAM District 776 negotiating committee has been preparing for contract talks for more than six months, including a preparation session at the IAM’s Winpisinger Center, which included trainings on contract language, strategic planning, contract costing and a negotiation simulation.
“We are ready to negotiate a fair contract, and we won’t settle for anything less,” said IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Paul Black. “Our membership is mobilized and ready to do what it takes to preserve and grow good jobs for our families and our communities.”
Last year, a group of about 200 District 776 shop stewards at the facility took part in a day-long program in preparation for the upcoming contract negotiations.
READ: Here’s why Lockheed’s F-35 program remains vital to U.S. security, Fort Worth economy Fort Worth Star-Telegram
”Our skilled membership dedicates decades of their lives to making this company successful,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “We will do everything in our power to ensure the company does its part to ensure a stable retirement for all of our members, including adequately funding its 401(k) program.”
READ: Machinists Union advocacy grows bipartisan support for F-35 program goIAM
“Our District 776 members at Lockheed Martin are rightfully proud of the work they do,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “Many of our members are U.S. military veterans who have transitioned into a different way to support their country. They deserve a fair amount of the profit they have created.”
READ: Our national security depends on a strong F-35 program built by American workers The Hill
“This committee is ready and prepared to negotiate a strong contract,” said IAM Aerospace Chief of Staff Jody Bennett. “The full resources of the IAM and our allies are being deployed to ensure that these families and their communities are represented and heard at the bargaining table.”
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Feb 22, 2022 | iMail
This year, for Black History Month, the IAM is highlighting some of our current history makers within the organization. All this month, we will be running stories on current Black activists in the IAM.
Teri McClendon started her career path as a Machinist at the Boeing Plant in Portland, OR in the late 1970’s performing a non-traditional job working in the paint room. She was the second African-American female to work there.
McClendon faced many obstacles early on in her career being a young Black female in a male-dominated industry. In one instance, a Chief Shop Steward would not support or converse with her. A fellow union Brother found out about the situation and guided her in the right direction. This Brother became her mentor and encouraged her to become more active in the union by attending meetings and participating in functions. This led to McClendon becoming a board member at her District Lodge.
McClendon believes her willingness to volunteer to do things that nobody wanted to do helped her become successful in overcoming some of these obstacles. In the process, she discovered there were more people that supported her efforts. It motivated her to keep moving forward.
McClendon volunteered to become a safety monitor where she currently worked and her mentor, who happened to be part of the Joint Labor/Management Safety Committee at the Boeing facility, pushed her to become more involved. McClendon became part of various committees, including the Joint Safety Committee, which allowed her to attend the IAM Safety and Health Conference at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. It opened opportunities for her to acquire the knowledge and provide the training she continues to teach today.
“Sister McClendon is an asset to the Safety and Health Department and IAM CREST,” said Michael Oathout, IAM Safety and Health Director. “Teri has the ability to connect with union Brothers and Sisters during safety trainings by sharing her expertise and experience of working in the craft. I’m proud to have her on my team and I learn from her every time we are collaborating on a project.”
McClendon has seen changes and more opportunities for women and men of color since she began her career. Although it may be a challenge to find a mentor, technological advances and resources provide members with more avenues to make it possible to advance, said McClendon.
“If you have the passion and understand the commitment to be a part of the movement, there are things you can do to endorse yourself such as showing initiative and staying engaged,” said McClendon. “In other words, understand your value and what you can contribute.”
McClendon says she admires “all the Black women who continue to make their voices heard by exercising their right to vote. All women together can accomplish the impossible.”
According to McClendon, she has met some of the most incredible people since she has been part of this union.
“Just being around them gives you a sense of pride that we can change the world,” said McClendon.
“It is so important to continue finding ways to encourage younger folks to become part of the struggle,” said McClendon. “As well as, the importance for members to learn why African Americans are celebrated and honored for their many contributions and sacrifices that have helped shape this nation. It depends on us all to fight against the craziness in our society today It’s wonderful to look at things with a fresh perspective; however I truly believe if you don’t look at what has happened in the past, we will never correct the future.”
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