Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2022 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has reached out to Missouri politicians to ask for their support and assistance saving approximately 1,000 family-sustaining jobs at GKN Aerospace in Hazelwood, Mo.
The IAM wrote letters to U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, as well U.S. Reps. Cori Bush, Ann Wagner, Sam Graves, Billy Long, and Vicky Hartzler to ask for their assistance in saving 600 IAM-represented manufacturing jobs and 400 support workers at the Hazelwood aerospace company.
Click here to read the letter.
GKN Aerospace recently announced plans to completely shut down this facility by the end of 2023, with layoffs commencing in mid-2022. Workers at the facility, many of whom are U.S. military veterans, have devoted their lives to proudly producing world-class aerospace components.
IAM Local 387 (District 837) members currently produce aircraft parts for a wide variety of U.S. Defense Department platforms, including the F-15, F-18A, CH-53, and Advanced Programs. The facility was previously owned by the Boeing Co., but was purchased by GKN in 2001. In 2018, GKN was purchased by British parent company Melrose Industries.
“The workers at this GKN facility in Hazelwood supply our men and women in uniform with precision aircraft parts needed to safely and effectively complete their mission of ensuring our national security,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.“Together their finely tuned skills and undeniable dedication are a key piece of our domestic aerospace supply chain. If this facility is allowed to close and this highly skilled workforce is disassembled, it will be a huge loss to our domestic manufacturing capabilities, which would be very difficult and costly to recreate.”
“The manufacturing and support workers at the GKN facility are essential workers in the state of Missouri,” said IAM Midwest General Vice President Steve Galloway. “These proud workers are part of the fabric of the community and for generations have produced vital components to the Department of Defense programs. The IAM will fully commit all our resources to keep this facility open. I urge all elected officials and community allies to join us in our fight to defend these working families.”
“The working families of Hazelwood and the surrounding communities built this company,” said IAM District 837 President and Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “Generations of dedicated, hard-working workers and their families have worked at this facility for generations. We hope the entire community can join together to keep these good jobs in the St. Louis area.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
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Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
During Women’s History Month this year, the IAM is highlighting current trailblazers in the union. Are you an IAM Sister interested in taking a more active role in your union? Reach out to your District leadership about the IAM Leadership Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) Program.
Katie Eagleson, only 20 when she joined the union, has help many different positions at IAM Local 751F. She has been a communicator, auditor, secretary-treasurer, district council alternate, and she currently serves as a shop steward and recording secretary. Eagleson comes from a union family, watching her dad, also a union member, go to local lodge meetings and helping at fundraisers with him.
Eagleson credits many who have influenced her along the way. She admires Terri Myette, also a member of IAM Local 751F. She feels they both have a lot of drive and conviction for the union, both are very family oriented, and don’t back down.
Eagleson says Myette has always met her with compassion and facts. Eagleson also admires District 751 Directing Business Representative Jon Holden, who is always cool and calm under pressure, personable, and has always been willing to answer any questions she has.
“District 751 is steering the path for developing and mentoring women into our union leadership,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “I am honored to have a great young leader like Katie chart the course for women in the IAM.”
“I got to meet our General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes when I attended class at the Winpisinger Center, and through our conversations she gave me encouragement and guidance on how far I want to go as a union leader,” said Eagleson.
Eagleson says her dad, Rob Eagleson, has given her the drive and passion to support the membership.
She says has faced obstacles ranging from being young and starting a family. Eagleson says she thinks people thought she would take a step back to care for her children, but that wasn’t the case, because her IAM Sisters and Brothers have been incredibly supportive and love her children. They love seeing her and her children being involved with the union.
“I have two daughters and I also want to set an example for them,” said Eagleson. “It isn’t always easy.”
Her advice is to get involved in the IAM.
“For every reason you think you have not to, there are five more reasons to do it,” said Eagleson. “Bring your children with you. Our membership is so family oriented and will welcome them. Get in contact with your local president, vice president, or recording secretary and we will help you figure out how to get involved. I hope that more women join the labor movement and say yes to getting involved. Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
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Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
During Women’s History Month this year, the IAM is highlighting current trailblazers in the union. Are you an IAM Sister interested in taking a more active role in your union? Reach out to your District leadership about the IAM Leadership Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) Program.
Ann Ballesteros began her union career in 1985 as a shop steward. She served in a few other positions before becoming a District 9 Business Representative in 2013. Although she says obstacles she countered along the way aren’t worth mentioning, Ballesteros gives credit to the many mentors who have guided her.
Ballesteros admires and credits Business Representative Ellen Arbogast, District 9’s first woman Business Representative.
“She taught me a lot about how to conduct myself as a strong woman in a leadership role. She was tough and effective,” said Ballesteros.
She also credits Bill Garrett, a former Shop Chairman, who “taught me a lot about contract language and servicing the members.”
Ballesteros admires the new Director of the William W. Winpisinger Center Mary McHugh.
“She is a great teacher and has a passion like no other in the labor movement,” said Ballesteros.
“I have learned so much from so many who have lived through the difficult daily challenges and know what it takes to be a true leader,” said Ballesteros. “Listening to their different styles has helped me develop one of my own.”]
“Business Rep Ann Ballesteros is one of the most honorable and hard working trade unionists in our organization,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “She’s steadfast in her dedication to working families, especially those in Missouri. Her work will continue to push our union forward and her leadership will continue to inspire union women throughout our organization and beyond.”
Ballesteros’ advice to other women in the IAM is to get involved in be a voice in the future of the union.
“No one knows what you need better than you and no one has the passion to get it done any better than you,” said Ballesteros. “Women are fighters. They know what they want. They speak their mind. They respect honesty and vulnerability. They are compassionate and determined. Know their worth. Women are taking on more leadership roles in our country and I would love to see this grow, especially in the Machinists Union. I would love to see the younger generation of women step forward and be the voices of the future.”
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Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. and IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo recognized our members recently for their continued efforts to grow the strength of the IAM and working families with a virtual presentation of the third annual International President’s Excellence in Organizing Awards.
“The efforts our organizers and leaders put into growing our great union and restoring the voice for working men and women everywhere through bargaining power,” said Martinez. “I want to thank Organizing Director Vinny Addeo, the Organizing Department and all the organizers in every Territory for their dedication to working families and to growing the IAM.”
Awards for 2020 were given for the top District or Local from each respective territory, top individual organizer from each respective territory, top organizing territory and top individual organizer.
“Our world, and the way we organize, changed in 2020,” said IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo. “Our entire union, and everyone recognized here, did not stop their work growing our union. We adapted and found new ways to reach potential members. We are incredibly grateful to every IAM organizer for their tireless efforts and outstanding accomplishments.”
Watch the IAM’s Instagram reel featuring behind-the-scenes coverage of the organizing awards.
2020 International President’s Excellence in Organizing Awards
IAM Top Territory Organizing Distinction: Canadian Territory and Western Territory
IAM Organizers of the Year: Canadian Grand Lodge Representative Scott Jackson and District 78 Organizer Rootisha Rampat-Sukhu
Top District/Local Organizing Distinctions
Western Territory: District 725
Southern Territory: District 75
Eastern Territory: District 65
Midwest Territory: District 10
Canadian Territory: District 11
Transportation Department: District 141
Organizers of the Year
Western Territory: District 947 Business Representative Jennifer Marin Esquivel
Southern Territory: District 776 Organizer Chubbs McCrory
Eastern Territory: District 65 Directing Business Representative Ronald Warner
Midwest Territory: Special Representative Chris Tucker
Canadian Territory: District 78 Organizer Rootisha Rampat-Sukhu
Transportation Department: Grand Lodge Representative Joseph Stassi
Headquarters: Grand Lodge Representative Gabrielle Rogano
The post IAM Recognizes Territories, Organizers for Adapting to Challenges of 2020, Continuing to Grow Union appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. announced the appointment of Railroad District 19 Assistant Directing General Chair Andrew Sandberg to serve on the IAM Law Committee.“For nearly three decades, Andrew Sandberg has been a dedicated union activist and leader in the rail community. He is a third generation union member who believes and fights for economic, political and social justice for all workers,” said Martinez. “His experience and insight will help the IAM Law Committee move our union into the future. He will be an asset to all of the 2022 Grand Lodge Convention delegates.”
After 12 years with the United Auto Workers (UAW), Sandberg joined IAM Local 754 on Long Island, NY where he worked as a machinist for the Long Island Rail Road. Starting as a trustee in his home local, followed by an election to Local Chairman in 2007, it was in 2011 when he was elected as the General Chairman and has overseen 19 unique railroad contracts, he was promoted to his current role in 2017 which included appointment to District 19 Educator.
In 2019, a personal career highlight happened when he testified before Congress on Precision Scheduled Railroading, a management concept which can hurt railroad workforce development. He continues to use his testimony to advocate for rail workers across the country.
Sandberg holds a bachelor of science degree in labor studies from Empire State College and numerous leadership certificates from the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. During his IAM career, he has been elected as a delegate to the 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 IAM Grand Lodge Conventions and to the AFL-CIO’s Long Island Federation of Labor and the New York State Council of Machinists.
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