IAM Local 1781 and 1782 (District 141) members went on a private tour of the Sylmar, Ca. training facility for Guide Dogs of America / Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC). Members went to the facility to learn more about GDA/TLC, and exactly what it is the IAM’s charity of choice does.
“We learned how the dogs are raised start to finish, got a better insight and perspective of what they do, how they involve the community, and assist our members in need,” said Local 1781 President Tony Parker. “We are learning as much as possible so that we can go back and let our members know how important it is to support local charities and upcoming fundraisers for GDA/TLC.”
“To show what this facility means to our members, being here to see what they do, so that we can go back and hold fundraisers,” said Local 1782 President Wendy Goodell. “Because we want to raise money to help this wonderful program that in turn helps lots of people.”
Members got to experience all the program has to offer, from the breeding program, training program, to placing service dogs to those in need, as well as blindfold walks without vision, with a dog.
“It’s great both of these locals making the trip to see and learn firsthand all the resources that goes into raising a future guide dog,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “My thanks to all involved for learning more about this important facility and the invaluable work that they do.”
In preparation for the Locals’ upcoming membership celebrations, both Lodges will be holding a GDA/TLC fundraiser on July 23.
Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines provides 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.
On March 11, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. honored 26 Machinists members at the union’s headquarters near Washington, DC. The group are newly educated veterans advocates who took part in the IAM Veterans Services Program earlier that week at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD.
“Thank you for your service to our union. Each of you play a critical role in keeping our union strong and making it stronger,” said Martinez Jr, a veteran of the U.S. Navy. “Our union is tied to our military like no other union in the labor movement.”
The International President handed-out certificates and snapped photos with the new veterans advocates.
“We are going to become the first union to fully process government claims for our members who are veterans,” said Martinez. “Our veterans have earned these benefits and we should not leave a single penny on the table.”
IAM District 70 Secretary-Treasurer Teressa Peart, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who resides in Wichita, KS, was excited about attending the week-long pre-certification course and enjoyed meeting the International President.
“There’s nothing better than being in the company of union members who are veterans. It’s great to be able to sit in the same room with them and have the same goal,” says Peart, who served from 1989 to 1993. “It’s great. We have a common bond.”
If an IAM member and veteran, or a family member, is interested in learning more about the IAM Veterans Services Program, please go to iam4.me/VeteranServices.
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2022 – IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent a letter to President Biden urging a robust F-35 Lightning II program investment in the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Department budget request.The F-35 program currently provides for tens of thousands of high-quality Machinists Union jobs, supports more than 250,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide, and is the only 5th generation stealth fighter currently in production.
“Thousands of Machinists Union members and their families across the country rely on these irreplaceable jobs supported by the program—from the F-35 primary production facility in Fort Worth, Texas to its engine manufacturing facility in Middletown, Connecticut and across the program’s vast network of suppliers from West Palm Beach, Florida to northern California,” said Martinez. “All told, the F-35 program supports more than 254,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide. The program’s network of suppliers includes more than 1,800 first-tier suppliers across the country supporting high-skilled jobs and more than $49 billion in annual economic impact spread across all 50 states. Your administration’s strong budgetary support of the F-35 Lightning II program is necessary to support these workers, the companies that employ them, and the domestic aerospace supply chain they robustly reinforce.”
Many Machinists Union members working on the F-35 program are U.S. military veterans. Supporting the F-35 program means good jobs for veterans and their families. Machinists Union members are the most talented and experienced aerospace and defense workers in the world.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Jeff McLeod from Local 698 as an Education Representative at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD, effective May 1, 2022.
“I am proud to assign Jeff to the Winpisinger Center,” said Martinez. “He climbed the ladder from rank-and-file member to District 60 President/Directing Business Representative and brings with him knowledge and experience that will directly benefit our membership. I know his hard work at the Local, District, and state levels has prepared him to teach our members how to become leaders.”
McLeod initiated into Local 698 in 1996 while working as an automotive mechanic for UPS, and served the local as an alternate steward, conductor sentinel, communicator, president, business representative, and member of the negotiating committee.
“Jeff’s familiarity with Local and District Lodge procedures and the organizing, negotiating, and servicing skills he developed and refined as a Business Rep will allow him to make an immediate and positive impact at the Winpisinger Center,” said Director Chris Wagoner. “We are excited to bring him on as an instructor and know his contributions to member education will be significant and lasting.”
McLeod comes to the Center from District Lodge 60. As President/Directing Business Representative since January 2022, he oversees servicing of locals across the state of Michigan. He was elected vice president of the Michigan State Council of Machinists in 2015 and its president in 2021
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.
Kim Valliere began her union career as a member of Local 103 in Ontario, Canada. In the past 32 years, she has been involved in many different roles for our union, including Shift Steward, Health and Safety Co-Chair, Negotiation Committee member, Local Lodge President, Labour Council Delegate, President of the Ontario Provincial Council of Machinists (OPCM) and to now currently serving as District 78 Directing Business Representative (DBR).
Valliere says there have been obstacles, especially as she became more involved. She admits time away from home and her two small children was challenging and is thankful she had support at home and that her family allowed her the time to get involved and take on more and more responsibility.
“I can’t say that there haven’t been challenges, or difficult situations over the years,” said Valliere. “I lost elections, it’s hard to take, but I never walked away. I ran for other positions, I volunteered when I could, I wanted to stay involved”.
“Kim is a shining example of the classic labour expression ‘up from the ranks,’” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “She worked hard and stayed involved in her union, despite the many obstacles society places in front of women in general. She now stands as a model for IAM women everywhere. With the number of women increasingly joining the IAM, she stands out as an exceptional leader and sets a great example for a new generation. Kim’s resilience and perseverance have proven that with these qualities and hard work you get results. We are especially pleased she is being recognized this month and know she will continue working for our members with all the creativity, energy and dedication she has demonstrated throughout her career. The future is bright!”
Valliere has had a few mentors along the way that have come in many different ways.
“Sister Pauline Pegnam who was, and continues to be the driving force of the OPCM,” said Valliere. “Pauline’s knowledge and guidance benefits me to this day.”
Valliere says that she doesn’t feel the mentoring was intentional.
“They were just doing the work,” said Valliere. “They included me, and for that I will always be grateful.”
Valliere says she experienced first-hand their knowledge, ability and integrity representing the members while holding the employer accountable.
“I can’t talk about mentors without mentioning the Winpisinger Center,” said Valliere. “The leadership classes at W3 changed my life. When I first went to the W3 my eyes opened, connections were made, a spark was ignited and the realization that I belonged to this amazing union working together to better the lives of our members and workers everywhere was inspirational.”
Valliere says she admires Winpisinger Center Assistant Director Mary McHugh.
“The first time class I had with Mary at the W3 was a ‘wow’ moment,” said Valliere. “Mary is so dedicated to improving the lives of working people. She has a ‘do the work’ spirit that’s truly infectious when you are in her company.
Valliere remembers advice that McHugh gave her after a leadership class.
“Mary said to me, ‘you are a leader; I won’t be surprised to see you as a rep. someday,’” said Valliere. “Little did I know then, but with the support and guidance along the way from people like Mary, I’d be a rep.”
Valliere’s advice is to keep doing the work, since there is always opportunities for leaders in the IAM.
“Continue to raise your hand and volunteer,” said Valliere. “If you’re not successful in your run for a position, don’t give up, keep getting involved. Continue to participate, and let people know you want to be involved.”
“Women are a large percentage of our membership,” continued Valliere. “As we encourage more women to become involved, we have to be considerate and identify the systemic barriers or challenges that make it difficult for some of our sisters to participate and remain involved. As mentors we must encourage others as we ourselves were encouraged, lets help grow this great union.”
Valliere’s hope is that more and more women will become involved, aspire to be leaders and make it into leadership positions
“Hopefully one day the question will be ‘What is your hope for all workers,’” said Valliere. We’re not there yet. There is still a lot of work to be done. We will only get there together.“