Mar 8, 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.
Jana Kirch began her IAM career in 1993, the first year she started working at Peerless Chain Company. She followed in her grandmother’s footsteps, who retired from Peerless. Kirch was exposed to unionism from her grandmother at an early age.
She began by volunteering to fill in as the Local Lodge Recording Secretary. Since then she has held many different roles in the union, such as steward, District delegate, women’s committee member, vice president, president, shop committee member, and shop chairperson, as well as helping on organizing drives and political campaigns. Last year, she became Directing Business Representative District 66.
“Each position was a learning experience and allowed me the confidence to pursue the DBR role,” said Kirch.
Kirch admits her biggest obstacle has been her own fear.
“Fear of failing, fear of being laughed at or mocked, fear that I would mess things up or that because I was a woman that I would not be listened to or taken seriously,” said Kirch.
She is thankful to the IAM for providing guidance and education for servicing members.
“The support system is an integral part of providing the confidence to pursue any career within the organization,” said Kirch. “I have learned so much from both past and present men and women who have proudly served our cause and are committed to ensuring that the next generation is prepared to carry on and expand our presence.”
“Jana Kirch is a woman every woman leader in our organization needs to know,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “She took her years of leadership experience at Peerless Chain and, with the encouragement of her brothers and sisters in IAM District 66, made the important choice to run for Directing Business Representative. A position that historically has always been held by a man. Her knowledge, skills, strength, and courage propelled her to a position where she is now able to make a greater difference in the lives of her La Crosse brothers and sisters. I look forward to her continued growth in our union.”
Kirch credits Tom O’Heron as being her mentor. O’Heron, now retired, at that time was District Directing Business Representative.
“Tom made me believe that I could do any job just as well any man could,” said Kirch. “He taught me to use my voice and not be so worried about messing up, because everyone does at some point. You learn from it and move on.”
“I admire all of the women within our IAM family who have chosen to rise to the challenges of making a difference in the lives of workers for the better,” said Kirch. “Their stories are inspiring and the work they have done and continue to do is amazing! It was not until I first visited the Winpisinger Center, that I realized how many women were getting involved and taking leadership roles. When Dora Cervantes became the General Secretary-Treasurer of the Executive Council, Tom’s words never rang truer: ‘Women are a force. We are just as strong, just as capable.’”
Kirch’s advice is to use your voice.
“You are stronger than you think and bring a different perspective to the table,” said Kirch. “We can be anything that we want to be, including leaders. We are not weak, we don’t need to be saved, thank you very much. Women are fierce protectors and nurturers, by nature. If given the opportunity, will use those qualities to better their environment.”
“I would be thrilled to have a woman lead our organization,” said Kirch. “Presidency should not be a pipedream for women. Perhaps it would motivate the women in the workforce to not just settle but to rise. I want women to be equal in every way, shape, and form.”
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Mar 8, 2022 | iMail
The Minnesota State Council of Machinists’ February meeting focused on organizing, solidarity and defending workers’ rights. Federal and state government representatives showed up in force to update delegates on what they are doing to protect their hard work on the job.
The post Minnesota State Council Drives Solidarity appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 8, 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.
Diane Willaum started with the IAM in 1987 when she joined British Airways Reservations. She has held many positions throughout her union career such as shop steward, chief shop steward, negotiating committee member, Local 2656 Trustee, an organizer for the IAM Transportation Department, and currently District Vice President. Although she retired from British Airways in June 2020, Willaum is active with her Local and District Lodges.
Willaum’s sister, an identical twin and IAM Local 1894 member with British Airways said, “my sister and I always kid that we were born in a union so it was our destiny.
“I was very fortunate to have strong and capable union leaders who guided and mentored me,” said Willaum.
“Diane has dedicated many years of service as the President of her local and a Vice President of District Lodge 142,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “We thank Diane for her dedication and determination to stand up and stand out as one of our women leaders. Diane is not just a leader in our union, she is a trendsetter.”
She credits Carol Creamer and Maureen Holder for always encouraging her and answering her questions. She was inspired during the three years of tough contract negotiations.
“Robert Roach and Joe Adonolfi were inspiring,” said Willaum. “No one does it alone in the union… that is our whole premise. I am no exception. I have seen our Brothers and Sisters fight for our members even while enduring their own hardships and struggles.”
Willaum says she has found that women face some unique challenges in the workplace.
“If I can give any advice to other women members it’s to please do not be afraid to let your voice be heard,” said Willaum. “We do not have to be loud to be right. Stay the course.”
“I stand of the shoulders of the trailblazing women who came before me,” said Willaum. “I have had the good fortune to be surrounded by women who help each other and fight for each other. I will always remember the people who gave so much of themselves and asked nothing in return.”
“Sister Willaum has seen a fine example of a leader in our New York City area,” said IAM Transportation Coordinator Edison Fraser. “She has been around for a very long time and has paved the way for many young women to follow.”
Willaum’s hope for women workers in the future is that “they realize their own strength and ability to lead.”
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Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
The IAM recently wrote a letter to U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) on behalf of the thousands of highly-skilled automotive dealership technicians that the IAM represents. The letter was in strong opposition to Rep. Rush’s recently introduced legislation, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (H.R. 6570), also known as the REPAIR ACT. This proposed federal legislation risks vehicle safety and threatens working conditions such as fair wages for scores of workers in your representative district, including members of the IAM Mechanics Union Local 701. If the REPAIR ACT became law, it would completely negate the collective bi-partisan efforts of Illinois’ state bill HB-3940, which was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last year, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., wrote in the letter.
READ: Landmark Victory for IAM Local 701 and Illinois Auto Technicians
IAM Mechanics’ Union Local 701 championed the state bill from its onset along with the assistance from the Illinois State AFL-CIO, the Chicago Federation of Labor, and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association.
“HB-3940 was intended to finally fairly compensate the automobile dealerships, which in turn, would fairly compensate the technicians working on warranty repairs at the retail rate,” Martinez wrote. “This collaborative effort was a bi-partisan effort to finally address the shortcomings paid from the manufacturers. This new law finally addresses concerns within our industry, which includes poor retention as technicians were leaving due to the pay methodology, as well as failure to attract youth to this highly-skilled craft. This state law is intended to remedy the nationwide technician shortage.”
“We worked really hard to champion an industry changing bill in Illinois in the hopes that it catches on in other states which finally addresses a fair means of compensation for technicians,” said IAM Local 701 Directing Business Representative Sam Cicinelli. “It would be disheartening to have the rug pulled out from underneath not only our members’ feet, but also the other deserving technicians striving for the same opportunity with a negating federal barrier.”
“The IAM calls on Rep. Rush to put workers and American families first – not the profits of multi-billion dollar car manufacturers,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Our members deserve fair wages and working conditions, and drivers everywhere deserve the peace of mind knowing that their vehicle has been repaired by a qualified technician. The IAM is vehemently opposed to this bill.”
Read the complete letter.
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