Aug 24, 2022 | iMail
The Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council (MWPPC) on Saturday held its third annual virtual barbeque competition to help raise money for Guide Dogs of America / Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC). The successful event brought in approximately $14,000.
“The MWPPC had another tremendously successful barbeque, with our most participants ever grilling out for a great cause,” said MWPPC President Billy Barnwell. “Our congratulations go to all the winners, and we are so thankful to the sponsors, judges, grillers and volunteers who make this a one-of-a-kind fundraiser for GDA/TLC.”
WATCH: Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council’s 3rd annual Chillin’ and Grillin’ BBQ Competition
GDA/TLC is the IAM’s favorite charity. GDA recently completed a merger, and now provides hardworking service dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, individuals 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.
Sponsors
Title Sponsors: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.
Choice Sponsor: IAM Woodworkers Department
Prime Sponsors: Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council, IAM District 131, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance
Select Sponsors: District W2021, American Income Life, Michelle Barnwell, IP Casino Resort and Spa, IAM Local W12, IAM Local 414, Scott Capital Advisors
Judges
Winpisinger Center Director Mary McHugh, IAM Associate General Counsel Laura Ewan, GDA/TLC Executive Assistant/Event Coordinator Yvette Sheehan, and retired IAM Education Representative Henry Bagwell
Winners
First Place Grand Champion: IAM Southern Territory Grand Lodge Representative James Little
Second Place Grand Champion: IAM District W2021 President and Directing Business Representative Chuck Bennett
Third Place Grand Champion: Retired IAM Government Employees Director James E. Price Jr.
Rib Champion: Andrea Tortorich
Chicken Champion: Laurel Henry
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Aug 23, 2022 | iMail
District 166 and its Locals held their first annual bowling fundraiser for Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC) in Titusville, FL recently.
More than 100 members and their families joined various company representatives in raising more than $6,500 to benefit GDA/TLC. The school relies solely on donations, so rolling strikes at events like this one make sure it stays viable to provide guide dogs to blind and visually impaired people across the U.S. and Canada.
“What a great success,” said IAM District 166 Directing Business Representative Kevin DiMeco. “We had members and their families and company representatives, all coming together for this great event. We’ve already reserved the lanes for 2023.”
“Many thanks to the members and their families for supporting this event,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “A fun family outing all while raising money for a great cause, and our favorite charity Guide Dogs of America.”
“My thanks for making this event possible go to Michele Seeley, Mike Phillips, Murray Caldwell, Peggy Semelsberger, Lisa Lorence, Tom Newton, and Ed Grabowski,” said DiMeco. “Without their efforts, this wouldn’t have been the success that it was.”
The IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, transforms lives through partnerships with service dogs for countless veterans, people who are blind/visually impaired, families affected by autism, and facilities in need that depend on GDA’s services every day. To continue to be successful, GDA/TLC depends on the talents, goals, and generosity of dedicated volunteers and donors like IAM members across North America.
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Aug 23, 2022 | iMail
Maria Santiago Lillis was a hero of working people. Her life’s work left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her and will continue on for generations.
To ensure her legacy lives on, last year the IAM instituted Maria Santiago Lillis Advocacy Day – A Commitment to Serve, also known as ACTS, which will take place each year on August 10th – Sister Lillis’ birthday.
Maria believed in giving back to her community – offering a helping hand, or heart was second nature. That’s why this year, the IAM Western Territory chose Homeboy Industries, an organization committed to improving the lives of former gang members and ex-cons in the Los Angeles area. Like Maria, they too, believe in second chances.
At the start of each day, people from the community fill the lobby, stairs, and second-floor balcony at Homeboy Industries for prayer – kind words are passed through the mic from people currently working the 18-month employment and re-entry program – and transformation stories are shared. While this room may be filled with troubled pasts – their hearts are full of hope.
IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen, along with other members of the Western Territory staff toured the main facility, led by Ramon, who served over 20 years in prison. He walked through these doors 16 months ago and hasn’t looked back. The program has provided him with a path to freedom and a new beginning.
As part of honoring Maria, GVP Allen presented Homeboy Industries with a monetary donation to help these men and women on their new journey. Next, they headed over to Homeboy Electronics Recycling, an e-waste recycling facility that employs and rehabilitates participants in the program. Here they break down and recycle electronics such as computers, cell phones, and radios, wipe hard drives much more.
“Homeboy Industries is exactly the type of advocacy Maria loved to participate with,” said Allen. “There are so many people in this country who simply need to be shown the skills to provide for themselves and their families. This nonprofit is doing what Maria loved to do; mend broken lives and bring hope to those who lacked opportunity growing up. Many of us who grew up in undesirable situations and tough places can name people in our life’s path who showed us the way – Maria was one of those precious people who served others by showing them the way to a better life. I can’t think of a better place to honor the legacy of Maria Santiago Lillis by answering a call to service such as Homeboy Industries.”
The idea is to give people a safe place to discard these items, declutter their homes and offices and give back to an organization that helps thousands every year.
Recycling containers will be dropped off at IAM lodges and facilities where IAM members work – and picked up by Homeboys after 30 days. Anyone from the community can drop off unwanted electronics to be recycled.
Another added bonus is – it’s safe. Homeboy Recycling holds several certifications, including R2 or Responsible Recycling, which governs the way sensitive data and hazardous materials are handled.
In the near future, the IAM Western Territory and Homeboy Industries hope to form a partnership, developing apprenticeship programs throughout the southern California area – teaching participants a trade that will lead to a career and a good union job.
Every day is a second chance to do better. The legacy our sister Maria has left behind, along with organizations like Homeboys allows people to heal, mend broken pasts, and form unbreakable bonds. Blood doesn’t make a family – love does.
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Aug 23, 2022 | iMail
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen today demanded that JetBlue Airways management immediately reverse its decision to cut JetBlue Ground Operations workers’ hours and pay. Earlier this month, JetBlue management announced cuts to Ground Operations workers’ hours in certain locations on the airline’s system. In many cases, these cuts will result in a 20 percent reduction in pay.
“The lack of respect JetBlue management has for its Ground Operations workers is utterly unacceptable. They just spent $3.8 billion to merge with Spirit Airlines and now they cut the hours and pay of the very workers whom they claim will benefit from JetBlue’s merger with Spirit,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “The IAM will not stand by as JetBlue management takes advantage of the hard-working women and men who have made JetBlue a success. They deserve better.”
JetBlue Ground Operations workers are currently pushing to file for a union election with the Machinists Union, the largest airline union in North America. The goal is to win union representation with the IAM and negotiate a contract that will advance and protect their interests during the merger process with Spirit Airlines.
“I want every JetBlue Ground Operations worker to know that the IAM stands with you in your effort to unionize with the IAM and gain a voice in the future of your airline,” continued Johnsen. “JetBlue management needs to stop speaking out of both sides of its mouth. Publicly, CEO Hayes paints the rosiest of pictures when he lauds the benefits of its $3.8 billion merger with Spirit. But, behind the scenes, Ground Ops employees are working in very tough conditions, and now many of them have to contend with hour and pay cuts of up to 20 percent. Make no mistake, our friends in Congress will be fully informed regarding what’s going on at JetBlue.”
Recently, JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines announced a $3.8 billion merger agreement. The merger is expected to receive intense scrutiny by the federal government, as airlines have struggled with operational reliability and rising airfares.
The IAM is the largest airline union in North America.
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Aug 18, 2022 | iMail
This week, eight IAM CORE negotiating committee members from the newly organized Apple store in Towson, MD traveled to the William Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (W3) in Hollywood, MD.
The members went through an information-packed week as they prepare for formal negotiations with Apple management, hearing from several department representatives from Strategic Resources, Communications, and Legal. IAM CORE members see that they have the full backing and support of the entire Machinists Union.
IAM CORE Negotiating Committee member Eric Brown said he was very impressed with the IAM’s training facility.
“The resources we have been given—it empowers us and gives us ideas with help and support,” said Brown.
Apple workers voted to join the IAM in June and the committee is seeing firsthand the power the union has to offer its workers. Brown said that the “Machinists are the way to go!”
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan also traveled to the Winpisinger Center to meet up with the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee.
“Our IAM CORE team has the courage to stand up to Apple management,” said Sullivan. “Apple workers across the U.S. are seeing the power of having the IAM by their side, as is Apple management.”
“Towson workers are willing and able to help Apple workers across the nation,” said Brown. “With the Machinists’ backing, we will make history.”
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