Shop Steward nominations for the above classification(s), shift, and facility are now open. Petitions may be picked up beginning on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at the Local S6 Union Hall.
You must be a member in good standing for one (1) year to run for Shop Steward and the petition must be signed by ten percent (10%) of the members in the classification(s) affected.
All petitions must be returned to the Recording Secretary (Ryan Ryder) no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2022.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to represent approximately 50 LMI Aerospace employees in St. Louis.
LMI Aerospace supplies structural assemblies, kits, and components for aircraft. They provide design engineering services to the commercial, business, regional, and defense aerospace markets, supporting aircraft product lifecycles from design to fleet support.
“Aerospace workers see the value in having a stronger voice in their workplace,” said IAM District 837 Business Representative and Organizer Dan Forbes. “They are machinists and highly-skilled manufacturing technicians who decided to organize because they know union representation will bring dignity, respect, better wages, and benefits.”
IAM is among North America’s largest industrial trade unions and represents approximately 150,000 workers in the aerospace industry, including approximately 2,500 members at the Boeing Co. in St. Louis.
“The IAM has a strong presence in the St. Louis area, and our union is dedicated to fighting for fair contracts for Aerospace workers,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “LMI Aerospace workers want respect and dignity on the job, and the IAM will help them achieve those goals.”
LMI is headquartered in St. Louis and has 13 locations across the United States and Mexico.
IAM District 9 recently hosted its 10th annual veteran’s brunch organized by District 9 Business Representative Tracy Gardner in his second time leading the event, which began under retired District 9 Business Representative Mike Lewis.
“I think everybody who was there was extremely appreciative of how far the IAM has moved in the last four years towards supporting veterans, becoming a veteran service organization, conducting veterans classes, and getting our veterans identified,” said Gardner. “It’s a credit to International President Martinez and the focus that he puts on supporting veterans.”
The brunch was delayed in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but as soon as people could safely gather, Gardner started it back up. Gardner, a U.S. Navy veteran, took on the veterans brunch when Jason Tetidrick, who previously organized the event after Lewis, became District 9’s Assisting Directing Business Representative.
IAM District 9 veterans were invited to attend with guests. Approximately 115 attendees received attendance prizes donated by Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League, and local companies.
As in years prior, the brunch opened with the posting of the colors by the Pattonville Fire Protection District, followed by the pledge of allegiance and an invocation prayer led by Chaplain Tom Tedmon from Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
Mary Farley, a U.S. Marines Corps veteran from IAM Local 688, and Adam Connelly, a U.S. Army veteran and president of Local 1745, both completed the newly launched IAM Veterans Services class and spoke about the strides the IAM is taking to become an official veterans services organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Our members have always been incredibly passionate about giving veterans the respect and support they deserve for their service to our country,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “I am proud of District 9 for consistently prioritizing military veterans and showing IAM members who served the gratitude we all hold for them.”
IAM Air-Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser spoke on behalf of IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen.
The weekend prior to the Veterans Brunch, District 9 hosted its inaugural “BB Gun Shoot” fundraiser, also organized by Gardner. The BB gun shooting competition was grouped into a youth round and a veteran round. Fifty people participated and winners received prizes from Four Brothers Mead, a veteran-owned liquor company, and Browning Arms. Pork cuts and bacon were also awarded.
“We raised $3,000 for Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines. Next year, after we establish the veteran’s fund, the proceeds will go to that,” said Gardner.
November marks Native American Heritage Month to pay tribute to Native American people and their many sacrifices, diverse contributions, and achievements.
The IAM is grateful and proud to celebrate Native Americans in our union, and beyond, many of whom have played a significant role in advancing and defending workers’ rights.
The IAM has been critical to increase awareness of the issues affecting our Native American siblings in the workplace and their communities.
“We recognize that Native Americans face many labor and employment disparities compared to other communities,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM recommits to continue advocating for the inclusion and advancement of this resilient community not only in the labor movement but in the country as a whole.”
If you are an IAM member and want to get involved in Native American issues, you can reach out to Julie Frietchen at (301) 967-4747 or jfrietchen@iamaw.org.
In order to be able to reopen and operate in a manner that assured the health and safety of members and employees at the Winpisinger Center, multiple covid-related protocols were put in place at the Winpisinger Center in 2021. As the pandemic has evolved and conditions have improved, it has been possible to roll back some of those protocols. For example, while program capacity was initially limited to maximize social distancing, Winpisinger Center programs have been operating at or near full capacity since mid-2022. Likewise, the initial protocol that allowed no guests to accompany members to W3 programs was modified in early 2022 to allow one guest.
With the continued advancement of covid vaccines and therapeutics reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death, we believe that it will be possible to relax another critical protocol that has been in place since the Winpisinger Center reopened – the vaccination requirement. Provided that current conditions do not substantially change, the requirement that all members and other persons attending in-person programs at the Winpisinger provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated against covid will be lifted beginning December 1, 2022.
The health and safety of members attending programs and working at the Winpisinger Center remain an absolute priority. Other covid protocols will continue subject to regular review and modification as conditions warrant. These remaining protocols include but are not limited to regular cleaning and sanitation, use of masks in public areas, a limitation on the number of guests, and observation of CDC guidance for isolation upon becoming symptomatic or testing positive for covid.
