Nov 21, 2022 | iMail
ATLANTA (November 21, 2022) — The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters today announced a coordinated campaign to support the people of Delta Air Lines who are working to organize their unions.
“Delta flight attendants are the heart of the airline and key to its industry-leading success. They deserve a union contract that leads the industry too,” said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. “Flight attendants have been organizing over the course of the turbulent pandemic and have begun officially collecting cards. We’re thrilled to support Delta fleet service workers organizing with the IAM and Delta mechanics organizing with the Teamsters. Together, workers will lock in what they love about their work at Delta and gain the respect that comes with a union contract. ”
Delta is the only U.S.-based mainline carrier where flight attendants, fleet service, and mechanics are not represented by a union – only 20 percent of Delta workers are unionized. Delta produced nearly double the profits of other U.S. airlines in pre-pandemic years, and the airline is on a path to record profitability again. Delta workers are ready to secure a union and a contract to keep their share of the profits they create in the communities where they live and work.
“Delta fleet service workers deliver for both customers and the carrier, and now the time has come to deliver an industry-leading contract for the people who truly make Delta Air Lines a world-class airline,” said Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President. “We’re so excited to join with AFA-CWA and the Teamsters to bring Delta workers a greater voice on the job. Together, we’re going to build on the success of a great airline for the benefit of its workers, the carrier and the flying public.”
Ed Bastian made nearly 26 percent more than the next highest-paid CEO in 2021 – but Delta employees don’t benefit the same way. Delta workers don’t just want industry standard – they want industry leading in every part of our jobs.
“Workers make Delta profitable, and by organizing wall-to-wall we will ensure workers share in the airline’s success. In Atlanta and at hubs across the country, Delta mechanics will have powerful union representation when they join the Teamsters,” said Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters General President. “The Teamsters are proud to support flight attendants and fleet service workers joining AFA-CWA and IAM. We will win industry-leading standards for workers at Delta and we will do it together.”
Delta Air Lines, Inc. is a U.S. legacy airline headquartered in Atlanta. The airline operates over 5,000 flights daily and serves more than 300 destinations.
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The post Organize and fly, together: Delta Workers Gain Full Support from Three Major Unions to Push for Representation of 45,000+ Workers appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
The Maine Lobstering Union released the following statement following a court ruling delaying a decision on lobstering restrictions:
“The Maine Lobstering Union is pleased that Judge Boasberg in the District of Columbia agreed with the union and its colleagues that all concerned need to better understand the available data before making decisions that could drastically alter or even end lobster fishing in federal waters.
“By delaying a decision on whether or not to vacate National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) existing biological opinion for at least the next two years, the court has given the industry and NMFS the time that they need to evaluate the science and come up with a workable solution that will allow both the lobster fishery and the right whale to thrive.
“While change is coming, and there is much work left to be done, this is a significant step towards finally finding that solution. The MLU is grateful that Maine fishermen and the families that depend on them finally have some good news.”
The Maine Lobstering Union, an affiliate of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), was formed to give fishermen a unified voice at the state and federal level.
The post Maine Lobstering Industry Catches Major Victory as Court Delays Crippling Lobstering Restrictions appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin, a 44-year member who has led IAM aerospace workers at the international and district levels, as well as the IAM’s Southern Territory, will retire from the IAM, effective January 1, 2023.
Blondin built a legacy as an expert aerospace negotiator, leading the IAM in numerous high-profile negotiations with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and other aerospace and defense multinationals. Blondin, the son of an IAM member, has served on the IAM’s Grand Lodge staff since 2007 and on the Executive Council since 2012.
“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve the IAM and the members who have become like family to me,” said Blondin. “From District 751 to the Aerospace Department and the Southern Territory, it has been my life’s work to fight for dignity and justice on the job for our members. I know that the IAM has a bright future ahead of it.”
After initiating into IAM Local 289 at a Seattle machine shop in 1978, Blondin was then hired as a toolmaker at Boeing Co.’s Renton, WA plant and became a member of IAM Local 751C. He held numerous local lodge positions, finding a passion for workplace health and safety and serving on the Renton Site Safety Committee.
In 1996, Blondin was elected Business Representative for IAM District 751, and in 2000 was elected District 751 President and Directing Business Representative. Blondin also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington State Machinists Council and was elected to the IAM Law Committee for the 2004 Grand Lodge Convention.
“Mark’s legacy will be one of preserving and growing the IAM’s unprecedented strength for aerospace and defense workers,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “He’s been a personal friend and ally to myself and so many others. We wish him the absolute best in his retirement.”
Blondin was assigned as an IAM Aerospace Coordinator in 2007, with the primary responsibility of negotiating all agreements between the IAM and Boeing throughout the United States and Canada. He served as chief IAM negotiator for all IAM/Boeing contracts from 2002 to 2011 until he joined the Executive Council in January 2012 as Aerospace General Vice President.
In July 2013, Blondin was assigned to lead the Southern Territory, covering 14 states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico with collective bargaining agreements covering nearly 100,000 workers. Blondin served as Southern Territory General Vice President from 2013 until September 2018.
In October 2018, Blondin was reassigned to serve as Aerospace General Vice President. Leading a team of IAM Aerospace Coordinators, Blondin has presided over numerous historic contracts at major aerospace and defense companies, including the development of a blueprint for the future of the U.S. aerospace industry.
Blondin has also assisted the community as a board member and fundraiser for Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, and as a volunteer for Victims Support Services, a non-profit advocacy group for victims of violent crimes.
The post Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin to Retire After Historic IAM Career appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
IAM Local 2003 in Alabama voted recently to establish five $1,000 scholarships that will benefit local students hoping to take Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) testing. IAM Local 2003 members at Fort Rucker maintain the helicopters used to train U.S. Army pilots operating worldwide.
The new scholarships will pay for A&P testing for five students attending Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) Aviation Campus in Ozark, AL for the 2023 school year. While many students receive student aid, testing fees are often not covered.
“These scholarships can assist with the expense of testing,” said IAM Local 2003 President Shane Davis. “Many ESCC graduates come to work at M1 Support Services at Fort Rucker and these scholarships will help to build a positive experience for potential new members.”
“My sincere thanks to the membership and leadership at Local 2003,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “This is a forward thinking way to potentially grow our membership and organize new shops.”
The post Alabama Local 2003 Starts Scholarship Program for Future Aerospace Workers appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
The winners of the 2022 IAM Photo Contest have been named and the 2023 Calendar, featuring the winning photos, is now available for order.
Winning photos are featured in the 2023 IAM Calendar. To order the 2023 IAM Calendar, download an individual order form or bulk order form for Lodges that want to order large quantities of calendars. Calendars are $7 for individual orders and $5 per calendar for orders of 100 or more. Two dollars from each calendar sold are donated to the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines.
This is a great way to promote the Machinists and the work we do, as well as help to bring independence and confidence to people who are blind/visually impaired, veterans, and children with autism across North America.
View the winning photos.
The post Meet the 2022 IAM Photo Contest Winners and Order Your 2023 IAM Calendar Today appeared first on IAMAW.
