The Biden administration proclaimed November 13 through November 19, 2022 as National Apprenticeship Week to support existing programs and to raise awareness of their importance in enhancing workers’ professional and practical skills while helping them to advance their careers.
Since its inception, the IAM has been proud to support innovative programs aimed to bolster students’ competencies while meeting the highest standards of quality, which is critical to their industrial states’ economic success.
Apprenticeships are a great alternative to traditional college education and provide our country with the best workers in the skilled trades that keep America competitive and safe.
“This commemoration is a reminder that apprenticeships are key for our union’s growth and this country’s economy as workers must continually adapt to changing and emerging technologies,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.. “The IAM will continue to promote and support these programs through our collective bargaining agreements, so our members can have equitable access to professional knowledge, and technical and mechanical skills they need to succeed.”
In order to provide the best services to our members, Michael Oathout, IAM Director of Apprenticeships, requests that all districts work to create an apprenticeship committee. If you need assistance and resources with developing or expanding a registered apprenticeship within the District or Local, please reach out to the Apprenticeship Department at apprenticeships@iamaw.org.
Much like in the U.S., the political pendulum has swung to the right evidenced by several Conservative governments having been elected across Canada. Canadian unions have known that hard battles are on the horizon. Regressive legislation, wage freezes and tough bargaining environments would become the norm, but the events of the week of November 4 were a full frontal attack marking monumental and unprecedented limitations on the right to bargain fairly and freely; a right that is not only sacred to labour, it is enshrined into the Canadian Constitution, and protected by the Human Rights Code.
One of the largest public sector unions entered bargaining with Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford’s Conservative provincial government for a group of lowest paid education workers, most of whom are women. These workers had faced wage freezes in previous collective agreements, many of them worked two or three jobs to make ends meet, many relied on foodbanks to feed their families, and most lived in poverty.
The province offered 1.5-2.5% wage increases against the backdrop of high inflation and rising costs of living; simply put, the offer was not only unacceptable, it was an insult. The union was in a legal position to strike, and having announced their plans, the province made a pre-emptive move that would prevent a strike. Their legislation would also impose a collective agreement that could not be overruled by any arbitrator, nor labour board. It went so far as to prevent the Ontario Labour Relations Board, and other bodies from determining whether a provision of the legislation, or any action is constitutional or in conflict with the Human Rights Code.
The legislation that was introduced and passed, would have set a dangerous precedent that impeded on fair and free collective bargaining, but perhaps more dangerous than anything, it would give the government absolute power. The government threatened that any worker out on strike would be fined $ 4,000 a day, while the union would be fined $500,000 per day. These were not just threats, these were fighting words.
In a mere 48 hours, unions along with central labour bodies (Labour Congress and Federations of labour) mobilized and organized protests across Ontario, and never shying away from a fight, the Machinists were the first to be there standing in solidarity.
The labour movement was on standby for a general strike; we could not sit idly by while everything we fought for was being taken away. We took it to the streets and we were ready to protest as long as it took to get a victory.
The show of might, unity and public support for unions worked; worker’s voices across the province spoke loudly- we were ready to fight, and we’d fight for as long as we had to, to protect one of our most sacred rights, the right to bargain, without this right, what is a union?
Tensions were high and the IAM along with other unions worked around the clock to build a strategy of protests, escalating actions and other tactics. In response to mounting pressure, the Premier blinked and promised to rescind the legislation and return to the table. One day of protests across Ontario with thousands of workers sending the Conservative government a message back, showed them, and reminded us, of the power of solidarity and organized labour. How powerful the union is and how effective workers are when we are organized- the sky is the limit when we’re united.
The week of November 7th was historic for many reasons, but we will remember it by our victory over a government hungry for absolute power and in absolute disdain of workers. The battle isn’t over, yet, but in this round of bargaining, the government knows, the labour movement is watching and is ready to strike again- in support of working people, and in defense of our rights.
On National Philanthropy Day, we recognize the many great contributions of philanthropy and our members who make a difference in their communities and the world through kindness and generosity.
IAM members are committed to supporting some of North America’s premier charitable organizations by raising funds and getting involved to raise awareness of their causes.
For many years, the IAM has been a proud supporter of Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, which has helped blind men and women recover their ability to move freely and regain independence through partnership with well-trained guide dogs.
The IAM helps to support our favorite charity, GDA/TLC by raising funds through charity events that draw members from across the United States and Canada.
IAM members are proud to give time & money to @GuideDogsGDA, which provides guide dogs free of charge to blind and visually-impaired men & women. Director Russ Gittlen announced today that GDA will donate dogs to service members with PTSD & children w/ autism. #IAMtranspo19pic.twitter.com/PmnEsJ38dd
In addition to Guide Dogs of America, IAM members are very active supporting community organizations and continue to step up to make the world a better place.
SATURDAY: Young Machinist Jessica Deming is organizing a feminine hygiene drive at Spud Monkey’s Fairview location, 1748 NW Fairview Dr, Gresham, Oregon from 2pm to 8pm PT. Drop off menstrual products or cash donations for @ORHumanServices and Outside In, which helps LGBTQ teens. pic.twitter.com/uBEimfqAqS
AMHERST, Ohio, Nov. 14, 2022 – Approximately 133 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ (IAM) Local 1802 (District 54) are on strike at Nordson Corp. in Amherst, Ohio after overwhelmingly voting to reject the company’s “last, best and final” contract offer. The strike began at midnight on Monday, Nov. 14.
IAM Local 1802 members are demanding a contract that instills respect and dignity in the workplace. The company’s “last, best and final” contract offer, which was soundly rejected by IAM Local 1802 members, included the continued practice of mandatory overtime and that members work a minimum of 32 Saturdays per year, with Sundays as an option.
“IAM members at Nordson put themselves and their families at risk during a pandemic to ensure their critical jobs were done and that this company remained successful,” said IAM District 54 President and Directing Business Representative T. Dean Wright, Jr. “Now, we’re simply asking for a respectable contract that has a basic level of work-life balance for our members. We are a critical part of this community and its economy and we’re grateful for all the support of these dedicated workers taking a stand for themselves and their families.”
IAM members at the Nordson Corp. manufacture products used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealing and more for end products that include packaging, electronics and medical equipment.
“The entire Machinists Union stands in solidarity with IAM Local 1802 members at Nordson,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “We are deploying all resources necessary to ensure they get the contract they deserve and continue their essential work for this company after this matter is resolved.”
IAM District 54 represents more than 14,000 active and retired members in Ohio, West Virginia, northeastern Indiana and Michigan.
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.
The deadline is fast approaching to register for the EAP I Program to be held at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland, January15 – 20, 2023.
The EAP program, offered by the Retirees and Membership Services Department, equips IAM-EAP representatives with skills and resources to assist members who are seeking help for personal problems involving addictions and psycho-social issues such as:
Addiction
Excessive Absenteeism
Presenteeism
Alcoholism
Violence
Suicide Prevention
Excessive Debt
Depression
Mental Health First Aid
Acute Stress Disorder
Gambling Addiction
Emerging Issues
The curriculum takes members from an introduction into the field to prospective certification. This valuable program is fully recognized at the college level, in the workplace, in the employee assistance community, and throughout the IAM. All eligible Machinists are encouraged to participate.
The deadline to register for the EAP I Program is November 21, 2022.
department.