The IAM is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of GDA|TLC President Emeritus Merrill “Bud” Melvin. Bud passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 92. Few people are more important to GDA|TLC’s history than Bud.
Bud began his career in Los Angeles as a railroad machinist, working his way up from the shop floor to General Chairman of District Lodge 19. In 1982, Machinists (IAM) President William W. Winpinsinger tasked Bud with saving the school. When Bud assumed his role as President, International Guiding Eyes (IGE) had only $7,000 in the bank, yet it cost $70,000 a month to operate.
Bud immediately started working to save the school from bankruptcy. His first accomplishment was securing an interest-free loan from the IAM, saving IGE $1.3 million in interest payments. Bud famously created the first Las Vegas fundraiser, asking attendees not to come to reduce costs. The dinner raised over $100,000.
“The IAM and GDA/TLC family have lost a legend and amazing railroad machinist,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Brother Melvin’s vision helped keep the IAM’s favorite charity GDA/TLC, in good standing. “He dedicated his life to bettering the lives of countless students and their guide dogs. “Our union is also grateful for his service to the IAM and thousands of Fighting Machinists working on the railroad.”
Bud worked to get IGE recognized as an official charity for the combined federal campaign, allowing federal workers to make monthly donations. He solicited involvement from Hollywood, orchestrating publicity from stars such as Betty White, David Hasselhoff, and Heather Thomas. As proud as Bud was of the financial rebound, he was even more proud of another statistic: IGE was graduating 60 teams of guide dogs and students each year.
Before he retired, Bud had one final contribution to make to IGE. Noticing that other Guide Dog schools were raising significantly more from the combined federal campaign, he realized the school’s name was confusing people and inhibiting fundraising. At Bud’s direction, the school changed its name in 1992 to Guide Dogs of America.
“The school’s turnaround under Bud’s leadership was nothing short of remarkable; without his perseverance and dedication, the school would most likely not exist today,” said Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines President Russ Gittlen. “I stand on the shoulders of President Emeritus Melvin. We might not exist without his leadership and the relationships he created to help the GDA/TLC organization continue our mission of transforming lives.”
The Melvin family requested that donations be made in Bud’s memory to GDA|TLC in lieu of flowers. Please keep Bud’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) yesterday. The FY 2023 NDAA has now passed the House and the Senate and heads to President’s desk for his signature.
Thanks in part to the IAM’s efforts, the legislation provides for record funding levels for defense spending totaling $858.4 billion for national defense programs, including extensive funding for IAM-built programs.
Each year, the NDAA authorizes funding levels and provides authorities for the U.S. military and other critical defense priorities, ensuring our troops have the training, equipment, and resources they need to carry out their missions.
Thanks to the IAM’s lobbying efforts, the 2023 NDAA authorizes funding for the following IAM- built and maintained programs:
F-35 Joint Strike Fighters
F-18 Super Hornet
C-130J Super Hercules
F-15 Eagles
KC-46 Tankers
P-8 Poseidons
DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers
Virginia-class Attack Submarines
Columbia-class Ballistic Submarine program
IAM-built missile system and ammunition manufacturing
The Machinists will continue to fight for robust funding for these programs and improvements in the ongoing negotiations over defense appropriations for the fiscal year 2023.
IAM-Carpenters Union of Puerto Rico (UCPR) Local Lodge 2252C recently held their holiday gathering that brought together members and their families. The gathering took place at the IAM-UCPR office in Guaynabo, PR.
The holiday gathering occurred after the Local’s General Assembly where leadership discussed key issues and planning strategies to strengthen Puerto Rico’s working families for the coming year.
“Puerto Rico is a powerful and growing part of the IAM,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “These types of gatherings reflect how standing together as one we can celebrate our victories, but they also provide an opportunity to strategize and build solidarity.”
In 2019, the new IAM and the previously independent Carpenters Union of Puerto Rico (UCPR) affiliated in order to expand the influence and resources for their members.
As the holiday season is upon us, it is a time for reflection on our great union’s past year. We have concluded another successful convention and overcame many obstacles while we continue to make strides in growing our union. We have organized many diverse groups and have promising organizing campaigns on the horizon.
I look into 2023 and beyond with hope and enthusiasm for what lies ahead for the Machinists Union. We will continue to defend those who need us and lead the march to better the lives of working-class people and their families.
All this cannot be achieved without our members setting an example daily on the shop floor. Your tireless effort championing workers’ rights and providing a voice on the job is what makes our union as strong as it is.
I’d also like to extend my sincerest appreciation to those IAM members who will be working during the holidays. You sacrifice time away from your families so millions of travelers can be with theirs.
