Jan 17, 2023 | iMail
The IAM is supporting legislation sponsored by Maryland State Del. Steve Johnson (D-34A), which would provide a consistent process for employees of unorganized public library systems in Maryland to form a union and collectively bargain. Senator Nancy King (D-39) is cross-filing the legislation in the Senate.
TAKE ACTION: Help Maryland Library Workers Exercise Their Right to Unionize: Tell MD Legislators to Pass H.B. 65
“All of our state’s hard-working library workers deserve a voice in the workplace,” Sen. King said. “These public servants are so important to their communities, and they deserve a process to collectively bargain if they wish to do so.”
This legislation, House Bill (H.B.) 65, does not guarantee union organizing or require library system employees to form a union. H.B. 65 enables Maryland library workers to organize for union representation, should they wish to do so.
“This is a constitutional bill,” Del. Johnson said. “This important piece of legislation gives our state’s unorganized public library workers a clear and consistent pathway to use their constitutional right to join a labor union if they wish.”
In 2022, the IAM ratified its first collective bargaining agreement covering about 460 Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) employees. The one-year collective bargaining agreement, which was overwhelmingly ratified by BCPL employees in May, includes pay increases and paid leave, among other significant improvements.
The plight of BCPL workers seeking a pathway to organize also gained the attention of President Joe Biden, who invited a BCPL member to speak before the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment.
“Library workers in every county of Maryland should have the same ability to join a union if they choose,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. in a letter to members of the Maryland Assembly. “Library workers’ ability to exercise their right to join a union in the state of Maryland should not be based on the county system in which they work, but instead on the universally-recognized right to freedom of association. This freedom should be available to any library worker who wishes to seek the option.”
Read the complete letter here.
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Jan 13, 2023 | iMail
The IAM is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of retired Grand Lodge Representative Michael Woltz. He passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at the age of 76.
Woltz, a nearly 60-year member of the IAM, initiated into IAM Local 1045 in 1964, at Snap-On Tools and was a member of IAM District 6. He was also active in the IAM Reps Association (IAMRA), serving as its president for a number of years.
“Brother Woltz was a true trade unionist,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “His service to the membership spanned decades and touched the lives of countless working families.”
The Woltz family requested that donations be made in Michael’s memory to Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines in lieu of flowers. Please keep the Woltz family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Brother Woltz’s obituary can be found here.
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Jan 13, 2023 | LL S6 Elections, LL S6 Leadership Alerts
Brothers and Sisters,
Please find the results from the latest Shop Steward Elections.
CLICK HERE: S40 Election Results: CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE: E02 Election Results: CLICK HERE
In Solidarity, Local S6 Leadership
Jan 12, 2023 | iMail
The Machinists and our labor allies fought for and won a funding increase for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). After receiving the same appropriation since 2014, Congress funded the NLRB at $299 million for 2023, an increase of $25 million. The much needed boost comes at a time when cases are surging at the agency. The IAM has been on the frontlines in calling for increased funding for the NLRB.
In fiscal year 2022, the NLRB saw a 53% increase in union representation petitions from the prior year, as well as a 19% increase in unfair labor practice (ULP) charges.
The agency’s 9% gain may be the first increase in years, but still is less than President Joe Biden’s 16% hike request and is also slimmer than what the House and Senate budget panels proposed this summer.
“The increase in funding to the NLRB will impact millions of American workers,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “The increase in union elections and ULP complaints should be met with the resources needed for the NLRB to process them.”
The NLRB is an independent agency created by Congress in 1935 to administer and enforce the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The agency is tasked with protecting the rights of most private-sector employees who seek to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions, and is responsible for enforcing the law when it comes to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices, and safeguard workers right to organize.
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Jan 12, 2023 | iMail
The Winpisinger Center is excited to announce the call for the inaugural IAM Education Conference, to be held Sunday, March 26 through Friday, March 31, 2023, at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD.
The conference will provide an opportunity for IAM educators at all levels to learn and share training techniques, materials, and strategies. Local or District educators, members of education committees, and other Local, District, and Grand Lodge leaders who currently provide training or want to expand training in their lodges are encouraged to attend.
The overall goal of the Education Conference is to advance and strengthen the IAM’s long commitment to building power through member education and training.
Conference topics will include methods and techniques of labor education, organizing, and steward and officer training, among others. Discussions about the labor movement’s role in politics and economic systems are planned to round out the curriculum. The conference will also allow the Winpisinger Center to learn more about the educational goals of the membership so that the curriculum can be refined and expanded to better meet their needs.
The Winpisinger Center has removed the vaccination requirement as of December 1, 2022. Provided that current conditions do not substantially change, proof of vaccination is no longer required from members or guests. Our complete list of COVID protocols can be found on the Winpisinger Center website in the FAQ section.
The deadline for registration is February 15, 2023. Questions about the IAM Education Conference should be directed to Assistant Director Joe Gruber (jgruber@iamaw.org). Questions about registering for the program should be directed to Registrar Tracy Woodburn (twoodburn@iamaw.org).
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