Sep 13, 2022 | iMail
The City of Long Beach, CA, voted Tuesday, September 6, to pass a $5.8 million budget that will provide a retention incentive and economic relief for city employee members, including 911 dispatchers, marine patrols, and library and health department workers.
IAM Local 1930 members have been calling on the city council for cost-of-living raises and competitive wages for city employees to keep up with the increasing rent and gas prices.
The City of Long Beach Council heard directly from IAM front-line workers demanding for the much-needed support as they shared their experiences for the urgent cost of living adjustment to support themselves and their families.
“The cost-of-living adjustment not only strengthens the city’s hiring and retention practices, but also provides relief for workers who have been overworked and underpaid,” said IAM Local 1930 President Natalie Gonzalez. “This victory recognizes the sacrifices made by these front-line workers as they support the City of Long Beach and to encourage them to continue their critical work, and provide them with additional financial resources.”
The City Council’s action was the culmination of a strategic push led by Local 1930 and community and labor advocates to demand fair wages for city employees. More details about the funds’ distribution will be available sometime after October 1, 2022.
“We thank IAM Local 1930 members for standing up for what they deserve after all the risks they have faced during this pandemic,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “This pay is long overdue and has been rightfully earned by workers who have kept this city afloat during the ongoing health crisis.”
IAM Local 1930 represents almost 3,000 city employees, including 911 dispatchers, ambulance operators, marine patrols, and library and health department workers.
The post IAM Local 1930 Workers Gain Victory as City of Long Beach Adopts Budget to Increase Wages to Provide Economic Relief for Front-Line Workers appeared first on IAMAW.
Sep 11, 2022 | iMail
Dear Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the IAM,
As we mark the 21st anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the IAM respectfully honors those who died and the many who helped save lives during and in the aftermath of that tragic day.
As we reflect and mourn the victims, many of whom were union members, including our very own IAM and Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) Brothers and Sisters, let us also remember their bravery and sacrifice not only on that day but in their daily lives.
Our prayers remain for those who left home that morning to never return, their families, and for all those who are still suffering from this tragedy.
In Memoriam: September 11, 2001
Keith Maynard, IAM
Marianne MacFarlane, IAM
Jesus Sanchez, IAM
James W. Barbella, TCU/IAM
Edward Calderon, TCU/IAM
Rocco Medaglia, TCU/IAM
Eugene Raggio, TCU/IAM
Edward T. Strauss, TCU/IAM
Today, and every day, we honor their memory. We Will Never Forget.
In solidarity,
Robert Martinez Jr.
IAM International President
P.S. Click here to watch an IAM 9/11 tribute video.
The post IAM Remembers and Honors Those Lost on 9/11 appeared first on IAMAW.
Sep 11, 2022 | iMail
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Today, and every day, we remember those lost on September 11, 2001. For those of us in the air transport industry, the memories of that day will always be with us.
We lost IAM Sisters and Brothers. Many of us lost friends and family. Our nation and our world changed forever.
What we had then—and what we have now—is our union. We have each other. We joined together to get through those difficult times, just like we always have and we always will.
The IAM will always be there for our members. We’re here to comfort each other, build each other back up, and make better lives for ourselves, our families and our communities.
The fabric of our union was tested on 9/11, but in true IAM spirit, we joined together as one to persevere.
Please keep our union family, and everyone we lost that day, in your memories.
Keith Maynard, IAM
Marianne MacFarlane, IAM
Jesus Sanchez, IAM
James W. Barbella, TCU/IAM
Edward Calderon, TCU/IAM
Rocco Medaglia, TCU/IAM
Eugene Raggio, TCU/IAM
Edward T. Strauss, TCU/IAM
In solidarity and strength,
Richard Johnsen
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President
The post A Day We’ll Never Forget appeared first on IAMAW.
Sep 8, 2022 | iMail
Machinists Union leaders and members in Georgia recently met with U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) about IAM organizing efforts in the state and legislation benefitting working families.
The Augusta, GA event, hosted by the Georgia AFL-CIO and the Augusta Central Labor Council, included a roundtable discussion with Warnock, covering subjects such as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Warnock has supported these pro-worker efforts.
The IAM also had a conversation with Warnock about an ongoing IAM organizing campaign in the state. Warnock offered his support to help employees form a union with the IAM without company interference.
IAM attendees included IAM District 131 Directing Business Representative William Barnwell, IAM District 131 Organizer Ashley Burgamy, IAM Local 2789 President Richard Rountree, and IAM Local 2789 Vice President Roseal Goss.
“The IAM supports elected officials who support working people,” said Barnwell. “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Warnock for his steadfast support of working families throughout Georgia.”
“On behalf of the Southern Territory, we’re so thankful for our engaged membership in Georgia,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “Their activism is making a difference in their communities, their state, and in our entire nation.”
The post Georgia Machinists Union Members Talk Organizing, Working People Issues with Senator Warnock appeared first on IAMAW.
Sep 8, 2022 | iMail
IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen spoke to District 19 convention delegates in Tucson, AZ. His powerful speech focused on major IAM organizing campaigns at JetBlue, Swissport, and JetStream Airlines that are currently underway.
This fall will bring the beginning of another huge organizing campaign, Johnsen stated.
“We’re going to do things never been done before,” said Johnsen.
Johnsen talked about how four unions are collaborating to launch a major organizing campaign at Delta Air Lines.
“Let Delta Air Lines try to come after the entire labor movement instead of targeting one,” said Johnsen.
WATCH: IAM Air Transport Organizing is on the Move
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Sep 8, 2022 | iMail
The national agreement includes substantial wage increases for service workers each year of the contract: 4.25% in year one and 5% in years two and three, and eliminates entry rates as of October 1, 2022. All classification workers will also receive a yearly wage increase: 3.25% in years one and two and 3% in year three.
“I want to thank our negotiating committee and the membership for their hard work on this contract, ” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The new agreement expands protections, increases employer’s health welfare contributions, and includes guaranteed wage language.”
“The Greyhound agreement is further evidence of the power of a union voice and collective bargaining,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “IAM members have stood strong securing this robust contract they deserve. This agreement is a step forward to give IAM members what they deserve for their hard work and dedication.”
The proposed new contract also includes:
- General wage increases for all classifications and service workers retroactive to May 1, 2022
- Increase in the weekly employer’s health and welfare contribution
- Improvements to vacation blackout periods and Juneteenth was also added or converted as an additional paid holiday
- Increase on tool allowance
- Better lay-off and recall time procedures
- Improved and updated non-discriminatory language, expanding definitions and classifications
IAM members at Greyhound, now owned by German intercity transportation company Flixbus, are employed as working foreman, journeyman, apprentices, parts clerks, and service workers and technicians in every IAM territory in the U.S.
The post IAM Greyhound Workers Secure Strong Pay and Benefits with New Agreement appeared first on IAMAW.
