IAM District 9 Celebrates Machinists Union Veterans with 10th Annual Brunch and New Fundraiser

IAM District 9 Celebrates Machinists Union Veterans with 10th Annual Brunch and New Fundraiser

IAM District 9 recently hosted its 10th annual veteran’s brunch organized by District 9 Business Representative Tracy Gardner in his second time leading the event, which began under retired District 9 Business Representative Mike Lewis.

“I think everybody who was there was extremely appreciative of how far the IAM has moved in the last four years towards supporting veterans, becoming a veteran service organization, conducting veterans classes, and getting our veterans identified,” said Gardner. “It’s a credit to International President Martinez and the focus that he puts on supporting veterans.”

The brunch was delayed in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but as soon as people could safely gather, Gardner started it back up. Gardner, a U.S. Navy veteran, took on the veterans brunch when Jason Tetidrick, who previously organized the event after Lewis, became District 9’s Assisting Directing Business Representative.

IAM District 9 veterans were invited to attend with guests. Approximately 115 attendees received attendance prizes donated by Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League, and local companies.

As in years prior, the brunch opened with the posting of the colors by the Pattonville Fire Protection District, followed by the pledge of allegiance and an invocation prayer led by Chaplain Tom Tedmon from Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

Mary Farley, a U.S. Marines Corps veteran from IAM Local 688, and Adam Connelly, a U.S. Army veteran and president of Local 1745, both completed the newly launched IAM Veterans Services class and spoke about the strides the IAM is taking to become an official veterans services organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Fore Honor Foundation founder Andrea Politte delivered the keynote address.

“Our members have always been incredibly passionate about giving veterans the respect and support they deserve for their service to our country,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “I am proud of District 9 for consistently prioritizing military veterans and showing IAM members who served the gratitude we all hold for them.”

IAM Air-Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser spoke on behalf of IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen. 

The weekend prior to the Veterans Brunch, District 9 hosted its inaugural “BB Gun Shoot” fundraiser, also organized by Gardner. The BB gun shooting competition was grouped into a youth round and a veteran round. Fifty people participated and winners received prizes from Four Brothers Mead, a veteran-owned liquor company, and Browning Arms. Pork cuts and bacon were also awarded.

“We raised $3,000 for Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines. Next year, after we establish the veteran’s fund, the proceeds will go to that,” said Gardner.

 

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Machinists Union Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

November marks Native American Heritage Month to pay tribute to Native American people and their many sacrifices, diverse contributions, and achievements.

The IAM is grateful and proud to celebrate Native Americans in our union, and beyond, many of whom have played a significant role in advancing and defending workers’ rights.

The IAM has been critical to increase awareness of the issues affecting our Native American siblings in the workplace and their communities. 

“We recognize that Native Americans face many labor and employment disparities compared to other communities,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM recommits to continue advocating for the inclusion and advancement of this resilient community not only in the labor movement but in the country as a whole.”

If you are an IAM member and want to get involved in Native American issues, you can reach out to Julie Frietchen at (301) 967-4747 or jfrietchen@iamaw.org.

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Winpisinger Center Covid Protocols

In order to be able to reopen and operate in a manner that assured the health and safety of members and employees at the Winpisinger Center, multiple covid-related protocols were put in place at the Winpisinger Center in 2021.   As the pandemic has evolved and conditions have improved, it has been possible to roll back some of those protocols.  For example, while program capacity was initially limited to maximize social distancing, Winpisinger Center programs have been operating at or near full capacity since mid-2022.  Likewise, the initial protocol that allowed no guests to accompany members to W3 programs was modified in early 2022 to allow one guest.

With the continued advancement of covid vaccines and therapeutics reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death, we believe that it will be possible to relax another critical protocol that has been in place since the Winpisinger Center reopened – the vaccination requirement.  Provided that current conditions do not substantially change, the requirement that all members and other persons attending in-person programs at the Winpisinger provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated against covid will be lifted beginning December 1, 2022.

The health and safety of members attending programs and working at the Winpisinger Center remain an absolute priority.  Other covid protocols will continue subject to regular review and modification as conditions warrant.  These remaining protocols include but are not limited to regular cleaning and sanitation, use of masks in public areas, a limitation on the number of guests, and observation of CDC guidance for isolation upon becoming symptomatic or testing positive for covid.

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IAM Mourns Loss of Retired Winpisinger Center Director Chris Wagoner

IAM Mourns Loss of Retired Winpisinger Center Director Chris Wagoner

The IAM is mourning the passing of Chris Wagoner, who recently retired as Director of the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. Wagoner, 60, with his family by his side, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, November 20, 2022.

Over his 33-year IAM career, Wagoner dedicated his life to training and educating union activists at the Winpisinger Center, a campus in Hollywood, MD that many call the IAM’s “crown jewel.”

After hiring on as an education representative at the Winpisinger Center in 1989, Wagoner became the center’s assistant director in 2005. He served as director since 2007. Wagoner retired from the IAM in July 2022.

“The entire IAM is simply heartbroken at the loss of such an iconic, caring and influential figure in our union,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Chris has been a great friend and confidant to myself and so many others through more than three decades of challenges and triumphs in the IAM. Our memories of Chris’s unyielding love for our union and our membership will forever live on for so many whom he touched throughout the years. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Jill, daughter Mollie, daughter-in-law Qifei Zeng, and everyone who loved and cherished what Chris brought to our lives on and off the job.”

Wagoner was a constant figure at the Winpisinger Center, where thousands of members, officers and staff every year participated in leadership, organizing, negotiations and other programs that built power and knowledge in the IAM. Wagoner would make a point to visit with every class he could, sharing, among many things, that the Winpisinger Center, and the labor movement, must be an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment, free of any bias or discrimination for all.

“Wimpy’s vision created the Winpisinger Center, but no single person gave it more life and purpose than Chris Wagoner,” said Winpisinger Center Director Mary McHugh. “His contribution to our union is simply immeasurable.”

Wagoner oversaw a massive expansion in programming at the Winpisinger Center, including negotiations preparation, remote learning, and Spanish-language classes. He led the Center through the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting quickly to remote learning and fighting tirelessly to rehire Winpisinger Center staff and reopen the facility with necessary precautions.

Prior to coming to the Winpisinger Center, Wagoner worked as an aide for the Committee on Labor and Industry in the Kentucky General Assembly. He also worked in the Labor Education Program and the Illinois Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program at the University of Illinois. Wagoner received his bachelor of science degree in political science from the University of Louisville and his master of arts degree in industrial relations from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

In lieu of flowers, the Wagoner family asks that donations go to the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, in memory of Chris Wagoner.

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IAM Air Transport GVP Johnsen’s Message to Delta Air Lines Workers

WATCH: Video message from IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen

My name is Richie Johnsen. I’m the General Vice President for the Air Transport Territory of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). You may have heard by now that three unions are combining resources to unionize workers at Delta Air Lines.

The Machinists Union will take on the Ramp, with the Teamsters (IBT) organizing Tech Ops and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) organizing the Flight Attendants. I’m excited about this kind of unity and what it means for Ramp and Cargo workers at Delta. Having a union is a real possibility.

READ: Unions team up in an attempt to organize thousands of Delta workers | Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Delta workers come to work every day and do an industry-leading job only to face short staffing and injury. The quality of work life is becoming intolerable in many stations. The pace of work is crushing. Arbitrary discipline and favoritism only add to the problem.

In turn, this affects your quality of life away from work. They say they value your opinion, but it’s clear they don’t. They change conditions of employment at the drop of a hat.

It’s time for things to change. They can change with a union. With a union contract, Delta won’t be able to change vacation accrual schedules or anything else unilaterally because, with a union, you have a voice in determining your destiny. With a union comes a union safety committee that can fight for adequate staffing, proper and well-maintained equipment, and union representatives whom you elect and fight for you—not corporate shareholders.

With a union, you can have a secure retirement with a pension and a 401(k), just like tens of thousands of IAM members already have. A union contract can give you protection from mandatory overtime, easier access to paid personal time, and better vacation language. Delta employees provide top-of-the-line customer service, and it’s only right that you get industry-leading wages to match.

I’m excited to work shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the coming months. I hope to meet many of you as we bring a union to this property.

You will soon receive two cards in an envelope—one for you to return to the IAM and one to give to a co-worker. A better, more prosperous, and secure future is right around the corner.

In solidarity,

Richie Johnsen

Air Transport Territory General Vice President

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM

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Ohio Air Force Base Workers Vote for Machinists Union Strength

Twenty-five workers of Valiant Government Services employed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio voted overwhelmingly to join the IAM recently. The new members are HVAC Techs, electricians, carpenters, painters, pipefitters and boiler tenders, and are Service Contract Act (SCA) employees that maintain hospital facilities.

“We congratulate Valiant Government Services workers for choosing to join the Machinists Union,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This victory is a win for workers who are attempting to make their families’ lives better.”

“This victory means a lot for the workers and IAM District 34,” said IAM District 34 Directing Business Representative Scott Rich. “We look forward to getting a first contract that reflects the skill and dedication of the newest members of the IAM.”

The new unit has already started surveying the membership and electing a Negotiating Committee.

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Charity Weekend Celebrates Millions Raised by Machinists Union Members for Guide Dogs of America – Tender Loving Canines

Charity Weekend Celebrates Millions Raised by Machinists Union Members for Guide Dogs of America – Tender Loving Canines

Guide Dogs of America – Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC) hosted its 2022 Las Vegas Charity Weekend with three fundraising events and an informational presentation leading up to its 41st Annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet.

Over the year, the IAM raised over $2 million for GDA/TLC.

IAM territories, districts, and local lodges fundraise year-round with golf outings, clay shoots, motorcycle runs, and more to present large donations at the end-of-the-year Charity Banquet.

As part of GDA/TLC’s charity weekend, over 50 IAM members and other participants came together for a sporting clay shoot. The event was held at the Clark County Shooting Complex in Las Vegas, NV, and was open to anyone regardless of shooting experience. Awards were presented to the highest scoring teams.

GDA/TLC debuted its newest charity weekend event, Speed Vegas Exotics Racing, where participants could buy rides with professional drivers in exotic automobiles or pay to drive luxury sports cars. Raffle tickets were sold to raise money for the cause.

Charity weekend attendees also played in a golf tournament at Angel Park Golf Club. GDA graduates, meaning guide dog recipient and their dog, were stationed along the course to meet golfers and share their stories. 

One GDA/TLC graduate team is prosecutor Chris McDonough and facility dog Fiji. Fiji works with McDonough at the Mobile County courthouse in Alabama to support and comfort crime victims and their families. Figi helps child victims, victims of violent crime, and witnesses cope with the anxiety and stress of coming to court and participating in that process.

“When I introduce Fiji to grand juries and tell them why he’ll be there with a victim, they’re always very impressed,” said McDonough. “I tell them to thank the Machinists Union. The IAM founded GDA and is GDA’s biggest financial contributor.”

During the 41st Annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet, GDA/TLC presented its “Gift of Sight Award” to IAM Headquarters General Vice President Brian Bryant, IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden and Chris Babcock of BNY Mellon.

This annual award is given to recipients to honor their commitment and support on behalf of this charity that has changed the lives of many.

For more information about GDA/TLC or to donate, visit guidedogsofamerica.org.






































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Machinists Support Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines

This past week, Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC) held its annual charity drive in Las Vegas.
 
Hundreds of Machinists Union members and GDA/TLC supporters from all over the United States and Canada attended a charity golf tournament, skeet shoot and exotic car run. 


To learn more about GDA/TLC visit GuidedogsofAmerica.org


Watch the Video here https://youtu.be/iP6zEUWKuuA
 
 

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Organize and fly, together: Delta Workers Gain Full Support from Three Major Unions to Push for Representation of 45,000+ Workers

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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Maine Lobstering Industry Catches Major Victory as Court Delays Crippling Lobstering Restrictions

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.

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