Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin, a 44-year member who has led IAM aerospace workers at the international and district levels, as well as the IAM’s Southern Territory, will retire from the IAM, effective January 1, 2023.
Blondin built a legacy as an expert aerospace negotiator, leading the IAM in numerous high-profile negotiations with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and other aerospace and defense multinationals. Blondin, the son of an IAM member, has served on the IAM’s Grand Lodge staff since 2007 and on the Executive Council since 2012.
“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve the IAM and the members who have become like family to me,” said Blondin. “From District 751 to the Aerospace Department and the Southern Territory, it has been my life’s work to fight for dignity and justice on the job for our members. I know that the IAM has a bright future ahead of it.”
After initiating into IAM Local 289 at a Seattle machine shop in 1978, Blondin was then hired as a toolmaker at Boeing Co.’s Renton, WA plant and became a member of IAM Local 751C. He held numerous local lodge positions, finding a passion for workplace health and safety and serving on the Renton Site Safety Committee.
In 1996, Blondin was elected Business Representative for IAM District 751, and in 2000 was elected District 751 President and Directing Business Representative. Blondin also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington State Machinists Council and was elected to the IAM Law Committee for the 2004 Grand Lodge Convention.
“Mark’s legacy will be one of preserving and growing the IAM’s unprecedented strength for aerospace and defense workers,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “He’s been a personal friend and ally to myself and so many others. We wish him the absolute best in his retirement.”
Blondin was assigned as an IAM Aerospace Coordinator in 2007, with the primary responsibility of negotiating all agreements between the IAM and Boeing throughout the United States and Canada. He served as chief IAM negotiator for all IAM/Boeing contracts from 2002 to 2011 until he joined the Executive Council in January 2012 as Aerospace General Vice President.
In July 2013, Blondin was assigned to lead the Southern Territory, covering 14 states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico with collective bargaining agreements covering nearly 100,000 workers. Blondin served as Southern Territory General Vice President from 2013 until September 2018.
In October 2018, Blondin was reassigned to serve as Aerospace General Vice President. Leading a team of IAM Aerospace Coordinators, Blondin has presided over numerous historic contracts at major aerospace and defense companies, including the development of a blueprint for the future of the U.S. aerospace industry.
Blondin has also assisted the community as a board member and fundraiser for Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines, and as a volunteer for Victims Support Services, a non-profit advocacy group for victims of violent crimes.
The post Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin to Retire After Historic IAM Career appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
IAM Local 2003 in Alabama voted recently to establish five $1,000 scholarships that will benefit local students hoping to take Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) testing. IAM Local 2003 members at Fort Rucker maintain the helicopters used to train U.S. Army pilots operating worldwide.
The new scholarships will pay for A&P testing for five students attending Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) Aviation Campus in Ozark, AL for the 2023 school year. While many students receive student aid, testing fees are often not covered.
“These scholarships can assist with the expense of testing,” said IAM Local 2003 President Shane Davis. “Many ESCC graduates come to work at M1 Support Services at Fort Rucker and these scholarships will help to build a positive experience for potential new members.”
“My sincere thanks to the membership and leadership at Local 2003,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “This is a forward thinking way to potentially grow our membership and organize new shops.”
The post Alabama Local 2003 Starts Scholarship Program for Future Aerospace Workers appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
The winners of the 2022 IAM Photo Contest have been named and the 2023 Calendar, featuring the winning photos, is now available for order.
Winning photos are featured in the 2023 IAM Calendar. To order the 2023 IAM Calendar, download an individual order form or bulk order form for Lodges that want to order large quantities of calendars. Calendars are $7 for individual orders and $5 per calendar for orders of 100 or more. Two dollars from each calendar sold are donated to the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines.
This is a great way to promote the Machinists and the work we do, as well as help to bring independence and confidence to people who are blind/visually impaired, veterans, and children with autism across North America.
View the winning photos.
The post Meet the 2022 IAM Photo Contest Winners and Order Your 2023 IAM Calendar Today appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division, recently traveled to Barstow, CA to visit with members of IAM Local 706 (District 19).
More than 200 workers there are employed by BNSF railroad working at the Locomotive repair and maintenance facility. Hartford met with all three shifts and attended the Local Lodge meeting to give members a chance to ask any questions about the recently ratified rail contract.
Traveling with Hartford were two District Lodge 19 officers—Assistant Directing General Chair Andrew Sandberg and General Chair Juan Estrada.
The morning guided tour of the facility was headed by Local 706 President Alan Carrill.
“Overall this was a very good experience, said Carrill. “I believe for all of our membership this definitely has not gone unnoticed and a good step going forward.”
IAM Local 706 Chairman Ricardo Saenz and Recording Secretary George Cook also participated escorting the Machinist Leadership around the facility.
“I was very glad to have a chance to allow the members to share their concerns and explain the contract,” said Cook.
“This facility shop tour was important for the membership to allow them to talk directly to the Grand Lodge and District Lodge Representatives,” said Hartford. “I plan on visiting more facilities in the coming weeks.”
The post Special Assistant Josh Hartford Joins District, Local Leadership on Listening Tour at California BNSF Facility appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 17, 2022 | iMail
The IAM Air Transport Territory is excited to announce its New Hire Orientation Program, which is now being presented to new IAM members in the air transport industry.
“I am very excited to introduce our new hire orientation program,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “It is vital for our new members to receive a clear and consistent understanding on the importance and benefits of being an IAM member.”
Watch: IAM New Hire Orientation
The program was developed in early 2022 at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Maryland by about 40 airline and railroad members.
Watch: IAM Transportation, TCU/IAM Crafts Revamped Orientation Program for New Members
“We joined together to create a universal new hire program that will educate new members of our rich history and introduce them to the fantastic benefits of being an IAM member,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser.
The post IAM Air Transport Territory Launches New Hire Orientation Program appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 16, 2022 | iMail
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 been critical 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, IAM Director, Women’s and Human Rights at (301) 967-4747 or jfrietchen@iamaw.org.
The post Machinists Union Celebrates Native American Heritage Month appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 16, 2022 | iMail
Union members make Thanksgiving happen as they produce a large number of staples we are familiar with during these celebrations.
With Thanksgiving happening next week, support your union siblings by choosing quality products. The AFL-CIO has put together this handy list of everything you might need for this special holiday:
Set the Table
- All-Clad cookware
- Anchor Hocking
- Bennington Potters
- Clauss knives
- CorningWare
- Cutco knives
- Fiestaware
- Homer Laughlin China
- Libbey glassware
- Pyrex
Fresh Whole Turkey
Ham
- Appleton Farms ham
- Butterball ham
- Cook’s ham
- Farmland original pit ham
- Tyson ham
Stuffing
- Manischewitz
- Stroehmann Bakeries’ products
Vegetables
- Andy Boy
- Birds Eye
- Mann’s
- Muranaka Farm
Cranberries/Cranberry Sauce
Potatoes
- Betty Crocker specialty potatoes
- Dole Fresh Idaho Potatoes
- Mann’s Culinary Cuts Sweet Potatoes
Bread
- Aunt Millie’s breads
- Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
- Stroehmann Bakeries’ products
- Bunny Bread
Pie
- Banquet fruit pies
- Entenmann’s
- Marie Callender’s
- Pillsbury pie crust
- Sara Lee
Pie Filling
- Del Monte fresh apples
- Food Club 100% Pure Pumpkin
- Kroger Bakery Fresh Goodness Pumpkin Pie
- Mott’s Applesauce
Dessert
- Betty Crocker ready made frosting
The post Happy Union-Made Thanksgiving! appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 16, 2022 | iMail
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to represent approximately 82 Apple store employees in St. Louis.
The IAM has already filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge at the NLRB against Apple for requiring the St. Louis Apple store employees to attend a captive audience meeting and making threats of reprisal if the employees choose to organize with the IAM.
“I am incredibly grateful that our store team is taking the necessary steps to advocate for ourselves as we prepare to unionize our store officially,” said St. Louis Apple store employee Daniel Bertilson. “As an employee of Apple for over five years, I have unfortunately had to watch as the culture of this company has shifted from truly embodying a people-first mentality. I look forward to voting yes on my ballot and allowing our team members to partner with Apple to achieve the common goal of serving our customers with warmth and kindness.”
The St. Louis Apple store employees are asking the company to follow the same neutrality requirement laid out in its Supplier Code of Conduct under the “Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining” section so that employees can obtain their rights to information and collective bargaining that the law affords through unionization.
The St. Louis store will be the second store organized by the IAM. IAM Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) members at the Towson, Md. store became the first Apple store to unionize in the nation.
The post St. Louis Apple Store Employees File for Election to Join Machinists Union appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 15, 2022 | iMail
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.
Through the IAM CREST Program, the IAM Apprenticeship Department, the IAM National Apprenticeship Strategic Initiative, and IAM Local Lodges and Districts’ initiatives, we keep our commitment to increase access and opportunities to existing and prospective members so they can enjoy well-paid work with substantial room for professional and salary growth.
“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.
The post IAM Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week appeared first on IAMAW.
Nov 15, 2022 | iMail
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.
For GVP David Chartrand’s open letter, please follow this link.
The post Historic Show of Union Power in Canada: Solidarity Wins appeared first on IAMAW.
