Relentless wildfires continue to sweep in many locations across California and extreme heat, windy conditions and severe drought are making containment difficult.
After a devastating fire burnt down almost 100 homes in Weed, CA, three IAM/Woodworkers Local Lodge W12 members had their homes destroyed and lost everything. Help us lend a hand in their time of need!
“If you are able to do so, I encourage anyone and everyone to contribute to this cause,” said Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “It is times like these where it is extremely important to band together in solidarity and help shoulder the burden of our Brothers and their families.”
If you or your respective Lodge, District or Territory wish to contribute outside of GoFundMe.com, you are encouraged to send a check made out to Woodworkers Local Lodge W12, to 3836 Altamont Dr, Klamath Falls, OR 97603. Please write “For Mill Fire” in the memo line of the check.
Now it’s the time for the IAM to come together to alleviate the suffering of our Sisters and Brothers affected by the wildfires across California: Contribute to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund today!
Any money donated through the IAM Disaster Relief Fund will go directly to IAM members and their families in need. Donations are tax-deductible. IAM Assistance is an IRS 501(3)(c) – Tax ID: 46-2575531 – (IAM Assistance (ID # 46-2575531)
Have you been impacted by the California Wildfires?
The IAM is here to help!
IAM members in need can receive confidential help through the IAM Employee / Member Assistance Program. Services include but are not limited to, addiction, mental health, stress, depression and financial hardship. Contact the confidential IAM Assistance Helpline by calling 301-335-0735 or emailing iameap@iamaw.org.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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.
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.wrote a letter to members of Congress urging them to cosponsor the National Right to Unionize Act being introduced by U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and U.S.Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts). Sherman has previously introduced this legislation in the last seven Congresses.
The letter supports the legislation that would ban so-called right-to-work laws that harm workers and suppress wages. Studies have concluded that employees in states with these anti-labor laws average about $11,059 a year less than workers in labor rights states.
“We need your support to help reverse the negative impacts of state’s right-to-work laws,” IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.wrote in the letter.
Right-to-Work laws make it almost impossible to maintain a union. They force labor representatives to provide benefits to free riders who avoid paying their fair share. This legislation would eliminate the provision of the Taft-Hartley Act which allows so-called “Right-to-Work” laws.
“Republicans and their corporate interest backers have imposed state laws with only one goal: destroy unions and discourage workers from organizing for higher wages, fair benefits, and safer working conditions,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “At a time when labor unions are growing in both size, popularity, and delivering real wins for workers, Democrats are making clear that we stand in solidarity with workers everywhere, from Starbucks baristas to Google cafeteria workers and everyone in between.”
“So called ‘right-to-work’ laws are designed to make it difficult to organize a union,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “This impacts not only workers who want a union – but general wage levels throughout the state. In an ill-conceived effort to attract business, one state after another has adopted these anti-union laws in a race to the bottom. That is why today I’m proud to partner with Senator Warren to reintroduce the National Right to Unionize Act – legislation I’ve introduced in every session of Congress since 2008.”
This past Monday, IAM members and working people across the U.S. and Canada celebrated Labor Day.
American workers’ struggle for dignity and respect dates back to 1877 during the country’s transition from reconstruction to the Industrial Revolution. The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 became the first general strike in the country’s history. Workers organized labor unions to protest long work hours, unsafe working conditions, and awful treatment by their employers.
Over 140 years ago, Labor Day holiday roots go back to 1882 in New York City when a pivotal event took place with a parade of unions and a massive picnic. For years, the founding of Labor Day had been questionable on who started it because two men with the same-sounding last name from two different unions took credit. But, there is mounting evidence that Machinist Matthew Maguire, of New Jersey, founded Labor Day in 1882. Then on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed an act into law that made Labor Day a federal holiday.
In Canada, pressure had been mounting to declare a national labour holiday. On July 23, 1894, the government of Prime Minister John Thompson passed a law making Labour Day an official holiday. A huge parade took place in Winnipeg that year and the tradition of a Labour Day celebration quickly spread across Canada.
Machinists Union members and other unions across North America marched in parades and held events to honor those who fought to bring union rights to workers. Many IAM members captured these events in photos and videos as they let the public know the Machinists Union and its members are proud to be in the labor movement. The fight never stops for justice on the job and service to the community.
IAM Local 1484 members at Mercedes-Benz of San Diego, who have been on an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Mercedes-Benz of San Diego since June 16, held a Labor Day rally and press conference to highlight unfair labor practices and demand the dealership put forward an honest effort in negotiations allowing them to operate as union factory-trained technicians. The rally was supported by members of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and elected officials.
An unfair labor practice (ULP) strike occurs when workers strike over an employer’s unfair labor practice. For months, management has decided to hire outside technicians that are not certified at a higher rate of pay, leaving out the workers with a combined 400+ years of Mercedes-Benz experience.
“I am proud of my fellow technicians who put their careers on the line to fight for the respect and dignity we deserve,” said IAM Local 1484 Member and Lead Technician Francisco Oseguera. “I am fighting to ensure the younger auto technicians that come after me will have a strong union contract to hold management accountable. Without the experienced auto technicians, there is no service department.”
“We are in this fight to protect our industry and to grow the union density in the San Diego area,” said IAM Local 1484 Chief Shop Steward and Master Technician Pedro Gomez. “We will either be heroes or martyrs with this strike, but either way, we are winning.”
About 35 San Diego-area IAM Local 1484 (District 190) auto technicians at Mercedes-Benz of San Diego are picketing after extensive negotiations with Penske management for a new union agreement. The Labor Day press conference and picket action were held in response to the unlawfully changed working conditions and unfair labor practices in the process.
“I am so proud of our members’ courage and patience in this battle against a big company,” said IAM District 190 Area Director Kevin Kucera. “We will do everything we can to overturn these unfair labor practices and get our members back at performing their craft. We will fight to the bitter end to bring justice for our members and their families.”
“I couldn’t think of a better place to be during Labor Day than with our members at IAM Local 1484,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen. “These technicians are true fighting Machinists, and I am proud to stand with them on this holiday that celebrates the dignity of work. We all must stand behind the technicians because the San Diego community wins when they win.”
Other speakers included San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Brigette Browning, San Diego Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher, 78th District Assemblymember Chris Ward, and Kent Lee, candidate for San Diego City Council District 6.
