Maria Santiago Lillis was a hero of working people. Her life’s work left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her and will continue on for generations.
To ensure her legacy lives on, last year the IAM instituted Maria Santiago Lillis Advocacy Day – A Commitment to Serve, also known as ACTS, which will take place each year on August 10th – Sister Lillis’ birthday.
Maria believed in giving back to her community – offering a helping hand, or heart was second nature. That’s why this year, the IAM Western Territory chose Homeboy Industries, an organization committed to improving the lives of former gang members and ex-cons in the Los Angeles area. Like Maria, they too, believe in second chances.
At the start of each day, people from the community fill the lobby, stairs, and second-floor balcony at Homeboy Industries for prayer – kind words are passed through the mic from people currently working the 18-month employment and re-entry program – and transformation stories are shared. While this room may be filled with troubled pasts – their hearts are full of hope.
IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen, along with other members of the Western Territory staff toured the main facility, led by Ramon, who served over 20 years in prison. He walked through these doors 16 months ago and hasn’t looked back. The program has provided him with a path to freedom and a new beginning.
As part of honoring Maria, GVP Allen presented Homeboy Industries with a monetary donation to help these men and women on their new journey. Next, they headed over to Homeboy Electronics Recycling, an e-waste recycling facility that employs and rehabilitates participants in the program. Here they break down and recycle electronics such as computers, cell phones, and radios, wipe hard drives much more.
“Homeboy Industries is exactly the type of advocacy Maria loved to participate with,” said Allen. “There are so many people in this country who simply need to be shown the skills to provide for themselves and their families. This nonprofit is doing what Maria loved to do; mend broken lives and bring hope to those who lacked opportunity growing up. Many of us who grew up in undesirable situations and tough places can name people in our life’s path who showed us the way – Maria was one of those precious people who served others by showing them the way to a better life. I can’t think of a better place to honor the legacy of Maria Santiago Lillis by answering a call to service such as Homeboy Industries.”
The idea is to give people a safe place to discard these items, declutter their homes and offices and give back to an organization that helps thousands every year.
Recycling containers will be dropped off at IAM lodges and facilities where IAM members work – and picked up by Homeboys after 30 days. Anyone from the community can drop off unwanted electronics to be recycled.
Another added bonus is – it’s safe. Homeboy Recycling holds several certifications, including R2 or Responsible Recycling, which governs the way sensitive data and hazardous materials are handled.
In the near future, the IAM Western Territory and Homeboy Industries hope to form a partnership, developing apprenticeship programs throughout the southern California area – teaching participants a trade that will lead to a career and a good union job.
Every day is a second chance to do better. The legacy our sister Maria has left behind, along with organizations like Homeboys allows people to heal, mend broken pasts, and form unbreakable bonds. Blood doesn’t make a family – love does.
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen today demanded that JetBlue Airways management immediately reverse its decision to cut JetBlue Ground Operations workers’ hours and pay. Earlier this month, JetBlue management announced cuts to Ground Operations workers’ hours in certain locations on the airline’s system. In many cases, these cuts will result in a 20 percent reduction in pay.
“The lack of respect JetBlue management has for its Ground Operations workers is utterly unacceptable. They just spent $3.8 billion to merge with Spirit Airlines and now they cut the hours and pay of the very workers whom they claim will benefit from JetBlue’s merger with Spirit,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “The IAM will not stand by as JetBlue management takes advantage of the hard-working women and men who have made JetBlue a success. They deserve better.”
JetBlue Ground Operations workers are currently pushing to file for a union election with the Machinists Union, the largest airline union in North America. The goal is to win union representation with the IAM and negotiate a contract that will advance and protect their interests during the merger process with Spirit Airlines.
“I want every JetBlue Ground Operations worker to know that the IAM stands with you in your effort to unionize with the IAM and gain a voice in the future of your airline,” continued Johnsen. “JetBlue management needs to stop speaking out of both sides of its mouth. Publicly, CEO Hayes paints the rosiest of pictures when he lauds the benefits of its $3.8 billion merger with Spirit. But, behind the scenes, Ground Ops employees are working in very tough conditions, and now many of them have to contend with hour and pay cuts of up to 20 percent. Make no mistake, our friends in Congress will be fully informed regarding what’s going on at JetBlue.”
Recently, JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines announced a $3.8 billion merger agreement. The merger is expected to receive intense scrutiny by the federal government, as airlines have struggled with operational reliability and rising airfares.
The IAM is the largest airline union in North America.
This week, eight IAM CORE negotiating committee members from the newly organized Apple store in Towson, MD traveled to the William Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (W3) in Hollywood, MD.
The members went through an information-packed week as they prepare for formal negotiations with Apple management, hearing from several department representatives from Strategic Resources, Communications, and Legal. IAM CORE members see that they have the full backing and support of the entire Machinists Union.
IAM CORE Negotiating Committee member Eric Brown said he was very impressed with the IAM’s training facility.
“The resources we have been given—it empowers us and gives us ideas with help and support,” said Brown.
Apple workers voted to join the IAM in June and the committee is seeing firsthand the power the union has to offer its workers. Brown said that the “Machinists are the way to go!”
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan also traveled to the Winpisinger Center to meet up with the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee.
“Our IAM CORE team has the courage to stand up to Apple management,” said Sullivan. “Apple workers across the U.S. are seeing the power of having the IAM by their side, as is Apple management.”
“Towson workers are willing and able to help Apple workers across the nation,” said Brown. “With the Machinists’ backing, we will make history.”
Today, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the Communications Workers of America (CWA), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing hundreds of thousands of aviation workers, launched a public campaign demanding that airlines pledge to stabilize the industry with reliable operations and good jobs before diverting any airline profits to Wall Street through stock buybacks.
From 2014 through 2019, United, Southwest, American, and Delta rewarded Wall Street with more than $39 billion in combined stock buybacks. That money should have been invested in better passenger experiences, staffing, and good jobs. Early in the pandemic, aviation unions secured a historic relief package, the Payroll Support Program (PSP), to keep workers in their jobs with pay and benefits. It also barred airline executives from utilizing stock manipulation tricks through September 30, 2022.
“We paused the greed in aviation for a little while with legislative constraints tied to COVID relief,” said Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, “But the greed that ran rampant before COVID created a system that was already stretched thin with minimum staffing and high overtime hours. We can’t allow executives to send one dime to Wall Street before they fix operational issues and conclude contract negotiations that will ensure pay and benefits keep and attract people to aviation jobs.”
In just the first half of 2022, U.S. airlines have canceled more flights than in all of 2021, disrupting travel for millions of passengers and creating high-stress conditions for aviation workers. Unions are calling for airlines to resolve the ongoing operational chaos by better aligning staffing and scheduling to meet demand and concluding delayed labor contract negotiations.
“ALPA pilots worked with other frontline employees to help keep the aviation industry afloat during the pandemic, and fought to ensure that federal assistance included strong labor protections, specifically prohibiting the use of stock buybacks,” said Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA President. “Through those successful efforts, U.S. carriers and their crewmembers were well positioned for the increased travel demand we are experiencing today. However, some airlines failed to properly plan, resulting in operational issues and increased cancellations causing significant frustrations for passengers and airline employees alike. ALPA encourages airline management to get their operations back on track by investing in their workers before rewarding Wall Street.”
Aviation unions announced the launch of nostockbuybacks.org to accompany the public petition that demands pledges from the CEOs of U.S. airlines. The unions are demanding that airlines pledge to extend the COVID relief ban on stock buybacks until:
operational meltdowns are not the norm and staffing and flight schedules are aligned to support public demand; and
labor contract negotiations are concluded.
“We fought for and won unprecedented relief for airline workers to save the industry for its workers and the flying public, not to line the pockets of Wall Street,” said Richard Johnsen, Air Transport Territory General Vice President for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). “As passengers and airline workers continue to bear the brunt of chronic understaffing, the IAM is ready to help grow this critical workforce to meet the needs of worldwide travel. The IAM stands strong with its airline union allies to fight for every airline worker and traveler.”
“Stock buybacks don’t help families reach their destinations safely or ensure that flights are on time, but airline workers do. Every dollar that goes toward stock buybacks is a dollar that could have been used to reduce disruption by addressing understaffing, high turnover, excess overtime, and low starting wages,” said Richard Honeycutt, Vice President of CWA District 3 and Chair of CWA’s Passenger Service Airline Council. “We’re asking airline executives to show us that providing high-quality service and supporting their workers is more important to them than increasing the wealth of a handful of Wall Street investors.”
“This is a critical moment. Our airlines are returning to profitability, and there is potential to keep growing in that direction,” said Julie Hedrick, National President of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. “But growth will not happen without proper investment. Passengers and employees have weathered the pandemic and chaotic airline operations. Contract negotiations were put on hold, and workers have been stretched thin. Stock buybacks will only add insult to injury. When we invest in ways that make our passengers excited to return to the sky, stock prices will follow. Let’s not forget that support from aviation Labor Unions stabilized the airline industry, and now we expect substantial investments in the workforce, and our airline’s future.”
“The need for airlines to invest in their operations has never been clearer,” said John Samuelsen, International President of the Transport Workers Union of America. “Any airline that chooses to buy back stock now instead of investing in their workforce would be not only irresponsible but untrustworthy. Airline CEOs need to know that the public is watching and that we won’t stand for their greed.” Anyone interested in supporting the campaign can learn more and sign the petition at nostockbuybacks.org.
“It’s time for the lawlessness of Wall Street to end,” said Sean M. O’Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “Millions of passengers and workers are suffering at the hands of corporate bullies who are lining their pockets. We’re not asking; we’re demanding that CEOs get their priorities straight and ensure safe, reliable air travel.”
The IAM District General Chairs spent the week learning about the airline industry, the duty of fair representation, constitutional requirements, retirement and pension basics, strategic resources, and effective communications with the membership. This curriculum helps the new General Chairs better understand their leadership role and duties to the members they serve.
“The Air Transport Territory appreciates the space and training provided by the Winpisinger Center,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “We are excited about this new group of General Chairs who have proven themselves as leaders in their locals. Our Territory, along with Districts 141 and 142, believes our members should have leaders with every tool necessary to fight on their behalf.”
The General Chairs left the Winpisinger Center with a full understanding of what it takes to fight for air transport members who are on the frontlines.
The IAM Air Transport Territory District General Chairs who attended:
Justin Bates, Local 601, District 142 General Chairperson
Oralia “Lollie” Beecher, Local 2198, District 142 General Chairperson
Kenneth Coley, Local 1725, District 142 General Chairperson
Lorraine Fraser, Local 846, District 142 General Chairperson
Warren Glenn Jr., Local 846, District 141 Special Representative
Andrea Myers, Local 1886, District 141 Assistant General Chair
Kaleb Rosa, Local 2202, District 142 General Chairperson
John Staton Jr., Local 2508, District 141 Special Representative
Ole Staveland, Local 2202, District 142 General Chairperson
Danny Suafoa, Local 2202, District 142 General Chairperson
Gary Welch, Local 811, District 141 Special Representative
William Wilson, Local 1776, District 141 Assistant General Chair
IAM Local 1930 members showed up and spoke up at a City of Long Beach (CA) Council meeting, demanding cost-of-living raises and competitive wages for city employees, especially 911 dispatchers and ambulance operators.
Local 1930 represents almost 3,000 city employees, including the 911 dispatchers and ambulance operators who are now demanding safety, respect, and fair wages.
Although Local 1930’s contract with the city includes periodic wage increases, members are calling attention to the stress that comes with first-responder jobs and how Long Beach’s wages are not high enough to keep the most committed employees.
“We hear all the time about the cost of paying employees more — but no one seems to discuss the cost of not paying us proper wages,” said Local 1930 President Natalie Gonzalez during the public comment section of the council meeting. “Our members have been given more duties and fewer resources, more stress, and less compassion.”
District 947 Business Representative Devin Ablard and Local 1930 members spoke up at the meeting to shed light on how the long shifts and stress of the job are impacting employees’ health. Local 1930 member and 911 dispatcher Michelle Salas explained that her department is so understaffed that employees often work 14 to 16-hour shifts, and added that the job takes an emotional toll.
“This is an issue that is affecting members across the departments,” Gonzalez told Kristy Hutchings of the Press-Telegram. “One of the things that we’re struggling with is retaining employees because they’re going over to other, higher paying cities… This continuous and accelerated loss of institutional knowledge impacts our efficiency.”
Gonzalez and the Local 1930 membership plan to continue showing up at the City Council budget hearings to advocate for the proposed budget, which must be adopted in September, to allow for cost-of-living wages increases for city employees.
“Our members showed up in full force to engage with public officials on the Long Beach City Council,” said IAM Western Territory Grand Lodge Representative Richard Suarez. “They’re demanding what every worker deserves – safety, respect, and a fair wage. The city should not depend on our members sacrificing their health and happiness out of the goodness of their hearts to keep the city safe.”
“The city quite literally runs because of IAM Local 1930’s work,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “The city needs to step up and do right by its employees and our members. Local 1930 has the Western Territory’s full support as they fight for better wages and working conditions.”
Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 175 (District 98) employed at the Harley-Davidson plant in York, Penn., have overwhelmingly ratified a new industry-leading 5-year collective bargaining agreement.
“We are glad that Harley-Davidson realized that a two-tier system for the workforce is not good for the bottom line,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This contract reflects IAM Local 175 members’ skills and dedication to making Harley-Davidson one of the most successful iconic brands in the world. I want to thank the negotiating committee for their patience in getting our members a deal that locks in increased wages and benefits.”
“Our members had concerns over the two-tier wage scale,” said IAMDistrict 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes. “Their solidarity paid off, and together the membership won the day, eliminating the two-tier wage system at the end of the agreement. My thanks go out to the Negotiating Committee and the membership.”
The York facility is Harley-Davidson’s vehicle operations plant, assembles motorcycles, and performs other manufacturing functions.
Members of IAM District 9 recently built two wheelchair ramps as a part of the IAM Midwest Territory’s “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” program. H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing.
The ramps, paid for by union member donations and built completely by IAM volunteers, were built for a family in need. More than a dozen volunteers showed up to build the two ramps required to access the home. District 9 raises money through raffles as part of their community services fund.
“My thanks to the volunteers and the entire committee,” said District 9 Community Services Coordinator Scott Hargis. “They show up when it counts – with volunteers who get the work done, and on their own time too. It’s truly priceless.”
“District 9 takes tremendous pride in our community service events,” said IAM District 9 Directing Business Representative Dave Weaver. “My thanks go out to Community Services Coordinator Scott Hargis and the entire committee for their efforts and hard work.”
“This is what service to the community is all about,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Doing things for others, good deeds and being helpful, all of which in the end are not just satisfying, but rewarding. All of this is what the IAM motto stands for – service to the community.”
For more information on the IAM Midwest Territory’s “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” program, click here.
Participants in this week’s Spanish Leadership Program at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center recently toured IAM Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, MD.
The group of 24 members from 10 local lodges visited various offices, where they learned about Grand Lodge resources that are available for Districts and Locals. They met with staff from the Strategic Resources, Legal, and Communications departments, the Office of the General Secretary-Treasurer, as well as the Eastern Territory and Air Transport Territory Chiefs of Staff. Members also toured the Executive Council meeting room and the office of International President Robert Martinez, Jr.. Monica Lee Silbas, Chief of Staff, welcomed the group on behalf of President Martinez and shared with the members her experience as an educator and member of the Spanish Leadership Program task force.
The Headquarters visit was the culmination of the first Leadership program in Spanish held at the Winpisinger Center this year. The next class in Spanish will be Organizing I in Spanish, scheduled for December 11. The Winpisinger Center’s schedule of programs in Spanish for 2023 will be published in the coming weeks.
Spanish:
Los participantes de la clase de Liderazgo I celebrada esta semana en el Centro de Educación y Tecnología William W. Winpisinger visitaron las Oficinas Centrales de la Unión de Maquinistas y Trabajadores Aeroespaciales en Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
El grupo compuesto de 24 miembros procedentes de 10 logias locales visitaron varias oficinas donde aprendieron sobre los recursos disponibles en la Gran Logia para los distritos y las locales. Conocieron personal de los departamentos de Recursos Estratégicos, Legal, Comunicaciones y de la oficina de la Secretaria-Tesorera General, así como los Jefes de Personal de los Territorios del Este y de Transporte Aéreo. Los miembros también visitaron la sala de reuniones de la Junta Ejecutiva y la oficina de Robert Martinez, Jr., Presidente Internacional de la IAMAW. Monica Silbas, Jefe de Personal, dio la bienvenida al grupo de parte del Presidente Martinez y compartió con los miembros su experiencia como educadora y miembro del grupo de trabajo del Programa de Liderazgo en español.
La visita a las Oficinas Centrales fue la culminación del primer programa de Liderazgo en español efectuado en el Centro Winpisinger este año. La próxima clase en español será Organización I en español, programada para el 11 de diciembre. El calendario de programas en español del Centro Winpisinger para el 2023 será publicado en las próximas semanas.
In honor of our late Sister Maria Santiago Lillis, the IAM proclaimed every August 10 as “A Commitment to Serve Day”, or ACTS, for short. To celebrate this year’s ACTS Day, officers and members of IAM Locals 1998 and 1979 got together to volunteer at the Pantry, a food bank supporting the community of Honolulu on the Island of Oahu.
“My dear friend and sister Maria never once batted an eye at the thought of helping anyone. No matter the circumstance and no matter her workload, Maria dedicated her life to serving others,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “I am grateful for the work Local Lodge 1998 and 1979 did to honor our Sister and I look forward to what they, and the rest of the IAM, will accomplish in her honor in the ACTs Days to come.”
In addition to the time dedicated to working at the Pantry, Local 1998 set a goal to collect 300 pounds of food to donate. They were successful in meeting and exceeding that goal and donated over 400 pounds of food.
